The Serpent of Venice

A Novel

By: Christopher Moore

Narrated by: Euan Morton

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Christopher Moore channels William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe in this satiric Venetian gothic featuring the irresistibly mischievous Pocket, the eponymous hero of Fool.

Venice, a really long time ago: Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy from Britain who also happens to be a favorite of the Doge: The rascal-Fool Pocket. This trio of cunning plotters have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising a spirited evening. Their invitation is, of course, bogus. These scoundrels have something far less amusing planned for the man who has consistently foiled their quest for power and wealth. But this Fool is no fool.…

Once again, Christopher Moore delivers a rousing literary satire: A dramedy mash-up rich with delights, including (but not limited to): Foul plots; counterplots; true love; jealousy; murder; betrayal; revenge; codpieces; a pound of flesh; occasional debauchery; and water (lots of water). Not to mention a cast Shakespeare himself would be proud of: Shylock; Iago; Othello; a bunch of other guys whose names end in o; a trio of comely wenches; the brilliant Fool; his large sidekick, Drool; Jeff, the pet monkey; a lovesick sea serpent; and a ghost (yes, there’s always a bloody ghost).

Wickedly witty and outrageously inventive, The Serpent of Venice pays cheeky homage to the Bard and illuminates the absurdity of the human condition as only Christopher Moore can.

©2014 Christopher Moore (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Great for those who love the Bard and those unfami

I know my Shakespeare and the way he blends everything makes it incredibly enjoying for scholars as well as those unfamiliar with the texts, the hubby.

Love it!

I chose this book at first simply because I enjoy Christopher Moore. I have read at least 5 of his books over the years and randomly chose this to be the next. I had no idea that it would be a mesh of Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare, but was delighted when I recognized bits of "The Cask of Amantillado," "Othello," and "The Merchant of Venice." I had recently see Othello performed and was taking to a friend about Merchant. I decided to brush up on King Lear too because I don't remember if I had to read that one in High School. I have learned so many new and colorful ways to curse now, thanks to Pocket. I cannot tell you how many times I laughed out loud while driving down the road listening to this story. I am going to listen to Moore's "Fool" next.
I also love the narrator. This is the second book that I have listed to done by Euan Mortinson and he did an amazing job trying to keep all of those voices straight.

Best Narrator Ever!

What about Euan Morton’s performance did you like?

Clever story vastly enhanced by a tremendous narrator. I've been listening to recorded books for almost 20 years and this is one of the best readings I've heard. Euan Morton should win an Audie, a Grammy, and any other awards possible for this performance. I can't imagine enjoying this book as much in the written word.

Another Delight by my Favorite Author

Smart and funny. Another gem. Don't be afraid to get it just because you know little Shakespeare. Love Christopher Moore!

Best narrator ever brings the story to life

I have been a long-time audible member, and as I travel a great deal for my job, i consume audio books frequently. I read Christopher Moore many years ago in book form, and when I saw this new book had come out, I tried it.

For many books, the audio book version is about equivalent to reading the book in paper form (for me, anyway) except that I can drive while doing it. There are great narrators, and most of the books I have listened to are delightful.

This audio book is the perfect pairing of great, enjoyable story and narrator that seems to have been born for this part. Mr. Morton brought this wonderful story to life in ways that left me amazed. He is truly gifted and I will seek out his other books. You *MUST* experience this pairing. Words, alas, do not do the experience justice!

Brilliant melding story

Christopher Moore has loosely woven a brilliant story from various sources.... Shakespeare & Poe at least, bound with threads of history. The narrator did an excellent job....I only wish "Chorus" want so completely irritating.

This is my second listen, where I acquired a much better appreciation for the story. The continuity of characters between Fool and Serpent made me happy because I love Pocket and Drool and, of course the small part of Jeff.

Good Bard-Poking Fun

Superbly skilled narrator illuminating another one of Moore's farcical satires that takes some legitimate jibes at Shakespeare and also makes some cross-literary stretches just for the hell of it. He couldn't resist a few contemporary parallel jokes and the story follows a similar trajectory to his other novels. All-in-all a satisfying read and addition to Moore's irreverent canon.

A Jew, a monkey and a Fool walk into a bar (and I really thought the Fool would have ducked).

I have loved Christopher Moore's writing since the opening sentence of the first book I read: Lamb. He manages to capture each of his characters personality beautifully, and weave them into a storyline full of politically incorrect and deliciously offensive comedy. If you enjoy Shakespeare, and the sharp tongue of a high-spirited Fool this is a great read for you.

Euan Morton does a remarkable job narrating. Great stories can fall flat if not read by an appropriate narrator, and Morton has just become one of my favorites thus far.

Wonderful Story!

I love the comical twist of his integration and retelling of Shakespeare’s plays... the voice actor did a wonderful job portraying the characters! :)

Interesting twist on a classic

I didn't realize that this was based loosely on a classic but enjoyed the story all the same, great narration and characters. Christopher Moore does not disappoint.