I, Iago

May 01, 2012 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: era-renaissance, favorites, heroine-amazing, historicals, mood-bittersweet, mood-dark-and-twisted, mood-evocative, place-europe, place-italy, secret-identities, skeletons-in-the-closet

It's pretty ballsy to take one of Shakespeare's most famous characters and write a novel about him from his viewpoint, and there are tons of opportunities to make a horrible misstep. However, Nicole Galland's novel about Iago is awesome. It's straight up a great read: a meaty historical that is rich with detail but doesn't drown the reader, thick with evocative characters and exotic locales, dramatic plot and wonderful writing. Being unfamiliar with Othello isn't a problem, as Galland's story is...more It's pretty ballsy to take one of Shakespeare's most famous characters and write a novel about him from his viewpoint, and there are tons of opportunities to make a horrible misstep. However, Nicole Galland's novel about Iago is awesome. It's straight up a great read: a meaty historical that is rich with detail but doesn't drown the reader, thick with evocative characters and exotic locales, dramatic plot and wonderful writing. Being unfamiliar with Othello isn't a problem, as Galland's story is set squarely with Iago, and we're with him from his youth through to the horrible, tragic end.

Set in Renaissance Venice, we meet Iago, the redundant fifth son of prosperous silk merchant, gifted to the military when his older brother dies in a stupid accident. Blunt Iago, too honest to be a politician or merchant, finds a place for himself in the bare, rough work of soldiering, and in that, he finds honor, notoriety, and some fame. Galland's characterization of Iago was what sold the book for me; from the first page, I knew exactly who he was. I'm super picky about being told a character has x attribute but never see the author demonstrate that; in this book, Iago is known for his bare honesty, his grouchy wit, and his monstrous intelligence, and Galland shows that over and over again. If you like bad boys, you're going to love Galland's Iago. I was charmed by him; I felt sympathy for him. I even admired him.

As a historical novel, this satisfies: Galland articulates the dramatic, artificial world of upper class Venice, the ponderous boredom of Italian infantry, and best of all, Venetian celebrations. Costumes, foods, architecture -- rich descriptions that helped me escape cold, rainy Boston.

And the end, oh, the end. I knew how things would shake out since I'm familiar with Othello, but following Galland's Iago to the inevitable was heartbreaking -- even if he was a monster.

I didn't anticipate loving this book as much as I did since I far prefer to follow women rather than men and I'm a big wimp about violence toward women. And yet, Galland's character study was so fleshed out and human, I was captivated -- mesmerized -- by Iago, and I had to know what happened. I had to know why. Her supposition, her imagining of the world and circumstances that drove Iago to do what he did made sense to me, felt real to me, and still left me shocked and devastated. (In, of course, the best way, the way a really good book can do -- and make one feel grateful for the experience!)(less)

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Mar 03, 2012 Eileen Granfors rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: classic, families, friendship, highly-unusual, historical-fiction, marriage, men, psychological-thriller, updated-classics, war

Nicole Galland has accomplished what I was hoping to find in her novel, "I, Iago" unlike the previously published book by David Snodin, called "Iago." If you are looking for an answer to Iago's villainy, Galland provides more answers.

Iago narrates "I, Iago." We see him as the son with no appointed place in a highly structured Venetian society. Just when he decides to join the navy, he is sent to train to become a soldier. Soldiering agrees with him far more than he guessed it would.

Then he meets...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Daniel Namie rated it 5 of 5 stars

“I am honest Iago, and I ask you: might not you be dishonest with yourself?”

--I, Iago by Nicole Galland

I, Iago is a contemporary rendition of the tragic Shakespearean play Othello. I, Iago was written in the first-person through the perspective of the great “honest Iago.” In summary, the character Iago is the antagonist in the play Othello whose deception leads to the tragedy’s conclusion. Interestingly, readers have admired Iago’s mischievous antics for hundreds of years, because Shakespeare’s...more “I am honest Iago, and I ask you: might not you be dishonest with yourself?”

--I, Iago by Nicole Galland

I, Iago is a contemporary rendition of the tragic Shakespearean play Othello. I, Iago was written in the first-person through the perspective of the great “honest Iago.” In summary, the character Iago is the antagonist in the play Othello whose deception leads to the tragedy’s conclusion. Interestingly, readers have admired Iago’s mischievous antics for hundreds of years, because Shakespeare’s universal characteristic of the self-proclaimed honest Iago portrays a glimpse into every man’s true conscious.

In other words, every man endures injustices everyday. The injustices may range from office politics to being passed over for promotion to someone stealing a handkerchief. Within every injustice a man feels a need to rectify that injustice with a slightly harsher form of punishment. In essence, a man wants to seek revenge. In the end, Iago proves to be that man that every man wish we could be.

Iago is a man of action. For example, the Moor of Venice promoted the inexperienced Michele Cassio to lieutenant over the battled proven Iago. Feeling sympathetic for Iago being passed-up for promotion, the reader starts to approve of his acts of deception and deceit in order to avenge the injustice.

