The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore

Synopsis:  After the death of his wife, Pocket the Fool, is kidnapped, imprisoned (well walled up in a dungeon, brick by brick) and left for dead.  With the help of some kind of sea monster he is released and seeks revenge on the people that did this to him and killed his bride.  We meet a slew of characters Iago, Rodrigo, Bassiano, and a list of other names that end in O, as the book says.  He must work with Jessica, a wannabe pirate daughter of a Jewish Venetian moneylender named Shylock to plot against the O ending names and avenge his wife and attempted murder plot.

My review:  Okay book, but not nearly as good as Fool, or some of his other works.  I am glad that I read Fool again to remind me of several of the characters, like Jeff his pet monkey, Drool his fool apprentice and the Ghost Cordelia.  There is quite a bit going on in this book and I did not find it as cohesive as some of his others.

I feel a bit torn, I am disappointed that I am a little disappointed in this book.  I had the highest of expectations and feel a bit let down.  Don't get me wrong, I will probably end up reading this book again at some point in the future because that is just what I do with Christopher Moore books but the book was just okay to me.  Maybe once I reread it since I already know the story, some of the plots and subplots will become more clear.  Christopher Moore is still my favorite author and I will still wait in line to meet him and I will still read anything he puts in print.

My rating:  6
Pages:  316
Author website:  http://www.chrismoore.com/

Fool by Christopher Moore

Synopsis:  The fool in King Lear's court is a fool named Pocket.  King Lear wants to know which if his three daughters loves him most so he can award her the land and fortune he holds as king.  This issue is that they all hate hate him because frankly he is a cheeky little git.  Somehow between all the plots and subplots Pocket must find a way to keep himself alive and protect what he loves.  I assure you that there will be some heinous fuckery most foul!

My review:  Let me start by saying that I love Christopher Moore.  This is the third book of his that I have read for the second time.  Even having read it once before, I could not put it down.  Christopher Moore's fourteenth book (The Serpent of Venice) was released on Tuesday, I ordered a signed first edition and have been chomping at the bit to start it.  Since I knew this book was coming out I wanted to read Fool again as The Serpent of Venice is about Pocket, the main character in Fool.

The one liners in this book are unparalleled.  Christoper Moore has somehow even invented his own language using British humor.  Trust me when I say that it works, it works very well.  There are even foot notes to explain some of the words which only add to the humor.  In describing one of the daughters he writes of her Boffnacity - an expression of shagnatiousness, fit, from the Latin boffusnatious.  I mean how does he come up with this stuff??

Christopher Moore describes the book below and I think this may be not only the perfect description of the book but also a good incite into how the book is written.

"WARNING This is a bawdy tale. Herein you will find gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity, as well as non-traditional grammar, split infinitives, and the odd wank. If that sort of thing bothers you, then gentle reader pass by, for we endeavor only to entertain, not to offend. That said, if that s the sort of thing you think you might enjoy, then you have happened upon the perfect story!"

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moore at a book signing and was able to get my copy of Fool signed.  I am a sucker for a signed book!  Yes, I am proud to say I was a bit start stuck by him as well.  He has been my favorite author since I first read Lamb and was more than slightly nervous to meet him.  Not only is he my favorite author he is also my measuring stick for all things humorous in literature.  He is beyond funny.  At his signing he spoke for about an hour and then met with everyone to get their books signed.  The hour of him speaking was like sitting in a comedy club, he was absolutely hilarious.

Do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books, any one of this books.  You will not be disappointed.

My rating:  9
Pages:  352
Author website:  http://www.chrismoore.com/