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The Miserable Mill
(A Series of Unfortunate Events #4)
by
Dear Listener,
If you have chosen to listen to this audio for pleasure, I advise you to put it down instantaneously, because of all the audios describing the unhappy lives of the Baudelaire orphans, The Miserable Mill might be the unhappiest.
This recording contains such unpleasantries as a giant pincher machine, a bad casserole, a man with a cloud of smoke where his head sh ...more
If you have chosen to listen to this audio for pleasure, I advise you to put it down instantaneously, because of all the audios describing the unhappy lives of the Baudelaire orphans, The Miserable Mill might be the unhappiest.
This recording contains such unpleasantries as a giant pincher machine, a bad casserole, a man with a cloud of smoke where his head sh ...more
ebook, 194 pages
Published
October 13th 2009
by HarperCollins
(first published April 15th 2000)
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Maryam
Kath, you could get it at the bookstore or read it in the library.
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Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #4)

Aug 23, 2018
Mischenko
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
middle-grade-children-s
The children head to Paltryville where they'll meet there new guardian. They arrive at the Lucky Smells Lumbermill where they meet Sir, the owner of the mill. Sir is the Baudelaire's new guardian and the children learn that the mill will be there new place of employment. Once again, the children are told not to worry about Count Olaf and that they'll be kept safe from him.
"The deal is this: I will try to make sure that Count Olaf and his associates never go anywhere near you, and you will wor ...more
"The deal is this: I will try to make sure that Count Olaf and his associates never go anywhere near you, and you will wor ...more

The Miserable Mill continues the trend of me liking each book less than the previous one in this series.
Don't get me wrong - it's still a fun read with plenty of cleverness and wit, and Celyn still seems to be enjoying me reading her the stories. It's also worth noting that this volume has the lowest average rating on Goodreads of all 13 books in the series, so I'm hopeful things will improve.
In this book the established formula is applied with little or no variation. The bad point, for me, th ...more
Don't get me wrong - it's still a fun read with plenty of cleverness and wit, and Celyn still seems to be enjoying me reading her the stories. It's also worth noting that this volume has the lowest average rating on Goodreads of all 13 books in the series, so I'm hopeful things will improve.
In this book the established formula is applied with little or no variation. The bad point, for me, th ...more

Jan 17, 2017
Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens
I like the idea of the mill but it was just okay. I had the vibe of a horror movie in an old mill so I think this messed up the book for me. Lol.

Mar 25, 2015
emma
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
that-setting-tho,
dark,
4-stars,
recommend,
reread,
auto-buy-authors,
reviewed,
owned,
beautifully-written,
children-s
This is perhaps the most anxiety-inducing book in the most anxiety-inducing series of all time.
There is something about the particular Count Olaf evil plan hijinks in this book that is SO MUCH WORSE to me than all the others?? It’s not so much “fun villainy” to me as it is “extremely stressful stuff of nightmares.”
So not necessarily the most consistently pleasant reading experience.
HOWEVER there is a really cool part of this book! The Baudelaire orphans, up to this point, have very narrow and co ...more
There is something about the particular Count Olaf evil plan hijinks in this book that is SO MUCH WORSE to me than all the others?? It’s not so much “fun villainy” to me as it is “extremely stressful stuff of nightmares.”
So not necessarily the most consistently pleasant reading experience.
HOWEVER there is a really cool part of this book! The Baudelaire orphans, up to this point, have very narrow and co ...more

Apr 25, 2007
Jennifer
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Kids and adults who think like them
Lemony Snicket is fun, it's terribly depressing and highly entertaining. All the books make me feel like I'm 12 again, and I curl up on the couch, laughing out loud and eating gummy bears.
...more