In the story, Iago’s wife, Emilia, and other patrician thought Iago was the logical man for the job. This reigns so true in life. Everyday people are wrongfully passed-up for promotions. And each and everyday those thoughts of revenge conjure in one’s conscious to seek revenge upon the boss for promoting the ass-kissing new guy over the experience and reliable older guy. Interestingly, it’s fear of failing that prevent one from seeking revenge.

Iago’s unquestionable confidence is what the reader admires. Even though Iago plot to gain the lieutenancy failed and everyone dies in the end, he still went for it. Where as, the average man would be crippled by fear. Emerson puts it into perspective: “we all live in quite desperation.” Honest Iago was a man of action as well as a thinking man. In truth, Iago was the whole man. He had it all except, ironically, honesty. Introspectively, the average man whom doesn’t act upon his thoughts is in truth not honest. The question arises, what would be a more appealing life? Living a short life of action and dishonesty or living a long life of quiet desperation?

Every man must ask himself the same question Iago ask at the end of the novel, “am I honest with myself?” Iago was honest with himself, but dishonest with everyone else. Where as, people tend to be dishonest with themself but seemingly honest with other. Fascinating is the character of Iago, because Iago portrays the true character of all human beings, hence why Iago is honest.
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Oct 19, 2012 Russ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-century, fiction

Nicole Galland's I, Iago, takes a different path to explore Iago's motives. She imagines Iago's life before Shakespeare's play and--crucially--including the actions that bring about Othello's downfall.

To her credit, Galland does not give in to the easy psychology which would have Iago grow up in a broken home, abused, and show him as a psychopathic child who tortured puppies. Galland's Iago is a merchant's son (though not the first born) and grows up interacting with some of the great families o...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Elyse rated it 5 of 5 stars

I, Iago is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

It’s a book I’ve been waiting for my whole life - one that takes the blame off a villain who is very nearly a scapegoat, and spreads that blame evenly among the other characters. I mean, honestly - were Romeo and Juliet not being just the least bit spoiled and immature? They had to have each other, and if they couldn’t have each other, then they didn’t want to live anymore? Apparently a lot of people call this “romance”; in my house that’s called...more I, Iago is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

It’s a book I’ve been waiting for my whole life - one that takes the blame off a villain who is very nearly a scapegoat, and spreads that blame evenly among the other characters. I mean, honestly - were Romeo and Juliet not being just the least bit spoiled and immature? They had to have each other, and if they couldn’t have each other, then they didn’t want to live anymore? Apparently a lot of people call this “romance”; in my house that’s called depression. I’ve always found Romeo and Juliet to be very nearly entirely to blame for their own deaths, and yet they are called the heroes and others the villains. The same with Othello - Iago deserved the lieutenancy over Cassio, and yet Othello placed his own romantic life with Desdemona over his duties as a general and his responsibility to Venice. Iago was, in my mind, merely doling out justice. This book supports that theory and shows that no one is born a villain - they are pushed down that path and turned into a villain by others. And who is really to blame, when you get right down to it - Frankenstein, or the doctor who created him? Iago was the perfect gentleman until others began to break the rules for their own personal gain. Iago broke the rules to bring justice back to his world. And how villainous is that, really?

Halfway through, I was determined to give this book only 3 stars, because I believed the author was giving far too much backstory that was completely unneeded, but once I reached the end of the book everything that I had just read was fell perfectly into place to create the most dramatic ending I’d ever read. Without reading the first half, the second half would have been far less dramatic and satisfying. It was like waiting in a long line at an amusement park - I was anxious to get to the fun part, but I inched along all the while knowing that the wait would be worth it. The fun part couldn’t have existed without the wait.

And so this book will get a treasured place on my bookshelf. It was beautifully written; Shakespeare could not have written the language better himself. It was witty and funny, and the end was a whirlwind of emotions. Every sentence was like a breath of fresh air, simply because of the wording the author chose. I could read this book over and over again. It was simply astonishing. (less)

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Jul 05, 2012 Robyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

