How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph). We used Reg Keeland/a.k.a. Steven T. Murray's English language translation.
Quote #1
Twenty years […]. That's how long it had been. As far as he was concerned they could go on sleeping together for another two decades. At least. (3.37)
This is Blomkvist, on the topic of Erika Berger, of course. Their sexual relationship is positive but controversial, since she's married and he has other lovers.
Quote #2
Hardnosed b****. She really is f***ing retarded. He handed her the cheque he had written while she was in the bathroom. This is better than a whore. She gets paid with her own money. (11.187)
Yep, at least half the sex in this novel involves rape. This is what Salander's guardian, Nils Bjurman, thinks after he forces her to give him oral sex, and then she demands her money.
Quote #3
She no longer felt the need to please anyone who bought her three beers in a pub, and she did not experience the slightest degree of self fulfillment by going home with some drunk whose name she didn't remember. (12.189)
It's hard to imagine Salander wanting to please somebody who bought her beers! Having fulfilling work with Milton Security, and having a Holger Palmgren as her guardian gives her self-confidence, stability, and a healthier sex life.