The Wide Window
7.9 / 10 217K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1999
- Publisher
- Harper Collins/Ted Smart / For The Book People Ltd
- Pages
- 214
- ISBN
- 9781405222860
For the Baudelaire orphans, hope is a fragile thing, perpetually overshadowed by misfortune. Their latest home is a rickety house clinging to the edge of a cliff, overlooking the murky, forbidding waters of Lake Lachrymose. Their new guardian, Aunt Josephine, is a woman consumed by fear; she is afraid of realtors, doorknobs, and the stove, but most of all she is terrified of the lake below. Her only solace is in the study of grammar, a passion that offers little protection against the dangers gathering around her and the three children in her care.
The Baudelaires' brief respite from their troubles ends with the arrival of the charming Captain Sham, a man with a wooden leg and an unnerving familiarity. Despite the children's warnings, Aunt Josephine is taken in by his flattery, a mistake that culminates in the sound of shattering glass and a cryptic, grammatically incorrect farewell note. Left alone in a house teetering on the brink of collapse with a hurricane approaching, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny must decipher the clues their aunt left behind. They must face hungry leeches, a treacherous storm, and a villain who is closer than ever to seizing their fortune.
The Baudelaires' brief respite from their troubles ends with the arrival of the charming Captain Sham, a man with a wooden leg and an unnerving familiarity. Despite the children's warnings, Aunt Josephine is taken in by his flattery, a mistake that culminates in the sound of shattering glass and a cryptic, grammatically incorrect farewell note. Left alone in a house teetering on the brink of collapse with a hurricane approaching, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny must decipher the clues their aunt left behind. They must face hungry leeches, a treacherous storm, and a villain who is closer than ever to seizing their fortune.
Subjects
- Literature & Fiction
- Horror
- Literary
- Action & Adventure
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Fiction
- Children's Books
- Growing Up & Facts of Life
- Mystery
- Children's Fiction
- Animals
- Family
- Family Life
- Contemporary
- Humor
- Teen & Young Adult
- Juvenile Fiction
- Fantasy & Magic
- Classics
- Adventure and adventurers, fiction
- Adventure and Adventurers
- Biographical
- Siblings
- Brothers and sisters
- Media Tie-In
- Adventure
- Ancient & Classical
- Social Themes
- Literary Criticism
- Orphans
- Hispanic & Latino
- Humorous Stories
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Criminals
- Romans
- Mysteries & Detective Stories
- Ficción juvenil
- Brothers and sisters, fiction
- Orphans & Foster Homes
- Poverty & Homelessness
- Children's Audio - 9-12
- Action & Adventure - General
- Mystery & Detective
- Ages 9-12 Fiction
- All Ages
- General
Other editions (136)
No summary for this edition yet.
What other readers say
Liked
This book is widely praised for maintaining the series' distinct charm and engaging qualities. Readers consistently highlight the continued resourcefulness of the Baudelaire orphans, with Violet's inventive skills, Klaus's intellect, and Sunny's biting prowess remaining central to their survival. The author's unique writing style, characterized by its blend of cruel humor, sarcasm, irony, and sophisticated narration, is a significant draw, often making readers laugh aloud. The rich vocabulary and helpful explanations are also appreciated as both entertaining and educational. Many found the story to be fun, addictive, and a fast-paced read, with vivid imagery that keeps them engrossed. The setting is often described as interesting, and the new antagonist provides a different, initially charming, dynamic compared to previous villains.
Disliked
However, a notable point of criticism centers on the perceived repetitive plot structure, with some reviewers feeling that the story closely mirrors previous installments. This "formulaic repetition" can lead to a sense of tedium or an "endless loop" for those hoping for more narrative variation. The new guardian, Aunt Josephine, receives mixed feedback; while some find her quirky or even amusing in her grammatical obsession, many describe her as annoying, frustrating, or incompetent, noting that she doesn't quite measure up to earlier, more beloved caretakers. The recurring theme of adult incompetence, particularly Mr. Poe's inability to believe the children, continues to be a source of frustration for many readers. Additionally, some felt the book was "somewhat darker" or contained "sensitive content" that verged on inappropriate for younger children, and certain plot elements or inventions were occasionally deemed less impactful than in prior books.
In short
Overall, this installment garners a generally positive, though sometimes mixed, reception. It is recommended for readers who enjoy the series' signature blend of dark humor, sophisticated vocabulary, and the resourceful Baudelaire orphans' ongoing adventures, and who are content with a largely consistent narrative structure. It particularly appeals to those who appreciate the children's growing self-reliance and character development in the face of persistent adult shortcomings, making it a compelling read for both young audiences and adults who enjoy its unique literary style.
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