What is in a name? "Iago" is a Spanish derivative of the name James; Santiago is literally Saint James, Apostle to Jesus, patron saint of Spain. One legend of Saint James is that of Santiago de Matamoros - 'the moor killer'. Another legend of another Saint James says he was the younger brother of Jesus and came to be known as James the Just or James the Righteous. Take these two sources and put them together in one character and you get a plausible profile of one of the most enigmatic characters...more What is in a name? "Iago" is a Spanish derivative of the name James; Santiago is literally Saint James, Apostle to Jesus, patron saint of Spain. One legend of Saint James is that of Santiago de Matamoros - 'the moor killer'. Another legend of another Saint James says he was the younger brother of Jesus and came to be known as James the Just or James the Righteous. Take these two sources and put them together in one character and you get a plausible profile of one of the most enigmatic characters in Shakespeare's canon - that of Iago, the villain in The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Scholars have debated the reasons Iago does what he does for decades - aside from the barest of hints, Iago seems motiveless in his utterly destructive machinations which bring about the deaths of at least four people. Ironically referred to as 'honest Iago' in Shakespeare's play, author Nicole Galland seized upon this moniker as the hinge for his motives. If a fellow has been brought up in a shady society where subterfuge reigns, but he himself hates it; if he is called honest as an insult but instead wears it as a badge of honour; if he believes himself more honest than all others and becomes blind to his own faults - would he not begin to believe that he is the hero of story, the moral centre of the world, and any slight against him would be a wrong against honesty itself? Therefore punishable by an honest man and righteously so? By writing her novel in the first person we see a man from the inside out, his actions rationalized by his own internal moral code, making him more frightening by the intimacy of sharing his thoughts than he would be by watching him as a third person. Galland shows us a man of deep passions and raging jealousies who always exudes an outward confidence, a sociopath, in fact, although Iago to the bitter inevitable end, fails to see himself as such. Even as he kills his best friend he justifies the murder, even as he stabs his own beloved wife in the back he releases himself from her condemnation. A familiar story with a fascinating and altogether creepy examination of a villian's motives, this novel is recommended by any fan of Shakespeare, or even perhaps of the Dexter series - just for another take on the inner-mind of a psychopath. http://spl.bibliocommons.com (less)

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May 02, 2012 Jenn Ravey rated it 5 of 5 stars

They called me “honest Iago” from an early age, but in Venice, this is not a compliment. It is rebuke. One does not prosper by honesty.

Othello doesn’t end well. If you are at all familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedies, you know as much. Othello is a tale of jealousy and ambition, love and passion, deception and manipulation. However, one of the most disturbing aspects of the play is Iago. Good, honest Iago. Othello’s right hand man who, when passed over for lieutenancy, determines to ruin the li...more They called me “honest Iago” from an early age, but in Venice, this is not a compliment. It is rebuke. One does not prosper by honesty.

Othello doesn’t end well. If you are at all familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedies, you know as much. Othello is a tale of jealousy and ambition, love and passion, deception and manipulation. However, one of the most disturbing aspects of the play is Iago. Good, honest Iago. Othello’s right hand man who, when passed over for lieutenancy, determines to ruin the life of the man who has replaced him and the man who has taken his place. For someone who is called “honest” no less than 15 times over the course of the play, his actions seem a bit extreme and inexplicable.

So what does Nicole Galland bring to the story? Iago.

In a society that values artifice, Iago is a bright spot. As a young boy, stealing a legendary egg from a legendary hen, Iago and his best friend Roderigo get caught by a wealthy, influential man. When asked to explain his behavior, Iago’s honesty disarms the man and his friends. They do not expect honesty, and Iago surprises and amuses them, and he learns that though he may not be a true Venetian, he can beguile those who know him and many who do not.

Young Iago knows his place in Venetian society. His father is a silk merchant, and the family is wealthy; however, wealth alone does not bring status in Venice. His older brother will inherit the business, and Iago is expected to go into the military. His romantic spirit seeks the sea, but his father requires him to go into artillery, a more suitable place and one that will put the family in contact with more powerful people.

Iago is skillful and respected for his marksmanship and later, his swordplay. He is revered for his blunt truth telling, and the one time he does lie – about matching swords with a famous swordsman, Agrippa – he is intoxicated with his power, for the men around him believe even the most ludicrous claims because he is…honest Iago. But while Iago enjoys his reputation, he also mocks those who give it to him, and each return to Venice is more galling. He, a soldier, has no real place in society, while the Venetian upper class laze about, drinking and eating during Carnival. When he meets Emilia, a young woman who similarly spurns society and its requirements, Iago marries her, jealous of any man who looks her way.

His father’s ambition becomes Iago’s own, and as he climbs higher, he jealously guards his place of honor. Iago would not be welcome in the upper echelons of Venetian society because he is not a patrician. However, after meeting the Venetian general and Moor Othello and becoming his confidant, Iago finds many doors open to him. It’s intoxicating and heady, and just as his jealousy shows in his relations with his wife, so too does Iago become fiercely protective of his relationship with Othello, desiring to be his most trusted friend and colleague, Othello’s ensign, the honest Iago.

And Iago certainly stores up his untruths, so that when unleashed, they cause a horrific amount of damage, much more than the patricians or merchants of Venice of whom he is so critical. Once Iago realizes the true power he holds precisely because he is known to be so honest, he takes full advantage, understanding that his honesty has given him power over those who hold him dear.

Watching Iago’s duplicity and jealousy take hold of him is disturbing, and though if you’ve read Othello the action won’t surprise you, the change in Iago will. In case you don’t know the story of Othello, I won’t ruin it, but there is a crucial moment between Iago and Emelia at the end of the play that the novel teases out beautifully.

