** There are no spoilers of Book 11, but this review assumes you’ve read the first 10 books in the series.
The Grim Grotto (Book 11)
By Lemony Snicket
★★★☆
I’ve been disappointed with the past few books in the Series of Unfortunate Events, but book 11 reminded me of why I liked it to begin with. After this one, there are only two more volumes left in the series, so I was happy to find that the Baudelaire orphans were making some headway in solving the mystery of VFD.
Sunny, Violet and Klaus meet Captain Widdershin and catch a ride on his submarine, the Queequeg. His step-daughter Fiona is both kind and knowledgeable and Klaus takes a particular liking to her. The novel is funny and clever, especially the first half. I found myself enjoying the book much more before Count Olaf made an appearence. His scenes tend to wear me out because they rarely vary.
Along the way we catch up with old characters and meet a few new ones. Fiona and her step-father are great additions to the series. We also get a few more answers and for the first time I felt like we were nearing a resolution.
8 comments:
I enjoyed the first few books of this series (3 or 4 of them, I think?) until I got tired of them and quit--I think for the same reason as what you say about Count Olaf ("his scenes tend to wear me out because they rarely vary"). Not sure if I'll ever try to finish.
Kathy - I read through Book 5 in 2004. Then I got totally burnt out and didn't read another one for a few years. Now I only read one every six months or so. My OCD tendancies make me want to finish the series, but I can only take it in small doses.
I'm still on book 6! Hopefully I'll get through the whole series in 2011. that's the plan!
Came to your blog through Lindy's blog. I am liking the selection of books here and your crisp reviews.
Would you suggest the one best book from this series?
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Alexandra - I should finish the final 2 in 2011 as well. We'll ahve to compare notes.
Vibha - Welcome! I'd suggest reading the first two books. They're quick reads. The second is my favorite from the series and the first is essential for understanding the set up. Enjoy.
I read #10 this year so this is my next one to read. I really can't quite imagine how it will all end.
I keeping MEANING to comment on this--my least favorites are 4 & 5 and 8 & 9--you are in for two marvelous treats in the Penultimate Peril and The End; I re-read them with gusto fairly frequently.
Amanda - That's so good to hear. I was worried the final two wouldn't make the first 11 worth it.
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