Book Review: I, Iago: A Novel

Title: I, Iago: A Novel
Author: Nicole Galland
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Book: Paperback, 400 pages
Buy: Amazon.com

Synopsis:
           From Nicole Galland, acclaimed author of The Fool's Tale, comes a marvelous evocation of a distant time and place . . . and a breathtaking reexamination of one of literature's classic villains

           From earliest childhood, the precocious boy called Iago had inconvenient tendencies toward honesty—a failing that made him an embarrassment to his family and an outcast in the corrupt culture of glittering Renaissance Venice. Embracing military life as an antidote to the frippery of Venetian society, Iago won the love of the beautiful Emilia and the regard of Venice's revered General Othello. After years of abuse and rejection, Iago was poised to achieve everything he had ever fought for and dreamed of . . .

         But a cascade of unexpected deceptions propels him on a catastrophic quest for righteous vengeance, contorting his moral compass until he has betrayed his closest friends and family, and sealed his own fate as one of the most notorious villains of all time.

         Inspired by William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Othello—a timeless tale of friendship and treachery, love and jealousy—Galland's I, Iago sheds fascinating new light on a complex soul, and on the conditions and fateful events that helped to create a monster.

Review:
         This novel grabbed me right from the very start. The story of Iago as a boy and then a man in miliary life in Venice is enthralling and adventerous. He meets a beautiful woman, becomes the General's best friend and confidant, and seems to have the world at his feet. But jealousy and desire take over his life and affects everything that is dear to him and the ending is as Shakespearean as you can get.
         I loved how the novel was put together and that it was told from Iago's point of view. The detail and imagery were very descriptive and it took me to Renaissance Venice every time I picked it up. Some people think it's easy to retell a story that's already been told, but to do it from another angle and enhance it as much as the author did takes skill.
          I love the descriptions of the masquerade balls and how Iago never let society change who he was or how he acted. Imagining how daunting and intimidating Othello must have seemed to everyone else was an important aspect of the story. He totally rattles Venice society but soon after earns their love and respect. All the events that transpired afterwards made this a page turner.
          I highly recommend this book to Shakespeare fans, historical fiction afficianados, or anyone who wants to be taken back in time to a shiny, elegant, and militaristic Venice. This is definitely a book to keep and cherish for a long time. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to create this review. The opinions expressed are of my own. Thank you to Trish at TLC Book Tours.