I, Iago is incredibly well written and researched, and Galland gives Iago the life, personality, and motivation he seems to lack in Othello, so much so that I was dreading the moment when Othello names Cassio as lieutenant and hoped, somehow, that Iago would go back to the straight and narrow and remain honest Iago in the end.

Alas, it is not to be.(less)

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Jun 13, 2012 Haris rated it 3 of 5 stars

In short, intriguing but ultimately disappointing.

This is the kind of story about Iago (easily my favorite Shakespeare character) that I could have seen myself wanting to write,and Galland makes a decent go of it but ultimately there are clear flaws. The prose exemplifies it: quick-witted and clear, but at times rambling and sometimes jarringly anachronistic. The same plus/minus nature plagues the plot as well: Iago's development is solid - gradual and logical, and perhaps as good a backstory as...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Kelly Hager rated it 3 of 5 stars

All you need to know about this book is that it's Othello from Iago's perspective.

Iago is one of my two favorite Shakespearean villains (the other being Lady Macbeth, and Iago wins because he doesn't go crazy. In fact, he's basically like, "Yeah. I engineered ALL OF THIS and I will not tell you why.") and so it was very interesting to read a book from his perspective.

Although it starts with his childhood, the book doesn't really get going until he meets and falls in love with Emilia. And, of co...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Jason Golomb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: renaissance, historical-fiction, fiction, venice

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. "I knew to the depths of my soul that nothing I did was errant, that in the greater sense, I acted out of righteousness, however vengeful and indirect it seemed."

In Nicole Galland’s wonderful, “I, Iago”, Iago ponders the intricate web of deceit, defamation and lies he weaves that will culminate in an inevitable calamity of heartache, pain and bloodshed.

The reader, of course, knows what’s coming. William Shakespeare’s “Othello” is well known in its original form, but has also been adapted for m...more

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May 20, 2012 Susanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, first-look

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Well, this definitely will be included in my top reads of 2012! I was a little concerned over the redundancy of this after having recently read Iago by David Snodin back in December, but, other than the common source for the story, the two are completely different. Galland's version is told from the point of view of Iago himself, tracing his childhood and adult experiences in the military up to his infamous plot on Cyprus. Along the way, Galland throws in a great deal of information on Venetian...more Well, this definitely will be included in my top reads of 2012! I was a little concerned over the redundancy of this after having recently read Iago by David Snodin back in December, but, other than the common source for the story, the two are completely different. Galland's version is told from the point of view of Iago himself, tracing his childhood and adult experiences in the military up to his infamous plot on Cyprus. Along the way, Galland throws in a great deal of information on Venetian society, particularly its idiosyncrasies and the general foppish nature of its higher echelon.

The cast of characters proved to be quite unexpected. Iago begins as a fairly likable character, sharing his sarcastic reflections upon higher society in a generally humorous manner. I never expected to laugh while reading a retelling of a tragedy! Iago's wife, Emilia, likewise proves an interesting and charming character, as do Othello and Desdemona. I was really enjoying reading about their lives in Venice and in the military, the developing bond of deep friendship between Othello and Iago, and the relationships between each couple. Too bad the whole tragedy part of Othello had to begin developing about halfway through...

The biggest shame about the book? As with Shakespeare's play, Cassio is the only main character to survive - and he's the one no one likes. Cassio is a complete fop, while the other characters are likable and engaging. Oh, and doesn't Cassio get appointed governor at the end of Othello? What an ironic laugh!

The other great things about Galland's novel are her writing and her development of Iago's character. Galland has a truly excellent writing style, and she cohesively weaves together the difficult plot structure so that all of its developments make perfect sense and never seem out of place. She makes out Iago not as a villain, but as someone whose personal beliefs and aspirations cloud his mind until the results of his actions spiral out of his control. The shift from likable character to "villain" is fluid and expertly developed, making this one of the most superb retellings of a classic tale that I've ever had the good fortune to read.

Disclaimer: I received my copy of this book from the First Look program in return for an honest review.(less)

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May 28, 2012 Natasha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Adds some depth and history to the character of Iago, but doesn't ring true to the play's Iago.

I saw this at the library and was instantly intrigued. I like Shakespeare's plays and I've fallen for published fanfiction (my term for retellings, prebook, and afterbook stories about published works) recently. I was hoping this book would give some background on Iago and how he came to be. He is considered to be one of Shakespeare's most evil villains, if not the most evil. Iago is such a vindictive...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Lorretta rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book at no cost through Goodreads Giveaway.

I was excited to read this book because I love period fiction. I tried to read it without regards to Othello (the play) to see how it would stand on its own. I think it is a very good read.

We meet Iago when he is fifteen and on the verge of becoming a man. Because his brother died in the military from a self-inflicted wound, Iago's father decides that Iago will join the artillery and help redeem the family name. Iago's parents do not exu...more I received this book at no cost through Goodreads Giveaway.

