ADVERBS

In a novel too clever for its own good, Daniel Handler, who also writes as Lemony Snicket, explores a big topic: love between people and love between people and the universe. The odd collection of vignettes jumps from one chapter to another and from one set of characters to another, all or none of whom may be related. Oliver Wyman captures the quirkiness of the story line, using flawless timing to highlight every comic nuance and a masterfully light touch on the many confusing characters. Nonetheless, while Handler shows creative genius writing as Snicket, this effort proves to be a series of unfortunate events. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]