learned that in the fifties Greger had joined the politically ineffectual but totally
crackpot sect called the Nordic National Party. He had remained a member until his
death.
Quote, Henrik Vanger, tape 2, 04167:
Consequently, three of my brothers were politically insane. How sick were they in other
respects?
The only brother worthy of a measure of empathy in Vanger’s eyes was the sickly
Gustav, who died of lung disease in 1955. Gustav had never been interested in
politics, and he seemed to be some sort of misanthropic artistic soul, with
absolutely no interest in business or working in the Vanger Corporation.
Blomkvist asked Vanger: “Now you and Harald are the only ones left. Why did he
move back to Hedeby?”
“He moved home in 1979. He owns that house.”
“It must feel strange living so close to a brother that you hate.”
“I don’t hate my brother. If anything, I may pity him. He’s a complete idiot, and he’s
the one who hates me.”
“He hates you?”
“Precisely. I think that’s why he came back here. So that he could spend his last
years hating me at close quarters.”
“Why does he hate you?”
“Because I got married.”
“I think you’re going to have to explain that.”
Vanger had lost contact with his older brothers early on. He was the only brother to
show an aptitude for business—he was his father’s last hope. He had no interest in