I was excited to read this book because I love period fiction. I tried to read it without regards to Othello (the play) to see how it would stand on its own. I think it is a very good read.

We meet Iago when he is fifteen and on the verge of becoming a man. Because his brother died in the military from a self-inflicted wound, Iago's father decides that Iago will join the artillery and help redeem the family name. Iago's parents do not exude warmth at all; the father is consumed with the silk business and it seems as though the mother is on the constant prowl for paramours.
Even at this young age, Iago is a peculiarity in Venice and does not lie. In Venice, it is understood that lying is vital to attaining status and success. However, we already see hints that Iago may not lie outright, but he does deceive by omission. And this, to me, is the theme of the book: is lying by omission any different than lying on purpose when both serve to deceive?

Time and time again, we watch Iago deceive, bend, thwart and ultimately destroy by not telling the complete truth. It is an engaging trait in his youth, but as he ages and becomes more adept and the consequences of his lying by omission of the entire truth become more dire, it is no longer engaging but alarming.

Trying to keep in mind Iago's relative youth, we watch his actions and feelings shape his future and those around him. He is easily consumed with jealousy and rage and seems to lack true remorse. It is so easy for him to watch chaos ensue when someone only has partial information and comes to an incorrect conclusion about a situation. Iago delights in the often disasterous consequences and feels that since he did not lie, he is not liable for any results.

The story builds at a pleasant pace until the end where it races to its frenetic conclusion. Even so, it matches the speed at which Iago's (and my) heart must be racing as he desperately tries to salvage his grandiose plan. At the end, everyone that he cared for and everyone that cared for him is destroyed by his inability or refusal to lie outright.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I did not feel like it dragged or was overly rushed. It was written in a casually elegant manner which made it very easy to read and understand. (less)

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May 18, 2012 Shoshanah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I feel a little embarrassed to admit this, but the only reason I know anything about the story of Othello is from the Josh Harnett & Julia Stiles movie, O. Although this was part of the reason I was excited to read the book, so I could learn more about the actual play but from an unexpected form.

This book is a retelling of Shakespeare's Othello but from the point of view of Iago, the villain. And it isn't the origonal, it is the same story taking place in Italy during the Renaissance (instea...more

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May 18, 2012 Kelly Houser rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge, huge fan of the Classics Retold genre. If this genre has an actual name, I don't know what it is. Classics Retold is just what I call them. I was first introduced to this genre in college. Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it so many times, I've lost count. In college, I was taking a literature class where we were slated to read Jane Eyre followed by a book entitled Wide Sargasso Sea. I had never heard of the second book, but I soon found out that Wide Sargas...more I am a huge, huge fan of the Classics Retold genre. If this genre has an actual name, I don't know what it is. Classics Retold is just what I call them. I was first introduced to this genre in college. Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it so many times, I've lost count. In college, I was taking a literature class where we were slated to read Jane Eyre followed by a book entitled Wide Sargasso Sea. I had never heard of the second book, but I soon found out that Wide Sargasso Sea is a re-telling of Jane Eyre from the viewpoint of Rochester's crazy wife, who is living in the attic of his home.

I was so intrigued by the concept! A well-know and beloved story being told from a different viewpoint! So awesome! I went on to seek out more of these re-tellings, and eventually found The Mists of Avalon, The Firebrand, Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and so many more that I am not going to attempt to list them all. I was completely smitten with these books, and continue to be smitten with them.

About a month ago, I received an email from TLC Book Tours, announcing the tour for a book entitled I, Iago. I was instantly intrigued! One, because I could tell that it was a Classic Retold just from the title, but also because Othello is my favorite Shakespearean play. I volunteered to be a part of the book tour and was accepted!

So, what did I think of I, Iago? I simply loved it!

First, I must give Galland credit for having the guts to take on Shakespeare. This kind of endeavor was going to be epically spectacular or an epic fail. Kudos to her for taking on one of the greatest writers of all time, AND for doing it successfully. Galland took one of the most infamous and hated characters from all of literature, and crafted his story in an amazing way. I, Iago is one part historical fiction, one part the re-telling of Othello from Iago's point of view, and another part, the most fantastic part, the creation of a life and past for Iago that was not included in the play.

In order for this novel to work, Galland had to get the reader to like a character that most readers would most certainly hate when they approached this work. What would make a reader who dislikes Iago even consider reading this novel is that, perhaps, we might get an explanation as to why Iago is such a malicious character in the play. Additionally, the novel had to have enough pay-off for the reader, because most people know exactly how the book is going to end.

Galland's crafting of this story is superb and accomplishes every single thing that it needed to to lure in the reader and make the time spend reading this book be time well spent. First, Galland pulls the reader into the rich and complex societal construct of ancient Venice. We learn from Iago, the narrator of his own tale, how he is a lowly youngest son of a wealthy silk merchant. Because of his position as the youngest, he has fewer career choices available to him, because he is not his father's heir. His life is further constricted by Venetian society and what it expects from someone of Iago's social standing.

