By: Christopher Moore
Fool is an updated and comedic version of William Shakespeare's tragedy "King Lear" written from the point of view of Lear's fool, Pocket. Although the story centers around various occurrences in the tragic play, the narrative also includes new events that happen in Pocket's life, as well as flashbacks to his upbringing in a nunnery. The book changes the ending of the famous play, and thankfully, the innocently scorned daughter of King Lear (Cordelia) is allowed to survive, inherit rule of France and marry Pocket. Christopher Moore is courteous enough to caution his readers almost immediately that he plans to turn Shakespeare's brilliant work into a shamelessly debauched churl's tale. That being said, he is absolutely hilarious. The book is chock full of sex, murder and just about anything unsavory. It's a riotous good read, and a quick one at that. I couldn't put it down. Despite being a bit taken back by the amount of profanity used, I felt myself giving some merit to this new perspective of Shakespeare's play. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Shakespeare and who needs to have a few good laughs, even if it is at the bard's expense. Review by Sarah. (Fiction) 07/19/09
