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

Clever, irreverent, and bawdy - the triple crown!

Christopher Moore is no fool. He's one of the funniest and (only in the best way) sickest writers who ever penned a Shakespeare spoof. To get the most of this one I think one needs a passing recollection of a couple of Shakespeare plays (Merchant of Venice, Othello) throw in some Poe (Cask of Amontillado), a 1950's monster flick, and the willingness to listen to some junior high school humor spoken in a British accent and you've got the perfect way to giggle through an afternoon. Careful not to drink anything while you're listening - - I almost coughed up a lung full of coffee onto my iPad. Oh, and if you want to go in order, pick up Fool by Christopher Moore first, then go here. Great fun.

Brilliant narration. Fun book.

First, let me say that there is not a better narrator than Euan Morton. There are piles of characters in this book and he handles them all masterfully.

I have a sort of love/hate thing for Moore's books -- some I read over and over and others I can't finish. I thought this one was quite good with many laugh-out-loud lines that had people staring at me at the gym. If you decide to get the book, here's a recommendation: when they read the cast of characters at the beginning, write it down.

Fun if you know Poe & Shakespeare

What did you love best about The Serpent of Venice?

At the time of listening to the book, I was teaching "Cask of Amontillado." Never once had I imagined a scenario where Fortunato/the Fool/Pocket escapes. Although the work is more Shakespeare than Poe, I liked the idea of it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think the only answer here has to be Pocket, but I liked Jessica, too. I wasn't crazy about the mermaid/dragon/beast that is the serpent, but...

What about Euan Morton’s performance did you like?

Great voice!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Because I know the works used, I had fun picking out the references.

Any additional comments?

The beast is used too much and too easily to solve problems.

A case for reading

I now know that sometimes with British accents & so much tomfoolery I’m better off reading the book. I loved Fool & I feel if I had read rather than listen I’d loved this one too. British accents tend to make me wonder off because their lyrical white noise quality. Between that & the action, dialogue, etc I stayed kind off lost to the bigger on goings. With that being said, I did laugh out loud & the narrator does a great job animating & projecting the larger than life antics & shenanigans.

Hilarious and Bawdy - as Christopher Moore Can Be

Would you listen to The Serpent of Venice again? Why?

I loved the Serpent of Venice. Cristopher Moore can tell a fun bawdy tale. I liked it so much that I then bought and listened to the previous edition in the series - Fool.

What did you like best about this story?

Completely bawdy take on the Merchant of Venice

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh like crazy!

Any additional comments?

You have to like Bawdy to like this book. If you have listened or read to Lamb, I highly recommend it. It's the first Cristopher Moore book I read.

Welcome back Pocket

First agree with me that Dan Brown will never write another book as good as Da Vinci Code, Therefore Moore will never write anything as odd as The Gospil according to Biff. Doesnt mean that we should not listen to the new books they write. It was a welcome break to listen to Pocket and all of his mayhem. So much fun to listen to. I found myself laughing out loud in my car as I would listen to his silly nonsense. Enjoy it - I have a feeling Pocket will return in another adventure. I hope he does. Right ! Cheers !

Rolicking, clever, and funny

Fans of Fool will not be disappointed by this worthy successor, marked by clever and filthy repartee, twists and turns of plot, and Shakespearean villains and heroes to spare.

What a joy!

I loved everything about this book. It was clever, hilarious, dirty, and oddly romantic. Christopher Moore never disappoints.

another amazing Christopher Moore

The Narrator was amazing. The story was hilarious and a perfect sequel to Fool. I absolutely loved it!

Another great listen from

The author and narrator of Fool. If you like a witty Shakespeare Mashup this is for you.