Next, Galland accomplished what I expected that she would not be able to do: she made me like and care about Iago. I grew to really like Iago as a character through the course of the novel. I was rooting for him and his various situations, despite knowing the ultimate conclusion to his story. I also felt like Galland masterfully answered so many of the questions that arise about Iago's behavior within the play, while remaining true to Shakespeare's work.

My only complaint about this novel, which isn't even truly a complaint, was that the first half of the novel read very slowly. It was pact with detail and wonderful character development, which led to a bit of density in the text.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone!(less)

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Apr 25, 2012 KBev rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-from-publisher

I, Iago, by author of The Fool’s Tale Nicole Galland, is the retelling of Othello, by William Shakespeare (whose birthday is being celebrated around the world today), from the point of view of Iago.

Iago has long been known as one of literature’s greatest villains – he even earned a spot on our the bracket for our Tournament of Villains earlier this year. Galland does her best to make the reader sympathetic to Iago. She tries to make the reader understand that there’s a reason Iago acted the way...more I, Iago, by author of The Fool’s Tale Nicole Galland, is the retelling of Othello, by William Shakespeare (whose birthday is being celebrated around the world today), from the point of view of Iago.

Iago has long been known as one of literature’s greatest villains – he even earned a spot on our the bracket for our Tournament of Villains earlier this year. Galland does her best to make the reader sympathetic to Iago. She tries to make the reader understand that there’s a reason Iago acted the way he did and battles the lifelong debate of whether or not deceiving by omission is still an actual lie.

This story starts out with Iago as a young boy. He wanted to be in the navy, but his father sent him to the artillery. In that moment, we start to see Iago turn from a bright boy into a bitter young man. Iago was known for his blatant honesty all growing up, and as he starts to grow up, he sticks to never telling an outright lie, but he constantly deceives by omission. However bitter Iago was, he excelled in the artillery. He meets Emilia at a masked ball and completely falls in love with her wit and vast knowledge before ever even seeing her natural beauty. Soon after Emilia and Iago marry, Iago meets Othello and becomes Othello’s ensign and closest friend. Or so Iago thought.

Enter Michele Cassio, an alcoholic and womanizer that manages to become Othello’s newest confidant. As soon as Iago discovers that Cassio has been sending love notes between Othello and Desdemona and that Emilia has been arranging for time spent together between them as well, Iago is overcome by his jealousy. He puts together a very intricate plot to destroy both Othello and Desdemona’s relationship and Cassio’s reputation. One of Iago’s deceits after another starts to snowball, until everything spirals completely out of Iago’s control. In the end, well, this is the retelling of a Shakespearean tragedy, so I’m sure you can guess what the big finale is if you haven’t already read Shakespeare’s play.

Within I, Iago there is a beautiful love story between Iago and Emilia. They are simply magnetic and I couldn’t put the book down when reading about them together. Emilia in this story is now one of my favorite characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know in a novel. She is smart, bold and vivacious. She is passionate about love and helps foster the love interest between Othello and Desdemona by sneaking them time together. She is devoted to her husband. Emilia is the heart and soul of this novel and she definitely steals the stage from Iago.

As for Iago, well, we all know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. He tries to be a good friend, but in the end his jealousy and passion for being on top in the world overcomes him. I must admit that although Galland makes the reader quite sympathetic towards Iago in the end, she does not make him out to be quite the villain that Shakespeare did.

Overall, the love story between Emilia and Iago within is definitely worth the read! Thanks to the publisher, William Morrow, for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review originally posted at http://blog.hpb.com (less)

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May 21, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Anyone familiar with Othello will know Iago as the antagonist. He devises a plan of revenge after being slighted by Othello, his general and friend. In the end Othello's wife, Desdemona, is dead at Othello's hand. Iago's wife, Emilia, is dead at Iago's hand. Iago murders his childhood friend, Roderigo, and Othello commits suicide. But what led up to the event? What in Iago's past has made him the man who causes all of this grief? That is the Iago Galland presents in her latest.

