The Jester

Definitely very different for Patterson. It took me a long time to get into the book. First 100 pages were very slow reading. It did pick up and become interesting though. This is not a detective story or even a mystery.

This is a Crusades story about a man trying to find his wife and revenge his sons death and in the process becomes a Jester to the very men that are his enemies.

I picked this book out to read because it was Patterson, and with a title like The Jester, I figured it would be an awesome thriller. Surprise! It was about a peasant, Hugh, who joins the Holy Wars in eleventh-century France, then becomes a jester to survive after returning home with a relic he doesn't realize he has. The plot story was predictable and silly. The only redeeming quality was Hugh's wit and his jokes. They were funny.

I picked this up when I was in my James Patterson phase. I didn't even read the blurb. When I started listening I was surprised that it wasn't a modern setting. It takes place during the Crusades. It is wonderfully written & opened up a whole new genre to me -- historical fiction.

James Patterson is an excellent writer. I enjoy his style and use of words. But...

This was given me by a friend who wasn't too fond of it. I thought I would try and read it. I did and it took a bit. It wasn't the subject, the characters or the story line that made me drag my heels...it was the brutality and way male genitalia was used to for name calling. I realize that the time of the Crusades was a brutal time and men may have been coarse amongst themselves, but it just wasn't something I wanted to read.

I did finish the book and liked the fact that the chapters were short and quick reads. It made it easier than having to struggle through a 30 page chapter of blood and guts.

For me this wasn't as good a read as I would have liked. But show more that doesn't mean I won't read other Patterson works. Like I said...he is a good writer. show less

The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross is not like any book that either of these authors has written. It takes place in Medieval times. There are horrible lords and good farmers. But the bottom line is that James Patterson and Andrew Gross wrote a wonderful tale. Some people can write a book and others can't. These two guys can write. Five stars and a glass of ale raised to a good yarn!

I obviously had no clue about this book. I did a double take the first pages in to make sure it was truly written by the James Patterson. The 11th century, James Patterson? The Crusades, James Patterson? Yeah, but I have read stranger things than this in my time so on I proceeded.

This is written in the typical Patterson format, short chapters with economical writing, which is surely why I continued onward. I have no sense of what Andrew Gross brought to the party, other than perhaps he picked the subject??

As historical fiction, I didn't learn anything earth shattering. I did have to consult my dictionary twice though. The story moves along quickly as do all of Patterson's work. The plot was predictable and the language was quite crude show more at times and
inconsistent as well. show less

Restless innkeeper and faithful husband Hugh De Luc joins The Crusade to gain his freedom. Upon his return, he discovers all that is dear to him inexplicably taken by unknown forces. He begins his thrilling quest to recover his losses and unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping at breakneck speed. A holy relic and the future of an entire fiefdom are at stake as the innkeeper re-invents himself to lead his friends and neighbors against the evil Stephen, duke of Borée. Fifth grade reading level makes this book an easy reader. Lack of authenticity keeps this book well off the list of recommended "historical fictions"!