The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13) Summary and Reviews

The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13)
by Lemony Snicket

The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Lemony Snicket
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Edition: Hardcover
Format: Box set
Published: 2006-10-13
ISBN: 0061119067
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Reviews of The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13)

Book Review: A perplexing ponderous read!
Summary: 5 Stars

I have enjoyed Lemony Snicket and his clever way of never giving a clear answer. The Complete Wreck was an unexpected Treasure! The Full Color Illustrated box containing the complete set has a wraparound arcade of 11 various manifestations of Count Olaf, one mysterious depiction I am perplexed about it's meaning, and the full illustration of the Baudelaire's by a mysterious tree.

There is also a special fold out poster included depicting the pernicious play - The Marvelous Marriage!

If you like Brett Helquist's well-researched drawings of the most troublesome life of the Baudelaire's - then this box set is the icing on the cake. I think there are some hidden clues in the illustrations on the box to make you wonder about their connection to the tale.

The Set I received did have all 1st editions (from a higher print run except the last volume The End) was also another unexpected pleasure.

If you don't own the set, then try to snag one of these great box sets.

I think The Series of Unfortunate Events is one of the most perplexing reads. As an Adult I have really enjoyed them - so it's not just for youth. I happen to like Lemony Snicket's approach to putting realism within his writing in a way that starts young people to accept certain harsh ideas within the real world; a modern day Grimm's Fairy Tale.

I tend to think of The Series of Unfortunate Events as a segment of a tale that I will never know everything about the fate of these fine Baudelaire Children as they deal with such a dreadfully dreary downright discouraging difficult drama dilemma. I have enjoyed re-reading this set - which I have found each time that more of the multi-tale within a tale of a tale becomes apparent.

This Hardback Book set is wonderful - loaded with puzzling pictures, cryptic clues, and troubling typesetting. It's rare for young literature to have such a luxurious graphic style that you might think the Baudelaire fortune was spent on the printing of the series. It's reminds me of old Victorian novels with half of the pages ripped out - meaning that Brett Helquist does leave much to your imagination with his chapter illustration introductions. I did enjoy a window popping up amid Lemony Snickets writing showing this wondrous world that the Bauldelaires traverse in their many trials and tribulations of life.

I think it's brilliant writing but not for those who are faint of heart. There are many loose threads. There are Villainous Villains. So don't be a cakesniffer - get one!

Cheers,
Helyx Helyx

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