Iago pretty much...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Daisy Deakin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Iago has always been one of my favourite characters his scheming, complex nature has always fascinated me and I was the only one in my A Level class to believe that Iago is perhaps not as guilty as Mr Shakespeare makes out. Galland does a wonderful job of illuminating the reader on Iago's upbringing and his love and passion for his wife Emilia. Her novel is pace-y and passionate and shows the emotional ties Iago has prior to both his, and Othello's downfall. Iago is, in my opinion, greatly misun...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Jill Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Iago starts out someone who is excessively honest and clever; he's an interesting, not unsympathetic character for the first half of the book. Suddenly he meets Emilia and Othello and becomes (out of nowhere) immensely jealous, obsessed with other people not keeping secrets (instead of just being unable to lie) and into vengeance. It's not that either character is hard to believe as a character, it's just that there's no gradual move from the younger Iago to Shakespeare's murderous Iago: they se...more

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May 01, 2012 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, based-on-shakespeare, 2012-new-to-me-author-a-z-challenge

“They call me ‘honest Iago’ from an early age, but in Venice, this is not a compliment. It is rebuke. One does not prosper by honesty. …Honesty causes upset, and Venice is serene.” (1)

This is an exploration into what made Iago do it. Betray his best friends, his general, his wife. Emilia is one of my favorite Shakespeare characters and she comes off very well in this novel, as does Othello. As inexplicable as Iago’s actions are, Emilia always comes off well here. She really is honest, where Iag...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Alyssa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow! Who thought that the classic Shakespearean tragedy of Othello could be reinvented in such an effortlessly down to earth way? This novel builds a context of authentically complex relationships for the seemingly hyperbolic behavior of Othello's characters. Right from the outset, I found myself liking Iago and cheering him on, against my better judgement. Guilelessly, Galland weaves a tale that causes the readers to ask themselves if they would have behaved differently than Iago if they were i...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Daniel E. Choi rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book is written by a woman, and it really shows.
Not a bad thing; it just is.
The time devoted to Emelia's wit, beauty, and few yet captivating flaws became a tad trite mid way through the novel; I got kind of tired of reading about Iago's infatuation with her collarbones after the first two times it's mentioned.
The book doesn't really pick up on the irresistible inner workings of the premeditating murderer/liar/abuser/usurper we all love and hate Iago for til about 3/4th's into the book,...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Anna (Pocketful of Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book didn't set my world on fire but it was a decent enough read. The first half really dragged for me, but the second half really perked up my interest and I was addicted for the last 150 pages. If you can keep focused until the end it is a rather enjoyable book but that is only if you can make it that far.

I did feel rather intellectual reading a Shakespeare re-telling, which, by the way is exactly what it is. It is a re-telling of Shakespeare's 'Othello' from the point of view of the anta...more This book didn't set my world on fire but it was a decent enough read. The first half really dragged for me, but the second half really perked up my interest and I was addicted for the last 150 pages. If you can keep focused until the end it is a rather enjoyable book but that is only if you can make it that far.

I did feel rather intellectual reading a Shakespeare re-telling, which, by the way is exactly what it is. It is a re-telling of Shakespeare's 'Othello' from the point of view of the antagonist Iago. Iago is probably Shakespeare's most renowned villain and rightly so. Even though Othello is the character the book is named after, Iago actually has more lines in the play (1037!) than Othello himself. He is cruel, scheming and incredibly jealous. Scholars have debated furiously throughout the years over Iago's motivations for being such a purely evil character, as he is presented in 'Othello'. Some, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, believe that Iago possesses "motiveless malignity" , meaning that he wreaks havoc on the other characters' lives for no ulterior purpose. However, Andy Serkis (Gollum in LOTR), who portrayed Iago in a more recent performance, paints a different representation of Iago which is much closer to the one Nicole Galland paints in this novel. Serkis says,
There are a million theories to Iago's motivations, but I believed that Iago was once a good soldier, a great man's man to have around, a bit of a laugh, who feels betrayed, gets jealous of his friend, wants to mess it up for him, enjoys causing him pain, makes a choice to channel all his creative energy into the destruction of this human being, and becomes completely addicted to the power he wields over him. I didn't want to play him as initially malevolent. He's not the Devil. He's you or me feeling jealous and not being able to control our feelings.
This is very much how Galland presents Iago in this novel. She begins his story at childhood, where he strives for approval from his father and is frustrated when his obvious genius goes to waste. He never lies, and his honesty and bluntness is famous in Venice. So how does he get to the point where barely a word out of his mouth is not a lie? Where he would plot his friend's murder? It is his resentment and the power he realises his intelligence and gift with words can produce. The control he has over those more powerful than him becomes addictive, and warps him until he can justify even the most evil acts of cruelty. You do sympathise with him for the majority of the novel, as he does appear overlooked and wronger and those around him seem silly and vain and naive. Cassio is presented as a foppish womaniser and Othello is weak and overly trusting. We never really discover why Othello chooses Cassio rather than Iago to be his Lieutenant, and I felt Iago's disappointment as keenly as he did; he had been Othellos 'right hand' for many. many years and built up his trust. Cassio comes on the scene and he is basically a sneaky go-between for Othello and Desdemona to communicate their love letters. I think the resentment I felt towards the characters is testament to Nicole Galland's writing, as Iago is often cited as a force of Machiavellian evil, yet I found he actually justified his actions pretty well! I am clearly very easily swayed! I also found his silence at the end very telling and his love for his wife is, at times, touching.

