Lemony Snicket – who - Daniel Handler

Daniel Handler invented Lemony Snicket to use as a pseudonym on mailing lists of extreme right-wing organizations he was using for research on his novel, The Basic Eight. The name became a joke with his friends, who ordered pizzas under the name. When Handler began writing a series of children's books, he decided to use the name as his pen-name and the name for his narrating character. In A Series of Unfortunate Events “The Bad Beginning” audio book, read by Tim Curry, includes an interview which is to be with "Mr. Snicket". Lemony, however cannot be found, so the interview proceeds with "Mr. Handler". Handler also appears under his own name at A Series of Unfortunate Event readings and book signings, always explaining that he is Snicket's manager and will have to fill in for him as the "real" Lemony Snicket could not make it.

Lemony Snicket character in the A Series of Unfortunate Events audio books is a former theater critic who has charged himself with the task of researching and writing the sad story of the Baudelaire orphans. He traced their movements and collects evidence relating to their adventures, it’s possible that he never met Violet Baudelaire, Klaus, or Sunny in person, but it is likely that he was the taxi driver that offered the Baudelaire’s a ride in The Penultimate Peril. As the Series of Unfortunate Events progresses it becomes increasingly clear that Lemony had known Mr. and Mrs. Baudelaire well for many years through their connections to the secret organization "V.F.D." Lemony was abducted by V.F.D. as a child, according to the Little Snicket Lad song that can be found in the Unauthorized Autobiography.

Lemony was from a family of three children. His brother Jacques and sister Kit were also V.F.D. members, and friends of the Baudelaire parents. Jacques and Kit appear as supporting characters in the Series of Unfortunate Events. At some point in his past, Lemony had an ill-fated romance with an actress and V.F.D. member named Beatrice, revealed at the end of the series to be the Baudelaire’s' mother. She married Bertrand, and later suffered a tragic death in the fire that destroyed the Baudelaire's mansion. Snicket frequently alludes to Beatrice in his narration and dedicates each Series of Unfortunate Events book to her. Could it be that he is writing about Beatrice Snicket, his niece whose mother (Kit Snicket) died.

The Bad Beginning - A note from Lemony

Dear Customer , I am sorry to tell you that this audio is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. One might say that they are magnets for misfortune.On this recording alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune and cold porridge for breakfast.It is my sad duty to record these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from ignoring this audio completely and choosing something happy instead, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect, Lemony Snicket.

 Reviews

"Written with old-fashioned flair, this fast-paced book is not for the squeamish: the Baudelaire children are truly sympathetic characters who encounter a multitude of distressing situations. Those who enjoy a little poison in their porridge will find it wicked good fun." Kirkus Reviews.

Series of Unfortunate Events - Audio Books

Series of Unfortunate Events - The First Book: The Bad Beginning

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Second Book: The Reptile Room

 Series of Unfortunate Events - The Third Book: The Wide Window

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Fourth Book: The Miserable Mill

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Fifth Book: The Austere Academy

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Sixth Book: The Ersatz Elevator

 Series of Unfortunate Events - The Seventh Book: The Vile Village

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Eighth Book: The Hostile Hospital

 Series of Unfortunate Events - The Ninth Book: The Carnivorous Carnival

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Tenth Book: The Slippery Slope

Series of Unfortunate Events - The Eleventh Book: The Grim Grotto

 Series of Unfortunate Events - Book The Twelfth: The Penultimate Peril

Over 10

Series of Unfortunate Events #1 - The Bad Beginning

 Series of Unfortunate Events #4 - The Miserable Mill

Series of Unfortunate Events #10 - The Slippery Slope

Series of Unfortunate Events #11 - The Grim Grotto

Series of Unfortunate Events #12 - The Penultimate Peril

General

Series of Unfortunate Events #3 - The Wide Window

Series of Unfortunate Events #5 - The Austere Academy

Series of Unfortunate Events #6 - The Ersatz Elevator

Series of Unfortunate Events #7 - The Vile Village

Series of Unfortunate Events #8 - The Hostile Hospital

Series of Unfortunate Events #9 - The Carnivorous Carnival

 Return to Phonic Ear