The Miserable Mill (Series of Unfortunate Events #4), Lemony Snicket
The Miserable Mill is the fourth novel of the children's novel series A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. In this novel, the Baudelaire orphans live with the owner of Lucky Smells Lumber Mill. The book was published on April 15, 2000, by HarperCollins and illustrated by Brett Helquist.
Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are traveling on a train heading for Paltryville, the location of the children's new home, the Lu ...more
The Miserable Mill is the fourth novel of the children's novel series A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. In this novel, the Baudelaire orphans live with the owner of Lucky Smells Lumber Mill. The book was published on April 15, 2000, by HarperCollins and illustrated by Brett Helquist.
Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are traveling on a train heading for Paltryville, the location of the children's new home, the Lu ...more

I adore the development of the Baudelaire kids in this book. That's easily my favorite part. This is also, of all four of my rereads, the book I remembered least so it was fun to really rediscover a lot of the plot elements that I had forgotten.
Also, I have to say I have seen some spoilers for how Charles and Sir are portrayed in the ASOUE show and I'm thrilled. So, overall, I have loved rereading these four books in the series. I can't wait to continue rereading more of them later but jus rere ...more
Also, I have to say I have seen some spoilers for how Charles and Sir are portrayed in the ASOUE show and I'm thrilled. So, overall, I have loved rereading these four books in the series. I can't wait to continue rereading more of them later but jus rere ...more

The more books I read, the less I like this series. I'm now 100% positive that I didn't read these books as a child. Perhaps if I did, I would like them better now but unfortunately I feel lukewarm at best about this series. I just feel like these stories go around and around in circles and I'm quite tired of it. I like the kids but the story just isn't working for me anymore. This was probably my least favourite book so far but thinking about it now, the mill was probably one of the stronger st
...more

This series just gets more and more miserable as it goes along and I just love it! It still truly astonishes me how horrible the adults in these books are no matter how many times I read them. The way they treat the children is absolutely appalling but I think that's part of the charm of this series. The poor Baudelaires can just never get a break! That's what makes this series real though because a lot of the time in real life, orphans do have terrible experiences and bounce around from home to
...more

After reading Lemony Snicket's 'the Dark' I decided to try the Unfortunate events series again. It started out ok and I simply can't believe how ridiculous and outlandish it was. I can handle fantasy, but I like it to be rooted in some sort of reality. I then read that many readers consider this the worst book in the series. I can agree with that so far. I will give another one a go.
Examples. It was the end that was so beyond silly. Sunny, the baby, had a sword fight with her teeth. Claus can ma ...more
Examples. It was the end that was so beyond silly. Sunny, the baby, had a sword fight with her teeth. Claus can ma ...more

Favorite insight: It is much, much worse to receive bad news through the written word than by somebody simply telling you, and I'm sure you understand why. When somebody simply tells you bad news, you hear it once, and that's the end of it. But when bad news is written down, whether in a letter or a newspaper or on your arm in felt tip pen, each time you read it, you feel as if you are receiving the news again and again.
...more

3.8
My least favorite ASOUE book so far. Same style, but different situations. I think the Baudelaire children can really look out for themselves, so the plot needs to get more in depth. Just like the previous book, "The Wide Window", this series is trying to take a darker and more mature lane... so I guess children below 8 years old will not appreciate this book. Nevertheless, it was still a fun read on my part. Still charming and full of misadventures. It's interesting to see what Count Ola ...more
My least favorite ASOUE book so far. Same style, but different situations. I think the Baudelaire children can really look out for themselves, so the plot needs to get more in depth. Just like the previous book, "The Wide Window", this series is trying to take a darker and more mature lane... so I guess children below 8 years old will not appreciate this book. Nevertheless, it was still a fun read on my part. Still charming and full of misadventures. It's interesting to see what Count Ola ...more

These books are very easy to read and are currently my go to when I’m not feeling able to tackle one of the long books on my to read list.
They are fun and don’t require too much concentration or thinking which is great when I have a mild headache but want to read.
They do become repetitive in storyline but each book so far is different enough to keep me reading.
They really are filler books for me at the moment and I’m grateful to have the whole collection on my shelf at home.
They are fun and don’t require too much concentration or thinking which is great when I have a mild headache but want to read.
They do become repetitive in storyline but each book so far is different enough to keep me reading.
They really are filler books for me at the moment and I’m grateful to have the whole collection on my shelf at home.

