The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore
352 pages, Paperback
Published February 2015, William Morrow and Company
Source: provided by publisher for review, TLC Book Tours
About the Book
New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore channels William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe in The Serpent of Venice, a satiric Venetian gothic that brings back the Pocket of Dog Snogging, the eponymous hero of Fool, along with his sidekick, Drool, and pet monkey, Jeff.
Venice, a long time ago. Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy of Britain and France, and widower of the murdered Queen Cordelia: the rascal Fool Pocket.
This trio of cunning plotters--the merchant, Antonio; the senator, Montressor Brabantio; and the naval officer, Iago--have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising an evening of spirits and debauchery with a rare Amontillado sherry and Brabantio's beautiful daughter, Portia.
But their invitation is, of course, bogus. The wine is drugged. The girl isn't even in the city limits. Desperate to rid themselves once and for all of the man who has consistently foiled their grand quest for power and wealth, they have lured him to his death. (How can such a small man, be such a huge obstacle?). But this Fool is no fool . . . and he's got more than a few tricks (and hand gestures) up his sleeve.
My Review
I have a limited history with Christopher Moore books, but the one I have read I loved. You Suck was hilarious and fun. It made me excited to read this book that was published last year. (It is now available in Paperback.)
Not sure if you know, but I love Shakespeare and Poe. Who doesn't? So how cool that this book draws on these two great writers? A little Merchant of Venice, a little Cask of Amontillado...
I understand the characters are from another Moore book, Fool, which I have not read. I was worried I would be lost having not read it, but I wasn't. So, no need to read that one first if you haven't already. You can if you like, though.
This book was fun...reminded me a bit of Monty Python. Similar absurdist, satirical humor. I really enjoyed it.
Not sure if you know, but I love Shakespeare and Poe. Who doesn't? So how cool that this book draws on these two great writers? A little Merchant of Venice, a little Cask of Amontillado...
I understand the characters are from another Moore book, Fool, which I have not read. I was worried I would be lost having not read it, but I wasn't. So, no need to read that one first if you haven't already. You can if you like, though.
This book was fun...reminded me a bit of Monty Python. Similar absurdist, satirical humor. I really enjoyed it.
About the Author
Christopher Moore (born 1957 in Toledo, Ohio) is an American writer of absurdist fiction. He grew up in Mansfield, OH, and attended Ohio State University and Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.
Moore's novels typically involve conflicted everyman characters suddenly struggling through supernatural or extraordinary circumstances. Inheriting a humanism from his love of John Steinbeck and a sense of the absurd from Kurt Vonnegut, Moore is a best-selling author with major cult status.
For more info on the book and author visit his WEBSITE.
Buy the Book
I have yet to read Christopher Moore. I need to give him a try.
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