Venice, a long time ago. Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy from the Queen of Britain: 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 sprits 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. Greed, revenge, deception, lust, and a giant (but lovable) sea monster combine to create another hilarious and bawdy tale from modern comic genius, Christopher Moore.
I have been a huge fan of Christopher Moore for years, so when I saw this available, I snapped it up. Sadly, I must say it is *not* one of his better books.
Pocket is back, though without his sidekick Drool and pet monkey Jeff for most of the book. In 'Serpent of Venice', Pocket is busy getting mostly dead, working with Othello, and saving a Jewess. Among other things. Oh, and revenge (as is common is most Shakespeare related writing) is a main component of the story.
I really didn't find the humor in this book. One of the things I have always enjoyed about Moore's books is the sly sense of humor that often makes terrifically valid points. I didn't really feel that in this book - and even the humor that existed felt...forced. Honestly, if you are just now starting to read Moore, I would start with Lamb or Fluke - both far better books.
