The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 581,958 ratings

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

$15.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

From the publisher

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky.

In the first two books alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, a lumpy bed, a deadly serpent, a large brass reading lamp, a long knife, and a terrible odor.

In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted. Never before has a tale of three likeable and unfortunate children been quite so enchanting, or quite so uproariously unhappy.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 162
Words: 24,054
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 1010L

Themes & topics

Books about coping with failure Books about orphans Books about siblings Books about sleuthing Books about innovation

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

5.0

“Who knew that a story about terrible things happening to children could be so utterly delightful? This book, and those that follow it in the series, are constructed in an absolutely charming, oh-so-clever way. And don't let the titles fool you: they are chock-full of silliness.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one