Fool
I read both this and Bill's actual King Lear in conjunction, a method that I would highly recommend, never-mind that I can no longer mentally separate the two from each other.
Fool follows the same events as King Lear (or just about) and gives a very strong argument for the real main character in the play being the fool, Pocket. In this adaptation, Pocket is the source behind every conflict, wittingly or no.
It's very crude (see Warning*) and that's all I can really say, but be prepared for sharp-witted repartée, gruesomely graphic narration, and "heinous fuckery most foul".
Anyway, if anyone ever asks me my opinion on King Lear and I happen to mention terrible codpieces or Princess Goneril's fondness for spanking, all blame lies solely on this novel.
*Warning: 'This is a bawdy tale. Herein you will find gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity, as well as non-traditional grammar, split infinitives, and the odd wank. If that sort of thing bothers you, then gentle reader pass by, for we endeavor only to entertain, not to offend. That said, if that’s the sort of thing you think you might enjoy, then you have happened upon the perfect story!'
-Christopher Moore
