Lemony Snicket (Introduction by Daniel Handler) (2002)

Reviewed by Jessi Hafer

Dear Mr. L. Snicket:

With ringing enthusiasm, I have been following your following of the Baudelaires, which is your 13-book Series of Unfortunate Events. Many people are more familiar with the film (or documentary, if you will?) based on things in your first three fine books. Regrettably, even more people are familiar with a certain other fiction series that is also enjoyable for both adults and young readers alike. Overall, I think your series is better written, what with your vast mastery of word play. Even though you are not as British as this other author (she who (sic) shall not be named), I say your series is smashing, and I had many jolly good times reading it, so cheerio!

Although the events you recount are indeed unfortunate, your tone is not dark. So I responded in smiles when I came across Lemony Snicket: Unauthorized Autobiography. In addition to the snappy text I have come to expect from Unfortunate Events, the very format of the Autobiography is snappy as well, taking on the appearance of a collage of primary sources (i.e., letters and photos, “hand-written” notes, et cetera).

I started and finished the Autobiography in the same day. I laughed out loud (emphasis on loud) on several occasions while I was reading, irritating those near-by. Unfortunately, I can’t give examples in this letter (lest found confiscated by the wrong hands) to show you how funny, how delightfully bizarre I think this book is—so much of it depends on context. In fact, I’m glad I read it in one day and paid close attention—seemingly minor points of fact become relevant as the book progresses. The earlier books’ detail lies central to the Autobiography, too. If I was kidnapped and hidden by V.F.D. and forced to pick my favorite part of your Unauthorized Autobiography, I would select either the authoritative discussions on disguises or the secret code.

The introduction is written by Daniel Handler, a funny fact for those of us who know that he claims that Lemony Snicket is actually his pseudonym (?!). Perhaps you can help finally and conclusively prove him wrong by making a surprise appearance at “An Evening with Daniel Handler.” If you’re interested, you go to Fresno State University on Tuesday, March 27 at about 7:30pm. General admission is $10 in advance, $12 otherwise. You’d better call 559-278-2078 for more information. Use one of your fantastic disguises.
With all due respect,
Jessi Hafer