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The Fool Who Thought Too Much
It's tough to be a buffoon when the Age of Reason is trying to downsize your job. When the King's Fool dies unexpectedly, a professional buffoon tries to move up the ranks and grab the top slot. But the politics involved in becoming a court jester are no laughing matter. The rules of becoming the top fool are simple: The winner is the one who performs the most outrageous act. Our buffoon and his fellows struggle for supremacy in a profession that is heading for extinction.
Ishmael Reed is a playwright, poet, and author of such groundbreaking novels as Mumbo Jumbo and Reckless Eyeballing as well as the best-selling Audible Original Malcolm and Me. Now the acclaimed writer returns to the form that introduced him to reading when he was a child: fairy tales.
Ishmael Reed is a playwright, poet, and author of such groundbreaking novels as Mumbo Jumbo and Reckless Eyeballing as well as the best-selling Audible Original Malcolm and Me. Now the acclaimed writer returns to the form that introduced him to reading when he was a child: fairy tales.
Audio CD
First published November 5, 2020
3 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Ishmael Reed
140 books443 followersIshmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.
Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.
Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 14, 2021
2.5 rounded down...this was off in so many ways, I can't begin to describe. No thank you Audible+ some of the Plusses should come with warning signs. DNF.
I'm already feeling guilty for writing something not nice, but seriously, this was a mishmash that held no redeeming features for me. To add insult to injury, there is even a typo in the title ... thought was shortened to though (is there a librarian in the house?)
If I were Dita I might warn Reed to stay clear of me bearing sharp objects.
I'm already feeling guilty for writing something not nice, but seriously, this was a mishmash that held no redeeming features for me. To add insult to injury, there is even a typo in the title ... thought was shortened to though (is there a librarian in the house?)
If I were Dita I might warn Reed to stay clear of me bearing sharp objects.
October 31, 2021
The Fool who Though To Much by Ishmael Reed, narrated by Adam Lazarre-White listening on Audible, has entertained me much. The story of a French Kings fool, how everything has been tweeted at the end of the story. Five 💫 well done.
January 12, 2025
DA FUCK WAS THIS AND WHY DID I SUBJECT MYSELF TO THIS OFFENSIVE PIECE OF OFFENSIVE SHIT.
Use kf the N word
Mocking different ethnic groups
Mocking different religious groups
I thought it was satire butsadly it isn't.
Use kf the N word
Mocking different ethnic groups
Mocking different religious groups
I thought it was satire butsadly it isn't.
November 18, 2020
Fools fight the liberals. It's in your face, ludicrous, but I find it hilarious, and I'll be sticking to my guns. Steer clear of it if you hate your things rabelaisian.
March 16, 2024
Great short story. Definitely worth the read.
Read
April 18, 2023This is a fable written by Ishmael Reed and involves a fool, living in a kingdom nearing a great upheaval. The fool is looking to move to the castle and be in line to possibly take over the highest rank of court jester, but is leery of the dangers therein. The kingdom is on the cusp of possible revolution (it's kind of the time of the French Revolution, but also entirely fantasy) and the encroaching ideas of the Enlightenment threaten to destroy the traditional ways of the kingdom. If you've read Ishmael Reed much, there's nothing much new here in terms of form. Mythos and fable being spun up into a story, mixed with contemporary history and politics and a few landing jabs on things that annoy Ishmael Reed. Nothing is sacred, and nothing is safe, but as is too often the case, nothing much is said either. The ways in which this works is that it's trying to work along classic lines, but the contemporary references threaten it, but don't sink it. The relatively emptiness of the form itself is less safe.
November 14, 2020
I liked the end. Lots of parallels to current events of today.
November 17, 2020
An enjoyable commentary on current affairs, narrated quite well. Good for an afternoon's reading.
January 5, 2021
A fantastic parable for our political climate. The twists and turns, especially at the end, will stick with you long afterward.
April 4, 2023
Something out of the box, but it got lost in the way.
December 5, 2020
Silly fairytale.
January 14, 2022
A great read, so so deep!
September 27, 2021
3* for a quick, fairly average story. 1 more for a very cleverly done ending.
