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jamesbickers97's review against another edition
3.0
ASOUE: Nostalgia Read -Book 3
Thinking of these books from a nostalgic perspective, I always looked back upon The Wide Window with fondness. In fact, had I not began this re-read I would probably argue that The Wide Window was one of my favourite entries within the series. However marking this from my current perspective I must say that The Wide Window isn't as good as I once thought. And I think that largely in part I think that's because it followed such a strong entry (The Reptile Room)
My main issue stems from the pacing of the book, it's similar to my issues with The Bad Beginning in the sense that everything is rushed and appears to be just barrelling towards the end, which in this instance the end would not refer to the 13th book in the series, but rather lake lachrymose. Nevertheless, what I loved about book 2 was the ambiance, the world building and overall writing and The Wide Window featured none of that. Sure the lake was creepy, and the town had a scary dilapidated feel to it, but nothing was ever expanded upon given that we spend most of our time within Aunt Josephine's home. HECK, even the Clown fast food restaurant left me wanting more from the novel.
However, I will say that Aunt Josephine does hold a special place in my heart, and that's mainly because I always envision her as Meryl Streep no matter how hard I try not to. I believe she is the strongest character within this particular entry, she is such a scene stealer and the other characters really regress in my opinion. Violet, Klaus and Sunny don't develop much or really do anything of interest aside from decipher the 'suicide note' and Olaf somehow doesn't seem as dark as he did within the previous entry.
But it's not to say that its a bad book, but rather a mere middle of the road entry within the series.
Thinking of these books from a nostalgic perspective, I always looked back upon The Wide Window with fondness. In fact, had I not began this re-read I would probably argue that The Wide Window was one of my favourite entries within the series. However marking this from my current perspective I must say that The Wide Window isn't as good as I once thought. And I think that largely in part I think that's because it followed such a strong entry (The Reptile Room)
My main issue stems from the pacing of the book, it's similar to my issues with The Bad Beginning in the sense that everything is rushed and appears to be just barrelling towards the end, which in this instance the end would not refer to the 13th book in the series, but rather lake lachrymose. Nevertheless, what I loved about book 2 was the ambiance, the world building and overall writing and The Wide Window featured none of that. Sure the lake was creepy, and the town had a scary dilapidated feel to it, but nothing was ever expanded upon given that we spend most of our time within Aunt Josephine's home. HECK, even the Clown fast food restaurant left me wanting more from the novel.
However, I will say that Aunt Josephine does hold a special place in my heart, and that's mainly because I always envision her as Meryl Streep no matter how hard I try not to. I believe she is the strongest character within this particular entry, she is such a scene stealer and the other characters really regress in my opinion. Violet, Klaus and Sunny don't develop much or really do anything of interest aside from decipher the 'suicide note' and Olaf somehow doesn't seem as dark as he did within the previous entry.
But it's not to say that its a bad book, but rather a mere middle of the road entry within the series.
fictional_arsonist's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
⭐ 7.6/10
daisy2134's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
agrichey's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
willoreader15's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kloewwy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Also one of my favorites. The best part was when Klaus managed to solve the hidden message behind Aunt Josephine's dying letter. I absolutely hated her cowardice, but it was also fitting and largely explained her character. It's one of my fave ever.
sarahk00p's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0