After leaving Lake Lachrymose and dear Aunt Josephine behind, the Baudelaire orphans travel to Paltryville, to a local factory called Lucky Smells Lumbermill, a dreadful place anything but lucky, although it does smells, which is to say, stinks; here they meet their new caretaker Sir, an incorporeal living cloud of smoke that, to my surprise, doesn’t float. The orphans are quickly introduced to the hardships of child labor; and if that weren’t bad enough, Shirley, a shiny eyed receptionist, swiftly appears on their optometrist, and calamity strikes, yet another time again. Another sequel with no endearing beginnings, this fourth book doesn’t even have a brief bleakness grace period, it’s depressive from the first to the last page, and if any respite is granted, it’s only because it has to end sometime. No half endearing caretakers like Aunt Josephine either, Sir is nothing but UNLIKABLE. And totally HATED Shirley, a well behaved lady receptionist, unlike the despicable Count Olaf of the first book, or the terrifying Stephano of the second, or the mischievous Captain Sham of the third (This is going to be one long-ass list isn’t it?). The orphans strong as ever, never letting go the fight, despite every adult being a jerk around them; except maybe Phil, who is always cheerful and optimistic, even about the minor scratch on his leg.
This book was very depressing, and quite gruesome and shocking, especially with Phil’s leg and Dr. Orwell. I enjoyed the fact that the Baudelaires had to do what the others could do best. Overall, it was enjoyable.
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