[Review] A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room

The Baudelaire children have escaped Count Olaf’s evil clutches and are now living with another distant relative, Dr. Montgomery Montgomery aka Uncle Monty. After their ordeal with Count Olaf the Baudelaire children are understandably apprehensive about this Uncle Monty they’ve never met before, however, their worries are soon put to rest when their uncle shows them kindness, gives them their own rooms, things to invent with, things to read, and things to bite. Things are looking good for the Baudelaire children, and for a short time they feel they can be content with their current situation. But as we all know, this isn’t a happy story…

Writing (world building, characters, style, etc.):

I think the one thing I didn’t like about the style of the first book was how simple the writing was, specially the dialogues. However, in this book that was almost completely omitted which immediately made it that much more enjoyable to read. I’m fairly certain this is done on purpose as to match the young readers’ academic level and age as time and the story progress. I love the Baudelaire children, they’re just so likeable. I absolutely love how evil, despicable, and down right awful Count Olaf is. I think this is the first time I’ve read a villain that is just bad. No complicated tragic backstories, no “it was all a misunderstanding”, no making me “understand” the reasons behind the villain’s actions. I like how Lemony Snicket doesn’t sugar coat it – sometimes people are just bad. It’s refreshing.

Did I learn anything? Did it make me think? 

I’m not sure. But one thing I hope children get out of this book is that vanity and showing off can most certainly be your downfall.

Overall feelings: 

I know it’s only the second book, but so far this is my favorite book of the series. But I do hope the Baudelaire children’s characters are developed a bit more later on. I hope later books don’t keep following the same formula as the first two books.

Score: 5/5