The Willoughbys

This delightfully wicked send-up of classic orphan stories follows four old-fashioned children who decide their neglectful parents are dreadfully inconvenient and hatch a plan to become properly bereaved. When Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby embark on a dangerous vacation to dispose of their offspring, the children—Timothy, the twins, and baby Jane—counter with a scheme of their own, complete with a suspicious nanny, a wealthy benefactor, and a discarded infant left on their doorstep. Lowry masterfully twists the tropes of vintage children's literature, creating a narrative that is both clever and subversively funny.

Fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events will adore the book's dry wit, literary winks, and the children's morbidly practical approach to their predicament. The story’s charm lies in its perfect balance of dark humor and genuine heart, proving that found family can be far superior to the one you're born with. Readers are left with a satisfyingly twisted tale that celebrates resourcefulness and the sheer joy of a well-planned villainy.