“A man on the Black Rapids deck attempted to explain to the Daily Punctilio why the ship was leaving early, but the only words audible over the noise of the ship were “Phase two” and “Drat!”” (Snicket, 94). For those unusual readers who enjoy the stories of the unlucky Bauldelaire orphans, they will, no doubt, adore the “Autobiography of Lemony Snicket.” Mr. Snicket, the mysterious author of “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” presents the world with the story of his life, including his dedication to researching the Bauldelaire case, and his involvement with the secret organization, V.F.D.
At least, that’s what one would expect to read when they pick up this text. However, Lemony Snicket is certainly far from ordinary. Snicket’s autobiography puts together bits and pieces of his life, presenting curious readers with an almost scrapbook. This scrapbook contains photographs, newspaper clippings, letters between members of V.F.D. and their enemies, as well as hints of unfortunate future peril.
Daniel Handler, Snicket’s representative, presented this autobiography to the public in 2002 (lemonysnicket.com). Although Mr. Snicket was initially presumed dead before the publication of this brilliant text, he is absolutely alive and kicking. Much to the distress of his kind and thoughtful editor, Snicket seems unsatisfied with the initial version of the book.
The original version of course, would have contained answers to the numerous questions about his life. However, Mr. Snicket believes that the information provided in the updated autobiography is of much greater importance. For example: he provides a personal, detailed account of how he was able to join the group of volunteers, a list of materials needed in order to become a spy for V.F.D, how to read literature and watch films using a special alphabetic code and many other intriguing facts.
Despite what Mr. Snicket may tell you, this is most certainly a book to be handled as one would a treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel in its entirety. Snicket continues to impress, and it will be interesting to see how he resolves the case of the Bauldelaire Orphans in October of 2006.
For now, however, we must be aware that “the world is quiet here.