Title: Fool
Author: Christopher Moore
First published February 10, 2009
311 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060590314 (ISBN10: 0060590319)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
“Get ready for a new perspective on William Shakespeare’s King Lear in Christopher Moore’s best-selling novel Fool. Follow the hilarious misadventures of Pocket, the jester of the foolish liege, as he navigates through the world of “gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity.” Moore’s masterful satiric wit and twisted genius will leave you laughing out loud and declaring him a modern-day comedic genius.
A must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh, especially those who appreciate bawdy humor and a fresh take on classic literature.”
About the Author
Meet Christopher Moore, an American author known for his unique style of writing that falls under the genre of absurdist fiction. Moore spent his childhood in Mansfield, OH, and pursued his education at Ohio State University and Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.
Moore’s novels are a delight to read as they feature ordinary individuals who find themselves caught up in extraordinary and often supernatural situations. He draws inspiration from literary greats like John Steinbeck, whose humanistic approach he admires, and Kurt Vonnegut, whose absurdism he emulates.
It’s no wonder that Moore has become a best-selling author with a massive following of devoted fans.
Editoral Review
Christopher Moore’s Fool, a satirical take on Shakespeare’s King Lear, is not for the faint of heart. Known for his irreverent humor and boundary-pushing storylines, Moore tackles a classic tragedy with his trademark wit and absurdity.
First published in 2009, Fool is the perfect combination of comedy and tragedy, a modern update that stays true to the original source material while adding Moore’s unique twist. The book is set in the kingdom of Brittany, where the aging King Lear is in the process of dividing his kingdom between his three daughters.
However, his decision to disinherit his youngest child, Cordelia, sets into motion a series of events that leads to betrayal, madness, and ultimately, tragedy. Enter Pocket, Lear’s jester, who, with his quick wit, cunning, and occasional moments of bawdiness, tries to protect the king from his own misguided decisions.
Moore’s imaginative take on Shakespeare’s classic is peppered with humor, sex, and violence that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The book is flush with Moore’s signature style of humor, a blend of irreverent satire and absurdity that will leave readers laughing and cringing in equal measure.
At its core, Fool explores themes of power, family, and the corrupting influence of ambition. Lear’s own downfall is due to his unchecked ambition and his inability to see the truth behind the deceitful words of his eldest daughters.
Meanwhile, Pocket struggles with his duty to the king and his loyalty to his own morals and values, ultimately leading to a dramatic clash between the two. Despite the book’s bawdiness and humor, it also sheds light on serious topics such as toxic masculinity, sexual assault, incest, and mental illness, all of which are present in the original play.
Moore’s ability to weave these themes into the narrative without losing the essence of Shakespeare’s tragedy is one of his greatest strengths. While some may argue that Moore’s humor detracts from the seriousness of Shakespeare’s original storyline, the author does an excellent job of balancing the irreverent with the touching, providing a fresh take on an old classic.
In terms of weaknesses, some may find the book’s explicit sexual content and crude humor off-putting, and there are moments where the story borders on the absurd. However, these elements are integral to Moore’s style and are ultimately what make the book so memorable and unique.
Overall, Fool is an entertaining and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of Shakespeare, as well as readers who enjoy dark humor and satire. Despite its flaws, the book is a strong testament to Christopher Moore’s writing prowess, and his ability to infuse Shakespeare’s classic with humor, depth, and absurdity.
I give Fool a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its strong character development, engaging plot, and clever writing style. While not a perfect read, it is still one that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
