Published: March 17, 2009
Pages: 146
In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted. Never before has a tale of three likeable and unfortunate children been quite so enchanting, or quite so uproariously unhappy.
Are you made fainthearted by death? Does fire unnerve you? Is a villain something that might crop up in future nightmares of yours? Are you thrilled by nefarious plots? Is cold porridge upsetting to you? Vicious threats? Hooks? Uncomfortable clothing?
It is likely that your answers will reveal A Series of Unfortunate Events to be ill-suited for your personal use. A librarian, bookseller, or acquaintance should be able to suggest books more appropriate for your fragile temperament. But to the rarest of readers we say, "Proceed, but cautiously."
I have low-key wanted to read the Lemony Snicket books since my kids were little, and just never did it. I have managed to get most of the books at thrift stores over the years, I just wasn't reading them. That changes now.
The first book really sets the stage for all sorts of bad things to happen to the children. Although the narrator seems somewhat omniscient, I really get the impression that the narrator is one of the Baudelair children. Count Olaf is portrayed as like an evil mastermind, and the kids have to solve problems themselves because the adults around them just won't do anything. I can believe that kids would view it that way though.
The story moves pretty quickly, like a typical middle grade book. There is quite a bit of action packed into its pages, but it was also really obvious what Olaf's plans were heading into the finale of the book. I understand the kids having to figure it out, but the judge should have seen it coming.
Overall I give The Bad Beginning 4.3685 out of 5 stars. - Katie
Lemony Snicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal.
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