Friendship Quotes in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

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

Quote #4

[…] she knew [Blomkvist] had broken completely with people because they had done something he regarded as beyond the pale. And he was inflexible. The break was forever. (9.79)

This is Blomkvist's sister's observation of him. It helps us understand how much he cares about Salander, who he sticks to like glue to the end.

Quote #5

"Mikael, don't say a word. We've been friends a long time. Nothing can destroy that. You're my best friend and this feels exactly like the time you disappeared to Hedested two years ago only vice versa. I feel stressed out and unhappy." (13.232)

How would you classify Blomkvist and Berger's relationship? Are they "best friends," as Berger says here? There relationship, whatever it is, certainly seems rock-solid, though, and they care for and support each other.

Quote #6

I'm not going to try to convince you one way or the other. You have to decide for yourself. You can turn the trial to your advantage or you can let them convict you. But if you want to win, you're going to have to fight. (15.6)

This is an extract from Blomkvist's email to Salander. He persuades her to use official channels to get justice and revenge. A true friend, he refuses to abandon her and continues to give her solid advice despite the fact that they're not able to see each other face to face (and Salander would probably refuse to see him even if she were allowed visitors).