The 9 Lives Of Alexander Baddenfield (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
This book starts strong, full of dark humor with an injection of historical asides which are fun for precocious (or adult) readers to spot. Towards the end however, the story becomes almost sentimental, where you almost feel sorry for Alexander Baddenfield and wonder about what Winterbottom will do with the rest of his life. This isn't a spoiler, as the fate of A.B. was made very clear at the beginning of the book. Still, the macabre and creative deaths of Alexander Baddenfield make for an entertaining quick read for fans of Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl and the like. In case the author's name seems familiar: yes, he is the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the Madeline series. Similar in macabre tone to the books by Lemony Snicket, this is great to recommend to a tween who wants a short book. Bratty Alexander comes from a long line of rich jerks who live short lives, so he gets a special transplant from a cat so he can live nine lives. He wastes many of them, dying after purposely touching the 3rd rail of the subway and doing other misdeeds. There are ink drawings here and there to add interest, and at 133 pages this is quite brief but more than a short story; perfect for reluctant readers who like "scary" books. It also has a nice dry wit that really works and there is nothing overtly gruesome that may shock parents (or censors).
What do You think about The 9 Lives Of Alexander Baddenfield (2000)?
I wish the ending had little more to it.
—Helpwithbirth
