38 pages • 1 hour read
The Ersatz Elevator
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Book Brief
259
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2001
Middle grade
8-12 years
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.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Suspenseful
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
153,441 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
153,441 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Klaus Baudelaire
Klaus Baudelaire
Klaus is the middle Baudelaire sibling who excels in research and has an advanced vocabulary, often using his intelligence to solve problems.
Sunny Baudelaire
Sunny Baudelaire
Sunny is the youngest Baudelaire sibling, characterized by her unique talent for biting and her ability to communicate through nonsensical words.
Count Olaf
Count Olaf
Count Olaf is the primary antagonist, a villainous figure attempting to seize the Baudelaire family's fortune through cunning and deceit.
Esmé
Esmé
Esmé is a fashion-focused financial advisor who becomes one of the Baudelaires' guardians, concerned primarily with trends and social status.
Jerome
Jerome
Jerome is Esmé's husband, initially welcoming the Baudelaires into their home, but hesitant to confront any form of conflict.
259
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2001
Middle grade
8-12 years
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