UPDATE: 19/Jan/2017
The review from before is wrong because yes I still liked this book but now that I've read all of the books this one is my least favourite.
6/Dec/2016
I liked this book much more than I expected. It was different from the others and that made me like it. ...more
The review from before is wrong because yes I still liked this book but now that I've read all of the books this one is my least favourite.
6/Dec/2016
I liked this book much more than I expected. It was different from the others and that made me like it. ...more

This installment somehow bothers me, this series is a children's book and to write something a little too horrifying for kids is just a "mehh" for me. First, the Baudelaire guardian is basically the cruelest and most useless person ever, the same thing can also be said to Mr. Poe (except he's not cruel, only an idiot)
I don't think I'll read the fifth book soon, but I'll definitely continue the series.
...more
I don't think I'll read the fifth book soon, but I'll definitely continue the series.


Miserable indeed. Unfortunately this book in A Series of Unfortunate Events takes its title too literally. I enjoyed the first book and love the concept of put-upon children succeeding with no foreseeable hope on the horizon. However, the execution is too formulaic, mill-like if you will. I can put up with the repetition, because the author's bits of wit keep it fun, but this had less wit and more formula than the first three.
...more
...more

Aug 06, 2019
¸¸.•*¨*•♫ Mrs. Buttercup •*¨*•♫♪
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle
“They're book addicts.”
The orphans are victims of yet another series of unfortunate events, this time in a lumberjack mill!! For once, count Olaf is nowhere to be seen... or is he???
This fourth volume was one of my favourites in the series! I loved the setting and the action was just so fast... never a dull moment! Aww those poor orphans! What horrible misadventures will they have next? Just when you think it can't get worse... 🤧 🤧
...more

The orphans are victims of yet another series of unfortunate events, this time in a lumberjack mill!! For once, count Olaf is nowhere to be seen... or is he???

This fourth volume was one of my favourites in the series! I loved the setting and the action was just so fast... never a dull moment! Aww those poor orphans! What horrible misadventures will they have next? Just when you think it can't get worse... 🤧 🤧


Love how this seemingly children's fiction manages to deal with adult issues and social Commentary 😃 the Baudelaire orphans are such an Amazing trio, and I hope to read more from this series.
...more

3.5/5
I really wanted to love this one because sounded so much more interesting and exciting that all the others but unfortunately I ended up liking it less.
The theme of the mill and the hypnosis was so cool at first but the development didn't convince me.
This book for me had a lot of potential and the idea was super cool, there's a little horror vibe and of course it was kept low and simple and not too much scary because it's meant for kids but the story was a little repetitive throught the book ...more
I really wanted to love this one because sounded so much more interesting and exciting that all the others but unfortunately I ended up liking it less.
The theme of the mill and the hypnosis was so cool at first but the development didn't convince me.
This book for me had a lot of potential and the idea was super cool, there's a little horror vibe and of course it was kept low and simple and not too much scary because it's meant for kids but the story was a little repetitive throught the book ...more

3 STARS
This wasn't as good as the first three, that's for sure. I'm hoping that the 5th redeems the fourth and that it's more exciting than this one was. I did love that Count Olaf was in drag haha I'm interested to see how they adapt this one considering it was kind of boring and really felt like a filler book to be honest. I still enjoyed it though. :)
Now on to "The Austere Academy"!!
- Richard ...more
This wasn't as good as the first three, that's for sure. I'm hoping that the 5th redeems the fourth and that it's more exciting than this one was. I did love that Count Olaf was in drag haha I'm interested to see how they adapt this one considering it was kind of boring and really felt like a filler book to be honest. I still enjoyed it though. :)
Now on to "The Austere Academy"!!
- Richard ...more

With the setting in an old mill I think I had my expectations all wrong.
I wanted more creepy less campy.
I wanted more creepy less campy.

These books are clever and my children enjoy them. They make our trips up North go by more quickly but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to hang in for all twelve!
...more

Jul 04, 2019
Paul E. Morph
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2019
Our mournful moppets move along their melancholy way in a melodramatic missive that makes room for myriad mouthwatering mutilations and many mischievous misdirections. Marvellous!

