The Bad Beginning

So I wanted to know what this series is about, so I listened to the first book. Thank goodness Tim Curry was the narrator. He at least brought some enjoyment to the book. I get that the trope of orphans living with bad relatives is being stretched and made fun of. I get that adults are particularly stupid in this trope. But it was too much for me. I can't imagine kids reading this book or series and enjoying it let alone ‘getting' it.
I guess I know what it is about now.