November 29, 2020
I didn't really get it. Listened at 140% speed to get through the slow narration. I think it's supposed to be satire, but I couldn't get info it.
January 15, 2021
Oooooooooooh BISH!!! 😹🤣🤔😩😳🙌🏽
April 12, 2021
Not sure what rating to give this book.
Not sure how I feel, besides “uhhhh. . . Okaaaay?”
Not sure if I didn’t like it or if I’m just apathetic to it.
Not sure how I feel, besides “uhhhh. . . Okaaaay?”
Not sure if I didn’t like it or if I’m just apathetic to it.
November 19, 2024
Ishmael Reed's "The Fool Who Thought Too Much" is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating novel that offers a unique perspective on human nature, society, and the complexities of the modern world. While the book has its merits, it left me with mixed feelings, hence the 3-star rating.
The Positives
Reed’s writing is undoubtedly clever and engaging. The protagonist's deep intellectual musings and constant reflections on life and society are both humorous and insightful. Reed's signature blend of satire and critique is evident throughout the novel, making readers question their own perspectives on various social and cultural issues. The narrative often dives into profound topics, leaving readers with plenty to ponder.
The characters, particularly the protagonist, are well-developed and multifaceted. Reed does a commendable job of portraying the internal struggles and existential dilemmas faced by a person who thinks perhaps a bit too much. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique flavor to the narrative.
The Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, "The Fool Who Thought Too Much" sometimes feels overly complex and dense. Reed’s penchant for intellectual discourse can occasionally make the narrative feel more like an academic exercise rather than an engaging story. Some parts of the book can be hard to follow, with the protagonist’s constant overthinking leading to a somewhat scattered plot.
Moreover, the book’s pace is uneven. There are moments of brilliance followed by stretches that feel repetitive or drawn-out. Readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative may find themselves struggling to stay engaged through the more convoluted passages.
Conclusion
Overall, "The Fool Who Thought Too Much" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance and offers plenty of food for thought, but it can also be challenging to navigate due to its dense prose and complex themes. For readers who appreciate intellectual satire and are willing to engage deeply with the text, this book can be a rewarding read. However, those looking for a more straightforward and cohesive narrative might find it a bit frustrating.
The Positives
Reed’s writing is undoubtedly clever and engaging. The protagonist's deep intellectual musings and constant reflections on life and society are both humorous and insightful. Reed's signature blend of satire and critique is evident throughout the novel, making readers question their own perspectives on various social and cultural issues. The narrative often dives into profound topics, leaving readers with plenty to ponder.
The characters, particularly the protagonist, are well-developed and multifaceted. Reed does a commendable job of portraying the internal struggles and existential dilemmas faced by a person who thinks perhaps a bit too much. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique flavor to the narrative.
The Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, "The Fool Who Thought Too Much" sometimes feels overly complex and dense. Reed’s penchant for intellectual discourse can occasionally make the narrative feel more like an academic exercise rather than an engaging story. Some parts of the book can be hard to follow, with the protagonist’s constant overthinking leading to a somewhat scattered plot.
Moreover, the book’s pace is uneven. There are moments of brilliance followed by stretches that feel repetitive or drawn-out. Readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative may find themselves struggling to stay engaged through the more convoluted passages.
Conclusion
Overall, "The Fool Who Thought Too Much" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance and offers plenty of food for thought, but it can also be challenging to navigate due to its dense prose and complex themes. For readers who appreciate intellectual satire and are willing to engage deeply with the text, this book can be a rewarding read. However, those looking for a more straightforward and cohesive narrative might find it a bit frustrating.
July 25, 2025
1.5 stars rounded down. idk this felt so like .... underbaked. i got it and i understood it and i felt taken on a journey and i was like there but i also like ... didn't get the point??? i dont know it felt kind of like the object of the book i didn't get. or the critique. i couldnt tell what was being critiqued or for what. i think the points I'm giving is for its feminist stance and reflection on like progressivism vs staying stagnant? the world like semi fully built but it was like based in the past and also jumping back and forth between modern linguistic turns and like old fashioned stuff? it felt like just high fantasy enough that for an audiobook only novel people would be lost in the sauce. idk it was really short and i appreciate that but it could have been longer and like ... the world built better. the wife characters especially (of the MC and the king) felt quite interesting to me and i feel i learned nothing about them. idk. it could have just been. better. i simply dont know. like thats all. points allocated for like a built world and like effort i guess idk.
