A review by hwks
The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Okay, I think I am fully on board with this being an absolutely immaculate series. Though as an adult reading it, it's really just started to feel like a very drawn-out allegory of sorts about child abuse. And perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but it seems that these children are so very clearly in need of support, love and care and are consistently failed by everyone around them which parallels the consistent failure of our society and social welfare systems to support children in need. And even those that want to, somehow seem incapable.
Anyway, this was a fantastic book, and almost would've been a sufficient ending of sorts. Just really adult with it's discussion of how complex it is to be a person, to make difficult choices and what it means to be good, to be bad, and all of that gray area in between.
Anyway, this was a fantastic book, and almost would've been a sufficient ending of sorts. Just really adult with it's discussion of how complex it is to be a person, to make difficult choices and what it means to be good, to be bad, and all of that gray area in between.