Sign in with Facebook
k.wing's Reviews > The End
The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #13)
by
by
** spoiler alert **
Like life and college, this book leaves you with more questions than answers. However, there is a satisfaction in knowing one cannot possibly know all the answers to all of the questions in the world, and neither can the Baudelaires. This book is particularly suitable for adults who have experienced rotten childhoods and need the confirmation of gaining what he/she missed hearing: you might never know the answer.
I am very sad this series is over, but in my head, the Baudelaires are still alive and kickin', with the new addition. I also leave this book with an unexpected, serious but not eerie, crush on both Brett Helquist and Daniel Handler. Combined.
*********
More thoughts. At work today, it was one of my favorite student's last day for tutoring. I was extremely sad to see him go for some reason. He was one of the most difficult students I have ever had, and yet I was so sad to see him leave. I was there throughout his fits and his triumphs, and I had thought many nights about how I could help him learn and help cultivate a love for learning within him. I realized that through the journey, I was just wanting to get the day over with, especially when he was difficult. But when the end came, and only a few questions/hopes were answered, I realized I would miss him very much - and I would never get to see 'the end result'.
Just like these books. I zoomed through the books, hoping the next one would lead to more answers, when really I see how I should've simply enjoyed the ride. Now that these books are over, and Snicket has made an ultimate point of truth, I see my error and failing in not enjoying each book's creativity and connectiveness. I think the whole point of these books was that, in seemingly the most difficult circumstances, there are no answers to the ever-encompassing question "Why?" And I feel foolish, now when the books are over, that I did not spend more time enjoying the journey rather than thinking of the end result, when I should've known due to life experience that all of my questions would probably not be answered.
And this is also why A Series of Unfortunate Events is a brilliant, deep, sorrowful, and satisfying group of stories. My only advice for people who are about to read these books would be to enjoy the ride, and enjoy them as if there were no end in sight.
I am very sad this series is over, but in my head, the Baudelaires are still alive and kickin', with the new addition. I also leave this book with an unexpected, serious but not eerie, crush on both Brett Helquist and Daniel Handler. Combined.
*********
More thoughts. At work today, it was one of my favorite student's last day for tutoring. I was extremely sad to see him go for some reason. He was one of the most difficult students I have ever had, and yet I was so sad to see him leave. I was there throughout his fits and his triumphs, and I had thought many nights about how I could help him learn and help cultivate a love for learning within him. I realized that through the journey, I was just wanting to get the day over with, especially when he was difficult. But when the end came, and only a few questions/hopes were answered, I realized I would miss him very much - and I would never get to see 'the end result'.
Just like these books. I zoomed through the books, hoping the next one would lead to more answers, when really I see how I should've simply enjoyed the ride. Now that these books are over, and Snicket has made an ultimate point of truth, I see my error and failing in not enjoying each book's creativity and connectiveness. I think the whole point of these books was that, in seemingly the most difficult circumstances, there are no answers to the ever-encompassing question "Why?" And I feel foolish, now when the books are over, that I did not spend more time enjoying the journey rather than thinking of the end result, when I should've known due to life experience that all of my questions would probably not be answered.
And this is also why A Series of Unfortunate Events is a brilliant, deep, sorrowful, and satisfying group of stories. My only advice for people who are about to read these books would be to enjoy the ride, and enjoy them as if there were no end in sight.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
The End.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
October 26, 2007
– Shelved
Started Reading
January 1, 2008
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-13 of 13 (13 new)
date
newest »
newest »
I love this review. So many people are annoyed because he supposedly "took the easy way out" by saying, you know, "oh, well the theme is that you can't know everything". But they... they just don't get it! That was the whole point! Though I was slightly disappointed in the end, because I didn't find out what the sugar bowl was, or anything else, I did realize that the point of the books was, as you said, that the journey is more important than the end result. I only realized this upon finishing the thirteenth book (just yesterday), but now I really want to reread the series so I can cherish the ride as I didn't before. Also, he drops little hints throughout the series-- I think maybe I can figure more out if I reread (despite the deep theme, I am still curious!). Have you read The Beatrice Letters?
Anyway, I'm so glad I read this review. As Anidori-Kiladra stated, well said. :)
good review. i think i will reread them too
great review...u summed up exactly what i thought about this series!
I just thought it wasn't as entertaining as the others in the series
Love the review. was trying to find a reason to finish the series. Ended at book 4 or 5 when they first came out. Do you think to complete my nerdy satisfaction I should start at The Beginning to catch all the clues and things that made me fall in love with the series, to travel the pages to the last book The End?
I totally agree great review ;)
Well said.