I liked it; it was good
Book 8 of “unlucky number” 13! I’ve only just recently noticed that not only are there thirteen books in this series, each book has exactly thirteen chapters! Kind of embarrassed it took me this long…
Read: Oct 27, 2024
Genre: Absurdist Fiction, Dark Comedy
Audience: Children
Book contains: stealing, manipulation, medical trauma, knives, attempted murder, arson
Purchase a copy from Amazon.ca
After being accused of the murder of Count Olaf (who was actually Jaques Snicket) the Baudelaire orphans are on the run from not only Count Olaf and his troop, but the law as well. At least they know their friends the Quagmires are safe, but will they ever see them again?
Now that the Baudelaires don’t have Mr. Poe to give them away to the next guardian in the line-up, where will they go? Count Olaf’s schemes have somehow gotten worse than chasing them down for their fortune and murdering their guardians. Accused of murder, the orphans can’t even begin to hope for salvation now.
Lemony Snicket finally enters the story as a character, though only by name. He reprises his role as the narrator, illustrating his journey of finding the hidden clues after the children’s adventures. He brings the reader along on this journey, hoping to clear the names of the children by exposing their truth.
I continued the playlist of Tori (or V)’s recorded livestream on YouTube. Each book has been posted in order (three parts per book) so I just have it playing in the background while I’m bookbinding. This time, I listened while taking a relaxing soak in a bubble bath.
The Baudelaires don’t get a new guardian in this book; they’re on their own for the first time—though they were always on their own, weren’t they? Mr. Poe doesn’t make an appearance, though a reporter from the Daily Punctilio does show up, ready to spread more ignorance, no doubt. Count Olaf and his troop are never too far behind, though there are some other extremely entertaining characters that make an appearance as well.
The three siblings must wholly rely on themselves and each other, but at least there are a few decent people willing to help them—until they discover the siblings are “murderers” at least. The shop owner, singing volunteers, and old recordkeeper enjoy the children’s presence until prejudice stays their hands. Also, it was interesting to see the siblings’ relationships with desperation and trickery evolve, as now more than ever they find themselves in situations that call for deception.
The depth of these stories are hidden under fun new vocabulary and copious amounts of dark humour. It’s great for keeping the attention of young readers while also imparting valuable life lessons upon them. The only thing I continue to hate is the sheer stupidity and “sheep mentality” of all the adults in these books.
The pacing was well done as usual. The siblings are now fully focused on solving the mystery of VFD, and to do that, they get themselves placed in the Hall of Records in search of it. The clues are coming together slowly but surely.
Things are only getting more intense as the story goes on, so I absolutely recommend continuing!
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 1: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 2: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 3: The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 4: The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 5: The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 6: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 7: The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 8: The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 9: The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 10: The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 11: The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 12: The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 13: The End by Lemony Snicket
The Chronicles of Narnia Book 1: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Alice in Wonderland Book 1: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
*The Wicket by Carlee Coton*
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Tigerpetal Press is a small book press dedicated to publishing local authors and poets.