September 6, 2023
"If you are a fool then you can mock even the King!"
This is the gist of the story. During the times when only those who did not contradict, and praised the the King and the Court could keep their neck intact, the buffoon or the fool were the only who could make fun of the King and the Court, and still get away with it. The imaginary story is set somewhere during the Age of Reason in a French Court where the traditional ideology is threatened by Philosophers of that time.
So what if a Philosopher becomes a Fool to mock the Court and the King, to challenge old ideas with new? And what happens if a Fool ends up becoming a Philosopher? Will he still get to keep his neck?
It is quick read and the initial part did bring an excitement which died out, more or less, by the end of the story.
This is the gist of the story. During the times when only those who did not contradict, and praised the the King and the Court could keep their neck intact, the buffoon or the fool were the only who could make fun of the King and the Court, and still get away with it. The imaginary story is set somewhere during the Age of Reason in a French Court where the traditional ideology is threatened by Philosophers of that time.
So what if a Philosopher becomes a Fool to mock the Court and the King, to challenge old ideas with new? And what happens if a Fool ends up becoming a Philosopher? Will he still get to keep his neck?
It is quick read and the initial part did bring an excitement which died out, more or less, by the end of the story.
October 25, 2024
Unfortunately, this audiobook didn’t quite meet my expectations. While I appreciated some of Reed’s clever commentary and wit, the overall narrative felt disjointed and hard to follow. The transitions between different ideas and themes were abrupt, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The narration also didn’t do the book any favors. The pacing felt off, and the delivery lacked the energy and nuance needed to bring Reed’s complex ideas to life. As a result, I found myself losing interest and zoning out frequently. There were moments where Reed’s unique voice and social commentary shone through, but they were too few and far between to salvage the experience for me. Overall, I found the audiobook disappointing and struggled to finish it.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
December 23, 2022
#TheFoolWhoThoughtTooMuch #IshmaelReed
A delightful satire! A short, wise, burlesque book! Reading it was akin to having lots of clove and cardamom after a sumptuous meal!
The book is set around the time of Marie Antoinette. But, it speaks of corporate/ political leaders even of today. Their shenanigans, temper tantrums, self indulgences and self love, excesses, fickleness, vendetta, obsession with self image- nothing has changed over the centuries.
An old, lazy, vain and decadent king who spends more time with the court jester than his own wife. A professional fool climbing the success ladder until he meets his fate, and how! And, his wife, the enlightened, intelligent woman who reads and eschews trappings of wealth. Advent of wisdom. Exit vulgarity.
A delightful satire! A short, wise, burlesque book! Reading it was akin to having lots of clove and cardamom after a sumptuous meal!
The book is set around the time of Marie Antoinette. But, it speaks of corporate/ political leaders even of today. Their shenanigans, temper tantrums, self indulgences and self love, excesses, fickleness, vendetta, obsession with self image- nothing has changed over the centuries.
An old, lazy, vain and decadent king who spends more time with the court jester than his own wife. A professional fool climbing the success ladder until he meets his fate, and how! And, his wife, the enlightened, intelligent woman who reads and eschews trappings of wealth. Advent of wisdom. Exit vulgarity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
So much potential....
There were simply too many small stories that continued to splinter off. It was very frustrating, underdeveloped, and choppy. It was a bit like playing that Carnival game, "Bop-A-Mole", never knowing where the next one will pop up.
I don't recommend this book at this point.
Note to author; Ishmael Reed- I was hooked and awaiting the story to take off after the king's fool gave his views to all the others prior to what happened. What you accomplished in that juncture was nothing short of pure brilliance! That was a 5 star performance! I thought THAT was riveting and itself could be turned into a book. 👍 I hope you continue something more along those lines. 🤞
There were simply too many small stories that continued to splinter off. It was very frustrating, underdeveloped, and choppy. It was a bit like playing that Carnival game, "Bop-A-Mole", never knowing where the next one will pop up.
