Plot: The Baudelaire children enjoy a happy life until their parents are, tragically, killed in a fire. The children will have access to the family fortune once Violet, the eldest, comes of age, much to the delight and frustration of Count Olaf, their new guardian. The count treats them cruelly, offering them little food, many chores, and no affection. Then, he abruptly starts to treat them better, especially Violet. He even allows them to participate in a play produced by his vile-looking theater group. However, Klaus, Violet's only brother, becomes suspicious of the marriage scene in the play, especially after he reviews a book on nuptial law.
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: Other titles in A Series of Unfortunate Events
Personal Thoughts: To be honest, I dreaded reading this book. I heard too many complaints about how dark and depressing the series was. Yet, after I read it, I liked it. I think the reason so many readers protest against the titles comes from the lack of a clear "happily ever after" at the end. However, the lack of a happy ending allows the story to gather interest and continue. Readers want to know what happens. They want to find out if the unfortunate events are all that await the protagonists. They want to know if they do get a happy ending. Even if they cheat and look at the synopsis of the last book in Wikipedia (why are you looking at me?) they still want to read the books and confirm, with their own eyes, what will happen to the kids. I do not have the time right now to read the entire series, but I will read the last book in the series and offer my review next week. BECAUSE I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!
In 2004, Nickelodeon Movies produced a film based on this series. It got mediocre to good reviews.
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