When Did You See Her Last?

Te pueden enseñar muchas cosas, pero está en vos aprenderlas o ignorarlas. En el segundo libro de esta serie, “When did you see her last?” Lemony Snicket hace la segunda pregunta equivocada en una lista de preguntas equivocadas que hizo durante su estadía en la misteriosa Stain'd by the Sea, la ciudad marítima sin mar.
La historia se centra esta vez en la desaparición de una química muy inteligente y su relación con los sucesos del primer libro. Lemony debe enfrentarse a un nuevo villano, haciendo uso de toda su instrucción (y a veces ignorándola) para poder derrotarlo y encontrar a Cleo Knight. Muchas más preguntas surgen en este libro (acertadas y equivocadas por igual) y casi ninguna tiene una respuesta.

This was a pretty fun story, just like the first. I like the style and appealing weirdness, but this book didn't stand out as more than just an enjoyable way to pass the time. But hey, that's a perfectly valid purpose for a book to serve.

I always find the Snicket books to be a delight. Daniel Handler's use of word play and vocabulary are deeply appreciated down to his clever naming of the characters. I read the first volume of this series some time ago, and really had trouble recalling a lot of the major plot points, and then I remembered that's because there were about a hundred or so plot points left dangling. This book is no better, so if it bothers you to have that hanging when the series is unfinished, don't start this one yet.

One of the main things I love about this series (and A Series of Unfortunate Events) is the Handler's deft portrayal of children. He has a wide and vivid cast of kids, each one a complex creature with a bigger understanding of the world than any of the adults in their lives could fathom them for possessing. Can I get 3 cheers for Moxie? What a stand up character (who isn't involved in a romantic subplot or anything!)

I haven't tried this series on my students, but I'm very curious to see if they'd appreciate it too. Recommended for anyone who loves wordplay and children's stories for grown-ups.

If I had a nickel for every time somebody said that Lemony Snicket is too clever for his own good, I would have a dime. As I was reading the second book in the new series, it hit me that while I am entertained by his clever words and snarky characters (how awesome is Moxie, I ask you!) I have to wonder: do kids like this? Is this appealing to kids at all? I just can't think of one younger reader I know who would stick out the weird pulp detective novel feel of this story. I can't imagine them relating to any of the characters, especially the not very enlightening Lemony. Still, I find myself rereading lines because I just like them so much.

Mmm I'm granting a bonus star because I just LOVE Lemony Snicket's use of language. So funny and clever and well-crafted.

The mystery itself is kind of whatever? I'm kind of not as into this as Series of Unfortunate Events–but then, I don't think I got super involved with ASOUE until book 5 or 6 or so, because that's when the secret societies and such got really intricate. This is only supposed to be a 4-book series, so, IDK?

Would only recommend to hardcore Lemony Snicket fans. Of which I am one.