I don't recommend this book at this point.
Note to author; Ishmael Reed- I was hooked and awaiting the story to take off after the king's fool gave his views to all the others prior to what happened. What you accomplished in that juncture was nothing short of pure brilliance! That was a 5 star performance! I thought THAT was riveting and itself could be turned into a book. 👍 I hope you continue something more along those lines. 🤞
February 13, 2025
A lame shallow satire about"The Fool Who Thought Too Much" tries to be clever, but mostly lands with a thud. The satire feels forced and heavy-handed, like being poked in the ribs repeatedly with a stale joke. While the premise of a jester challenging the king has potential, Reed's execution feels rushed and underdeveloped. The characters are mostly caricatures, lacking depth, and the social commentary, though present, is delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Ultimately, this short novella feels more like a missed opportunity than a sharp piece of satire. It's a quick read, thankfully, but not one that leaves much of an impression beyond a vague sense of "meh."
May 9, 2022
It is a short read, but not a quick read. What appears as a short tale set in the times of monarchy, and possibly around the French Revolution, is actually a commentary on current times. There are so many layers that reading this book quickly is a disservice to the work of the author. The author touches upon everything from politics, to social classes to feminism, to interpersonal relationships while maintaining a narrative. The unexpected twist in the end, left me guffawing and feeling a teeny bit sorry for the protagonist. Only a teeny bit though.
January 2, 2023
I didn’t make it through the 2022 Read Harder challenges, so here’s to another go at it for 2023. This has been sitting in my Audible queue for a while, and works for the challenge to listen to an audiobook written by an author of color and read by a person of color. A fairy tale of the struggle between Enlightenment ideals and a corrupted world, it’s a thinly veiled satire on the Puritanism of political correctness and cancel culture, picking up on threads woven into “The Haunting of Lin-Manuel Miranda.” Reed’s brand of 360-degree iconoclasm is always right on target.
July 5, 2022
This audible original story follows a professional fool during the transition to the Enlightenment period in Europe. The decision to focus closely on a character who you would think would be the foil to the leaders of this knew movement. But with sound rebuttals and counter arguments, you cannot help but wonder who is the real fool.
A quick listen. Great for cleaning to. Definitely something else.
A quick listen. Great for cleaning to. Definitely something else.
March 16, 2024
I appreciate what the author wanted to do, social critism in the form of the life of a court jester, and the satire was spot on in some places.
The story does come full circle when the main character becomes the court jester but the king dies and he has to entertain the queen, instead, the same woman he slapped to get the position of jester.
That said, the narration was incredibly slow and the story itself was rather boring, despite being so short.
The story does come full circle when the main character becomes the court jester but the king dies and he has to entertain the queen, instead, the same woman he slapped to get the position of jester.
That said, the narration was incredibly slow and the story itself was rather boring, despite being so short.
February 23, 2022
the story grew on me as it went along. it bogged down in places and threatened me to give up on it. but I despise not finishing a book I start. so, the story alone had some quality to me. Like a fable in a way. the performance, however, was like being read a story by a monotone automaton. sluggish and droning.
April 21, 2022
The story that missed the punch
This was an honest to god I am not sure how I felt kind of story. It's based on kind of a fairy tale setting but much more political in the underlying cryptic metaphors which was intriguing to me but failed to meet my expectations at the end.
Still there were lots of positive aspect in this typical counterintutive fable with a jibe at extreme liberal views.
This was an honest to god I am not sure how I felt kind of story. It's based on kind of a fairy tale setting but much more political in the underlying cryptic metaphors which was intriguing to me but failed to meet my expectations at the end.
Still there were lots of positive aspect in this typical counterintutive fable with a jibe at extreme liberal views.
December 14, 2020
Quick and fun listen! Didn't read much about the synopsis before downloading this so I was pleasantly surprised with the setting. Normally I wouldn't go for this type of story. The characters are hilarious and the ending was perfectly executed (pun intended 😉).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews