Lemony Snicket

[alobear]

corone is going to disown me - again! (Just continue to remember the LOTR bond, please!!)

I read the first Lemony Snicket book last night and it totally left me cold. I can see that it might appeal to 8-10 year olds, but I don't understand why there are so many adults I know who love it too.

I found it overly simplistic, lacking in depth, and suffering from a failure to engage any kind of interest in the characters - at least, for me.

I must be missing something - cholten99 intimated as much last night (mentioning "comic literary genius"), but refused to elaborate.

So, anybody - what is it about this book that appeals to adults? Please explain it to me, as I'm sure I must be the one who is in the wrong!

Comments

50% overlap

[lareinemisere.livejournal.com]

You're not entirely alone. I mostly read them because everyone else did. I like the bits where he explains the meaning of words, and the whole 'you don't have to read this depressing stuff, you know' schtick, but I agree the plotting is a bit silly and the characterisation weak. It helps that they're short.

The one 'adult' book of his (under his real name, Daniel Handler) - The Basic Eight- I read is very good. That has v.good characterisation - including one person v. reminiscent of someone we know. I forget if you already borrowed my copy, but if you didn't and want to, bug Mark for it (he's had it for ages). I nearly bought his other book last week, but reminded myself of the ridiculous size of my 'to be read' pile.

Re: 50% overlap

[corone.livejournal.com]

Not you as well!!

Re: 50% overlap

[alobear.livejournal.com]

Interestingly, it was the explanation of the words that annoyed me most. It's quite a cool idea for teaching kids new vocabulary - but I already knew what they all meant, and the definitions broke up the narrative.

Re: 50% overlap

[corone.livejournal.com]

I'm not conviced it is designed to teach anyone anything.
I think it is just a style thing.
In some books he explains very obvious words.

The other word thing to notice is Sunny's dialogue.
I have a feeling that her words are not baby gurgling but actually foreign languages on some occations.