Lies and Deceit Quotes in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

He assumed it was not his real name; in his experience, Swedish amateur spies had a real obsession with using false names even when it was not the least bit necessary. (4.162)

This is Zalachenko mentally bragging that he's a smarter spy than the spies in the Section.

Quote #2

On three occasions Zalachenko was arrested […] for drunkenness, and twice more in connection with fights in bars. Each time, the Section had to intervene discretely and bail him out, seeing to it that documents disappeared and records were altered. (5.126)

Why does the Section feel compelled to cover Zalachenko's crimes? Reasons aren't entirely clear, and are more than a little irrational.

Quote #3

"I think I have an argument that will persuade Zalachenko to keep his mouth shut." (6.88)

Gullberg does a good job of setting us up. We didn't suspect that his persuasive argument was a bullet in Zalachenko's head. When Gullberg shoots himself, we get the idea all his lies weigh heavy.