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Poison for Breakfast

A cautionary tale about life's unpredictable nature

Lemony Snicket author Margaux Kent illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oneworld Publications

Published:1st Sep '22

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in other editions too:

Poison for Breakfast cover

This captivating tale follows Lemony Snicket on a quest to understand his own demise, blending humor with profound insights about life.

In Poison for Breakfast, the latest offering from the beloved author of A Series of Unfortunate Events, readers are invited into a whimsical yet introspective journey. This book serves as a reflection on the complexities of life, blending humor and melancholy as it explores the author's own demise. Through a series of curious events, Lemony Snicket draws readers of all ages into a narrative that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking.

The story begins with a mysterious note that reads, 'You had poison for breakfast,' setting off a chain of events that leads Snicket on an intriguing quest for answers. As he navigates through this puzzling scenario, he shares his reflections on life, death, and everything in between. The narrative is rich in Snicket's signature style, combining clever wit with poignant insights, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.

Poison for Breakfast is not just a tale of mystery; it is a love letter to readers, celebrating the joys and sorrows of existence. With each page, readers are encouraged to ponder their own experiences and the unpredictable nature of life. This book promises to resonate with long-time fans while captivating new audiences, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of one of literature's most enigmatic characters.

‘Reading this little book feels like opening a window to let in air and light. It’s filled with curious information and powerful feelings, and is humorous, sad, meditative and rapturous by turns – with ambiguous questions to be mulled and savoured.’

-- Guardian

‘A wittily macabre treatise about philosophy, creativity, connectivity, gratitude and bravely facing one’s demise while living as well as possible in the meantime.’

-- Financial Times

a genial, discursive ramble of a book… The tone throughout is Vonnegutian – bewildered, amused, quizzical – and if the book fails to deliver any startling philosophical breakthrough, that’s rather the point, since it’s more about the journey than the destination. A bit like life, then.’

-- James Lovegrove * FT *

‘Poison for Breakfast is a strange, beguiling, beautiful book. No one else could have written it, or anything even a little like it. If Lemony Snicket didn’t exist, we’d have to invent him.’

-- Anthony McGowan, author of Lark

Poison for Breakfast is a book to savour. Every sentence is perfectly balanced to surprise, delight, intrigue and, yes, bewilder the reader. A book about impending death which captures the simple, but profound, joys of being alive. I am a long-time Lemony Snicket fan and this is his best yet.’

-- Sarah Hagger-Holt, author of Nothing Ever Happens Here

‘Witty, clever and unsettling – it’s Lemony Snicket at his finest, and bright minds that love dark delights will gobble it right up.’

-- Rachel Delahaye, author of Mort the Meek

‘Poison for Breakfast is a murder mystery like no other, which will bewilder and beguile both children and adults alike. It’ll have you questioning everything – from whether or not you can outrun death, to even bigger questions such as whether or not you are choosing the most respectable method to cook your eggs each morning.’

-- Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables

‘Full of Snickety goodness, philosophical acrobatics and wry wit. A veritable treasure trove for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events.’

-- Gareth Osborne, Bath Children's Novel Award Winner

Poison for Breakfast is a delicious read with sentences to savour and philosophical questions to keep you awake long past midnight snack-time... It’s diabolically good.’

-- Jack Meggitt-Phillips, author of The Beast and the Bethany

‘Fans who have grown up with his novels may appreciate the opportunity to explore [Lemony Snicket’s] mind.’

-- Books for K

ISBN: 9780861544950

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 14mm

Weight: unknown

176 pages