And so another series I started and never got round to finish is returned to.
Carrying on my challenge to finish series I started and some how never got round to finishing I have now started back on the Series of Unfortunate Events.
I think for me there were a few reasons why I lost motivation with this series - the first is the constant reminders of how bad, how unfortunate, now depressing how... (you get the idea) terrible the life of the Baudelaire orphans has got and is yet to get. I underst ...more
Carrying on my challenge to finish series I started and some how never got round to finishing I have now started back on the Series of Unfortunate Events.
I think for me there were a few reasons why I lost motivation with this series - the first is the constant reminders of how bad, how unfortunate, now depressing how... (you get the idea) terrible the life of the Baudelaire orphans has got and is yet to get. I underst ...more

It's been a while since I had time to write a review here on GR since life and college have gotten in the way. Anyway, let's try to get back on track and make life a little brighter with more reading.
“Just knowing that they could read made the Baudelaire orphans feel as if their wretched lives could be a little brighter.”
Another Baudelaire unfortunate life stories. Once again they are put under the ~protection of a terrible guardian; this time, they also have to work in the Miserable Mill. Add ...more
“Just knowing that they could read made the Baudelaire orphans feel as if their wretched lives could be a little brighter.”
Another Baudelaire unfortunate life stories. Once again they are put under the ~protection of a terrible guardian; this time, they also have to work in the Miserable Mill. Add ...more

Jun 28, 2018
Alaina
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary,
favorites,
june-challenge-2018,
humor,
fantasy,
mystery,
fiction,
young-adult
The Miserable Mill is the fourth installment of A Series of Unfortunate Events. A lot happened in this book and I'm still a little shook from it.
Now in this book we still have the three kids: Klaus, Violet, and Sunny. However, there's a dash of hypnotism in it as well. A lot of backstabbing characters thrown your way too. Oh, and Count Olaf is sort of like Santa, always around.. watching from afar.. and creepy as fuck.
The one thing I didn't like about this book was the child labor. Thank god t ...more
Now in this book we still have the three kids: Klaus, Violet, and Sunny. However, there's a dash of hypnotism in it as well. A lot of backstabbing characters thrown your way too. Oh, and Count Olaf is sort of like Santa, always around.. watching from afar.. and creepy as fuck.
The one thing I didn't like about this book was the child labor. Thank god t ...more

Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I think this has been my fave in the series so far!
I think this has been my fave in the series so far!

I'm not sure I have adequate words to describe my reaction to this book.
I think I need more time to digest. I feel like I stepped out of the Twilight Zone, and I'm suffering from a rare form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
EDIT: I have now changed my final rating to three stars. After reading book 5, it's become clear to me that the pacing and tone of this book is far too irrepressibly dreary, even for an unhappy story like the Baudelaire's. It felt a lot like being battered by a particularly ...more
I think I need more time to digest. I feel like I stepped out of the Twilight Zone, and I'm suffering from a rare form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
EDIT: I have now changed my final rating to three stars. After reading book 5, it's become clear to me that the pacing and tone of this book is far too irrepressibly dreary, even for an unhappy story like the Baudelaire's. It felt a lot like being battered by a particularly ...more

Jan 27, 2018
Laura
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
genre-childrens,
challenge-2018
These children are going to need therapy.
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Play Book Tag: [Poll Book Tally] The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket 3 stars | 1 | 7 | Aug 30, 2020 05:55PM | |
The Neverlanders: The Miserable Mill - Goodreads Discussion | 4 | 16 | Feb 01, 2015 02:10PM |
Lemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words. His new series is All The Wrong Questions.
For A Series of Unfortunate Events:
www.lemonysnicket.com
For All The Wrong Questions:
www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com ...more
For A Series of Unfortunate Events:
www.lemonysnicket.com
For All The Wrong Questions:
www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com ...more
Other books in the series
A Series of Unfortunate Events
(1 - 10 of 13 books)
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