The Merchant of Venice - Rambling Readers

English language

Published June 1, 1999 by Project Gutenberg.

(1 review)

In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth-century Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio's business falters, repayment becomes impossible--and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. Portia cleverly intervenes, and all ends well (except of course for Shylock).

51 editions

Sean Randall reviewed The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Review of 'The Merchant of Venice' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

With all the open, Australian warmth of [a:Graham Storrs|954665|Graham Storrs|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1284027463p2/954665.jpg] and the hugely enjoyable moral entreaties of [a:E.C. Myers |6549512|Maggi Myers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1432753143p2/6549512.jpg], [a:Brett Battles|463227|Brett Battles|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1349382164p2/463227.jpg] and [a:Kristen Simmons |4692856|Kristen Simmons|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1403663023p2/4692856.jpg] and their ilk, this was a brilliantly inventive, unaccountably captivating joy from start to finish. Not that the subject matter was particularly pleasant to read about, but what an absolutely riveting cocktail of science fiction and caution. I don't think I've enjoyed a book so clearly sending a message about corporate greed, corruption and murder before. There were parts where the message perhaps overshot the story, but overall I think I found Jo's exploits as engaging as that of her futuristic audience.

I'd have no qualms about recommending this to science fiction fans, those who enjoy thrillers, or in fact anyone who wants to read a proper, engaging story with real people you can believe in. It's a great, all-round novel …

With all the open, Australian warmth of [a:Graham Storrs|954665|Graham Storrs|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1284027463p2/954665.jpg] and the hugely enjoyable moral entreaties of [a:E.C. Myers |6549512|Maggi Myers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1432753143p2/6549512.jpg], [a:Brett Battles|463227|Brett Battles|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1349382164p2/463227.jpg] and [a:Kristen Simmons |4692856|Kristen Simmons|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1403663023p2/4692856.jpg] and their ilk, this was a brilliantly inventive, unaccountably captivating joy from start to finish. Not that the subject matter was particularly pleasant to read about, but what an absolutely riveting cocktail of science fiction and caution. I don't think I've enjoyed a book so clearly sending a message about corporate greed, corruption and murder before. There were parts where the message perhaps overshot the story, but overall I think I found Jo's exploits as engaging as that of her futuristic audience.

I'd have no qualms about recommending this to science fiction fans, those who enjoy thrillers, or in fact anyone who wants to read a proper, engaging story with real people you can believe in. It's a great, all-round novel and without doubt one of the best in its category.