Scan barcode
A review by alexampersand
Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography by Lemony Snicket
5.0
I first read this when it came out, in the midst of ASOUE - a series which is very, very dear to my heart. But at the time, I didn't really get this book. I thought it was a combination of:
a) Tips of the hat to characters and plotpoints, aka fun easter eggs for fans
b) Hints at answers, that in reality did not provide any answers at all, merely highlighted the mysteries
c) Random unrelated nonsense
I put it aside and was glad to own it in my collection, but never really thought much more of it.
However, going back now and reading it with the hindsight of the entire series in my mind, I realise just how intricate the whole story is, and how well put together this collection is. It is largely a collection of unrelated evidence, but they are actual relevant plot-related backstory more than anything. We learn about the making of Zombies In The Snow; about Esme and Jerome's marriage; about Olaf and Esme; information about how VFD operates. And sure, none of this is vital information to understand the story. But it's wonderful back story for the fans.
But aside from that, I realised: all of the chapter titles that have been 'replaced' by Lemony Snicket - the titles that contain pertinent questions to the series - are indeed answered, or at least strongly implied within the chapters. I've written my interpretations of the answers to the questions at the end (mostly for my own benefit).
So all in all, this book is quite wonderful. It is a collection of excellent easter eggs, as well as clues, and little tidbits and backstory, and actually I think it is worth reading part-way through the series to puzzle over the clues, but well worth reading again afterwards to connect the dots and see how the real answers lined up.
Why was Mr. Snicket's death published in the newspaper? - It was an error on the part of the Daily Punctilio, but most likely deliberate misinformation.
Why has Mr. Snicket dedicated his life to the Baudelaire case? - The letter from the Duchess states "Beatrice, of course, is far past complaining about lost possessions - the very reason, I am certain, that you have dedicated your life to researching the lives of those three poor children." The implication is that Beatrice isn't complaining about lost possessions because she died in the fire; and because Lemony was in love with her, he is dedicated to researching the lives of her children.
Why does Count Olaf have a tattoo of an eye on his ankle? - The transcript reveals that O and E were present at the VFD meeting, implying that Olaf has a tattoo of an eye on his ankle because he was a member of VFD.
Where are the Quagmire triplets now? - The Sebald code in Zombies In The Snow announces that "Hidden in the snowman is the survivor of the fire."
Who is Beatrice? - Lemony writes in his theatrical review that he is engaged to be married to the actress in the original casting of the play, and he also mentions that her replacement, Esme, "cannot whistle Mozart's Fourteenth Symphony, as the play requires." We know from ASOUE that the Baudelaire's mother was able to whistle Mozart's Fourteenth symphony, so... Beatrice is the Baudelaire's mother. However, the article also mentions the Ned H. Rirger theatre - an anagram for Red Herring. Because, of course, nothing is simple.
What is VFD? - This one is a bit more difficult to answer, because there was never a concrete answer given within the series. But it appears to just be an organisation who donned disguises and wanted to do good.
Why is there a secret passageway between the Baudelaire mansion and 667 Dark Avenue? - ... Y'know what? Pass. Obviously the answer can be just attributed to 'they're all members of VFD'. But I think this is the only chapter title that doesn't really have any massively pertinent information within the chapter itself.
Why isn't Mr. Poe as helpful as he ought to be? - From the transcript recorded at the Anxious Clown, he is not a member of VFD. And from his letter to Eleanora Poe, he is far too easily swayed by his sister.
Why is Lemony Snicket on the run? - Simply, because somebody is after him.
How many associates does Count Olaf have? - At least 25, possibly more than 41.
Are the Baudelaire parents really dead? - Yes. Not that any evidence within the chapter conclusively says so.
Is there anything a concerned citizen can do if he or she wants to help the Baudelaires? - Join VFD
Who is Lemony Snicket? - This chapter doesn't contain any relevant information, apart from an ambiguous family tree - which, interestingly, highlights Chas Snicket, who I don't believe we ever hear anything else about.
a) Tips of the hat to characters and plotpoints, aka fun easter eggs for fans
b) Hints at answers, that in reality did not provide any answers at all, merely highlighted the mysteries
c) Random unrelated nonsense
I put it aside and was glad to own it in my collection, but never really thought much more of it.
However, going back now and reading it with the hindsight of the entire series in my mind, I realise just how intricate the whole story is, and how well put together this collection is. It is largely a collection of unrelated evidence, but they are actual relevant plot-related backstory more than anything. We learn about the making of Zombies In The Snow; about Esme and Jerome's marriage; about Olaf and Esme; information about how VFD operates. And sure, none of this is vital information to understand the story. But it's wonderful back story for the fans.
But aside from that, I realised: all of the chapter titles that have been 'replaced' by Lemony Snicket - the titles that contain pertinent questions to the series - are indeed answered, or at least strongly implied within the chapters. I've written my interpretations of the answers to the questions at the end (mostly for my own benefit).
So all in all, this book is quite wonderful. It is a collection of excellent easter eggs, as well as clues, and little tidbits and backstory, and actually I think it is worth reading part-way through the series to puzzle over the clues, but well worth reading again afterwards to connect the dots and see how the real answers lined up.
Why was Mr. Snicket's death published in the newspaper? - It was an error on the part of the Daily Punctilio, but most likely deliberate misinformation.
Why has Mr. Snicket dedicated his life to the Baudelaire case? - The letter from the Duchess states "Beatrice, of course, is far past complaining about lost possessions - the very reason, I am certain, that you have dedicated your life to researching the lives of those three poor children." The implication is that Beatrice isn't complaining about lost possessions because she died in the fire; and because Lemony was in love with her, he is dedicated to researching the lives of her children.
Why does Count Olaf have a tattoo of an eye on his ankle? - The transcript reveals that O and E were present at the VFD meeting, implying that Olaf has a tattoo of an eye on his ankle because he was a member of VFD.
Where are the Quagmire triplets now? - The Sebald code in Zombies In The Snow announces that "Hidden in the snowman is the survivor of the fire."
Who is Beatrice? - Lemony writes in his theatrical review that he is engaged to be married to the actress in the original casting of the play, and he also mentions that her replacement, Esme, "cannot whistle Mozart's Fourteenth Symphony, as the play requires." We know from ASOUE that the Baudelaire's mother was able to whistle Mozart's Fourteenth symphony, so... Beatrice is the Baudelaire's mother. However, the article also mentions the Ned H. Rirger theatre - an anagram for Red Herring. Because, of course, nothing is simple.
What is VFD? - This one is a bit more difficult to answer, because there was never a concrete answer given within the series. But it appears to just be an organisation who donned disguises and wanted to do good.
Why is there a secret passageway between the Baudelaire mansion and 667 Dark Avenue? - ... Y'know what? Pass. Obviously the answer can be just attributed to 'they're all members of VFD'. But I think this is the only chapter title that doesn't really have any massively pertinent information within the chapter itself.
Why isn't Mr. Poe as helpful as he ought to be? - From the transcript recorded at the Anxious Clown, he is not a member of VFD. And from his letter to Eleanora Poe, he is far too easily swayed by his sister.
Why is Lemony Snicket on the run? - Simply, because somebody is after him.
How many associates does Count Olaf have? - At least 25, possibly more than 41.
Are the Baudelaire parents really dead? - Yes. Not that any evidence within the chapter conclusively says so.
Is there anything a concerned citizen can do if he or she wants to help the Baudelaires? - Join VFD
Who is Lemony Snicket? - This chapter doesn't contain any relevant information, apart from an ambiguous family tree - which, interestingly, highlights Chas Snicket, who I don't believe we ever hear anything else about.