And Then And Then What Else: A Writer's Life

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

One of our most dazzling literary conjurers. Michael Chabon Dear Reader, If you are looking for a passionate romance, a slick political thriller or, perhaps, a ripping yarn with volcanos, pirates and ghosts; a book where everything ends neatly and makes perfect, unequivocal sense, then Im afraid this is not the book youre looking for. If you like stories about degenerate French poetry, second-hand bookshops, eccentric acting troupes, adulterous vicars, balloons with cryptic messages scrawled upon them and diamonds concealed in the sole of a womans shoe then, please, read on... Known to most as Lemony Snicket, the tormented narrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events, Daniel Handler spends his days writing for children and adults; film and television; and, on occasion, the accordion. Tracing his life in books from his first encounter with Baudelaire at a local library, And Then And Then What Else offers a witty, poignant exploration of reading, writing and why we tell stories.

Reviews

'Extraordinary... highly entertaining.' Daily Telegraph

This erudite, vulnerable, funny and idiosyncratic book ranks among his best. Grown-up fans of Lemony Snicket will enjoy discovering the rest of the story. Wall Street Journal

'[Handler's] new book lays out a personal canon, from Baudelaire (of course) to Vladimir Nabokov, via Roald Dahl, Edward Gorey, pulp films and music... Wryly observed... This is a book of engaging essays that do not provoke but suggest, while also demonstrating how both life and literature combine to create the camp, whimsical neo-gothic of his books for children. No one has asked me to do what I am doing, not really, he notes. I cant really stop and I dont really want to. Which is about as succinct an explanation of why writers write as I've ever read.' TLS

'Afierce cri de coeur at a time when books especially kids books are targeted.' Washington Post

With his inimitable wit and candour, Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, crafts an exceptionally companionable memoir sure to delight and perhaps even challenge both existing fans and readers new to his work A fully captivating memoir rich with insights on reading, writing, and life itself. Kirkus, starred review

'This dazzling memoir from the writer better known as Lemony Snicket (a nom de plume whose origins he hilariously explains here) delves deeply into every aspect of his life... In stupendously written, engagingly conversational prose, Handler candidly covers a wide range of topics and experiences his mental health struggles, his sexuality, his terrible early attempts at writing, and some shocking trauma... Thought-provoking, deeply personal, and like few other memoirs in the range of topics covered, Handler's mix of the personal and the literary is as compelling as his gloriously off-beat fiction.' Booklist, starred review

'Handler is skilled and nuanced as a writer, with a developed voice and point of view. He has never fit the categories, so why would we expect him to start here He is frank without being overly revealing and always seeks out some larger integration, a place where thought and feeling might intersect.' LA Times

Author Bio

Daniel Handler is best known for his books as Lemony Snicket, notably A Series of Unfortunate Events and Poison for Breakfast (also published by Oneworld). Under his given name, he is the author of seven novels, and has worked extensively in music, theatre, film and television. He lives in San Francisco, California.