First published 2009
Pocket serves as court jester to King Lear, a foolish monarch whose poor judgment threatens to destroy his kingdom. When Lear banishes his youngest daughter Cordelia and divides his realm between her manipulative sisters, Pocket watches the royal family tear itself apart through greed and betrayal. The clever fool navigates a world of political scheming, violent revenge, and sexual intrigue while trying to protect those he cares about. As nobles plot against each other and madness spreads through the court, Pocket uses his wit and insider knowledge to survive the chaos. Moore transforms Shakespeare's tragic tale into a bawdy comedy filled with crude humor, unexpected twists, and irreverent observations about power and human nature. The story follows Pocket as he witnesses murders, participates in schemes, and attempts to find meaning in a world where loyalty proves dangerous and wisdom often appears as folly.
Genres: fiction, historical-fiction, fantasy, comedy
Vibes: bawdy, irreverent, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, political-machinations, survival
Setting: Kingdom
Period: Medieval
311 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins William Morrow
Content warnings: violence