Dear Reader,
I’m sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket
The Bad Beginning Review
There are certain books that I attribute to making me a bookworm. The Bad Beginning happens to be one of those books!
The Bad Beginning follows Violet, Klaus and Sunny. After the death of their parents, they go to live with their relative, Count Olaf. But, Count Olaf is only interested in their family fortune!
While it’s been years since I’ve read this series, I really enjoyed jumping back into the world!
The characters in this novel are all so enjoyable and make the series great as a whole. Violet is such a strong, intelligent girl who really excels at taking care of her siblings. She’s more interested in science than ‘girly’ things and it’s a wonderful addition to the story.
Both Klaus and Sunny are just as enjoyable! Klaus is an intelligent bookworm that you quickly adore and Sunny is just such a cute baby!
Another aspect that’s fantastic is Count Olaf. You certainly love to hate him! He’s sneaky, evasive and selfish and you can’t help but love his silly antics. And Mr. Poe always makes me laugh because of how lost he is!
While the plot of The Bad Beginning isn’t an engaging as some of the other books, it’s the perfect introduction to this series! I also love that this series transcends middle grade, and truly is enjoyable for all ages. It’s a classic read that must be read at least once!
Overall, I highly recommend this series. Especially to parents looking for something different for their child! While these books can be dark at times, it’s an engaging and mysterious series!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favourite Quote
They didn’t understand it, but like so many unfortunate events in life, just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t so.
About the Author
Lemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words. His new series is All The Wrong Questions.
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Great review ❤
Thank you!!
Haven’t seen the TV adaptation yet but I liked the movies! Awesome review 😊
I only saw a few episodes of the TV adaptation, but I enjoyed it! The movie was great! Thank you, Jen! 😊
I like the books and the movie, but I can say the same about the series, I think it’s boring! Great review!!
Yeah I only saw a few episodes, and they were enjoyable but I haven’t gone back! Thanks, Carolina!!
Also remembering loving this series…I think it’s probably time for a re-read. Interesting that this helped make you into a bookworm but that it was a slow beginning book; which one was your favorite?
At the time that I read the series, I wasn’t at the age where I wouldn’t finish a book even if I wasn’t a huge fan. I think getting to the second one, which I enjoyed more, really made me a bookworm because I just was excited to know what would happen next! 😊
That makes total sense – I like that the overarching mystery got so much more intense with each book.