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38 pages 1 hour read

Lemony Snicket

The Ersatz Elevator

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Ersatz Elevator, the Baudelaire orphans move to a new home with a rich couple, Jerome and Esmé, only to encounter Count Olaf in disguise, who seeks to steal their fortune. They discover a hidden elevator leading to the kidnapped Quagmire triplets, but despite their efforts, Olaf's plan succeeds, leaving the orphans with another mystery and their friends in danger.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews indicate that The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket is praised for its clever wordplay, dark humor, and engaging plot, maintaining the series' unique charm. Some readers find the continuous misfortunes of the Baudelaire orphans repetitive, and the book's pace slow at times. Overall, it is an enjoyable installment for fans of the series, blending wit and mystery effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ersatz Elevator?

Readers who enjoy dark humor, clever wordplay, and intricate plots will find The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket captivating. Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and Roald Dahl’s Matilda will appreciate the book’s blend of mystery and whimsy in a slightly macabre, yet humorous, narrative.

Book Details
Pages

259

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

1110L

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