A review by nicktomjoe
The Dark by Lemony Snicket

5.0

A very clever book at all sorts of levels. The absence of adults - to the point where the child protagonist is in charge of the house, it seems - and the personification of the dark give this a real edge. The design is stunning - simple pictures with minimal text until one climactic page - and really is part of the storytelling. The characterisation of Laszlo whose face begs so many questions - is it blank, or absorbed or panicky? - is identifiable, and the text is both sparing in detail and effective when it gives some, drawing on the rhythm of simple picture books and the self-referential voice of Lemony Snicket.