'Fool'ish Novel Really a Smart Read
Samson Felshman
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: Arts & Culture
"Fool," the latest Christopher Moore novel, blends a comic sensibility fit for our times with the classic wit of Shakespeare. The humor and accessibility combined with the involved story lines and drama of the past creates a work of art that brings the classic play "King Lear" from the 12th century into the 21st Century while standing on its own.
The book follows a short jester named Pocket, whose dimwit apprentice, Drool, follows him around, providing the perfect comedic foil. Between ravishing young maidens (most notably princesses) and insulting every person within sight, Pocket also displays a great deal of tenderness and affection for the king's youngest daughter, Cordelia. The plot is similar to Shakespeare's classic "King Lear," but differs in some ways - Moore said that he used inspiration from more than a dozen of Shakespeare's plays to write it. "King Lear" is a tragedy, but Moore approaches it like a comedy. From the jester's point of view, even the most serious parts of the story can be cast in a comic light. Every good comedy also contains drama, and in "Fool" that aspect is unusually well developed because of the tragedy at its roots.
The book is vibrant. Shakespeare's works are enjoyable now but were written in a different time, without the feel of the current century. Moore's book adds a heaping touch of sarcasm, yet still retains the emotion of the tragedy. Casting the book through the jester's eyes was a smart move - it keeps the audience entertained by his antics even when the plot takes dark turns. While Shakespeare's "King Lear" is more scholarly, Moore is current and, frankly, much easier to read. Fool is worth your time, especially if you've liked previous Moore books. If you haven't read him, it's an excellent place to start.
The book follows a short jester named Pocket, whose dimwit apprentice, Drool, follows him around, providing the perfect comedic foil. Between ravishing young maidens (most notably princesses) and insulting every person within sight, Pocket also displays a great deal of tenderness and affection for the king's youngest daughter, Cordelia. The plot is similar to Shakespeare's classic "King Lear," but differs in some ways - Moore said that he used inspiration from more than a dozen of Shakespeare's plays to write it. "King Lear" is a tragedy, but Moore approaches it like a comedy. From the jester's point of view, even the most serious parts of the story can be cast in a comic light. Every good comedy also contains drama, and in "Fool" that aspect is unusually well developed because of the tragedy at its roots.
The book is vibrant. Shakespeare's works are enjoyable now but were written in a different time, without the feel of the current century. Moore's book adds a heaping touch of sarcasm, yet still retains the emotion of the tragedy. Casting the book through the jester's eyes was a smart move - it keeps the audience entertained by his antics even when the plot takes dark turns. While Shakespeare's "King Lear" is more scholarly, Moore is current and, frankly, much easier to read. Fool is worth your time, especially if you've liked previous Moore books. If you haven't read him, it's an excellent place to start.
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