I also felt that this novel brought up some interesting questions about Othello's conduct. Hearing it from Iago's point of view, who remains logical and rational even at the height of his scheming, it casts a new light on who should share the blame. Othello believes and trusts Iago effortlessly, and believes his wife is flirting with other men and even sleeping with them, with no proof whatsoever. He is driven mad in less than a day by his jealousy, and even punches Desdemona in front of his men. The fact he has no proof yet still launches on her so easily when he claims to love her so much is proof he must be slightly deranged. This novel hints at the edge of insanity Othello possesses and that, although Iago antagonises Othello, he never actually uses anything other than words to defame Desdemona. Words can be powerful, but really? You couldn't just sit down and have a rational conversation with your wife and sort things out? Sorry to sound all marriage counselor but that probably would've been a better option than blindly following the word of a man you obviously didn't trust enough to make your lieutenant. In a way, I find all of Shakesperare's tragedies irritating for the way the characters blindly work themselves up and do something incredibly stupid ONE MOMENT before it all could've been saved. Annoying.

Although I found the romance between Iago and his wife Emilia sweet at times, there were some incrdibly icky and cringe-worthy quotes that I could not brush aside. If a man ever said this to be, I would probably slap him,
Emilia says: 'My parents lack imagination and humour, so they do not value those qualities in me. They would like to find somebody to whom I may be useful, but they can't quite figure out what I'd be useful for.'
Iago: I was brazen: I eyed her slender, curving body up and down with undisguised desire. "I can think of something you'd be very useful for"
Emilia: To my great relief, she merely chuckled and crossed her arms over her chest.'
Ugh. Call me prudish, but that is just icky. And, might I add, this is said on THEIR FIRST MEETING. Ogh. Iago I am ashamed of you. Despite these icky moments, I genuinely liked Emilia, to the point where I felt I wanted to know what was going on insde her head as well. I'm thinking a dual narrative might have worked here in places as Emilia was a central character yet we lost her towards the end as Iago kept her at arm's length. It would be pretty cool to have a woman's opinion on the events and find out what she and Desdemona spoke of as they slumped over their embroidery!

This novel is good for brushing up on your Shakespeare; the character names remain unchanged and I know I will remember these characters better for reading it than I did reading the original! It is nice to feel you have that bit more Shakespeare knowledge under your belt! I think this would be an interesting novel for Othello fans, as it does bring up some interesting questions of blame and the characters individual motivations. However, Iago isn't presented as evilly as I wished, and it just lacked SOMETHING; some sparkle and some creativity. I wanted Venice more glittering, Iago more twisted and Desdemona more exquisite. What I got felt somewhat flat and just didn't deliver.
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Jul 02, 2012 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shakespeare-retold

I once saw a production of Othello where the director took the artistic license to have Othello kill Iago after Iago’s lines end and before Othello kills himself. As more fake blood spluttered onto the stage (and there had been a lot of that in this particular production) I had a jolt of heathen, bloodthirsty, vicarious pleasure. Good! my mind shouted out to see the villain get what he deserves.

At the end of this book I was so very profoundly sorry for Iago.

Galland takes the character of Iago, t...more
I once saw a production of Othello where the director took the artistic license to have Othello kill Iago after Iago’s lines end and before Othello kills himself. As more fake blood spluttered onto the stage (and there had been a lot of that in this particular production) I had a jolt of heathen, bloodthirsty, vicarious pleasure. Good! my mind shouted out to see the villain get what he deserves.

At the end of this book I was so very profoundly sorry for Iago.

Galland takes the character of Iago, the villains villain of Western Literature, and makes you sorry for him, makes you root for him, makes you want to see him succeed, cheering every triumph, lamenting every set back, all the while knowing this is all going to end in tears.

There might be a word for it, that painful-pleasure of seeing something good happen to someone you know has been dictated by the Fates to ultimately come to a bad end. There might be a word for it in Yiddish, or Japanese, or Polish, or Swahili, or Russian, but I don’t know what it is, and can only weakly describe how happy I was when he fell in love with Emilia, knowing all the while that he was going to murder in Act III this woman he was professing to love so much in Act I.

Galland has all the charters speaking in modern English, but with a lot of Shakespeare’s phrases thrown in, both from Othello and the rest of his works. So much is borrowed from Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado at one party scene that my hopes were briefly raised that we were going to have a crossover (note to self: if does not exist yet, write it) but sadly, no, all we get is the play’s dramatis persona, with no extras wandering in from other plays.

The story is told from Iago’s point of view, and gives you every bit of motivation and character development you would ever want to see with his character. However, the setting did not pop for me. Venice is a character unto herself, and I don’t think Galland did it enough justice – it didn’t seem real enough, either in a real historical sense or even in the Venice-that-never-was-but-always-will-be that Shakespeare gave to his un-researched place settings.

Still, an excellent re-write of one of the most fascinating antagonists to every walk on stage.

It will give you a lot to think about the word “honest.”
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Mar 04, 2013 JSidelinger rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those who enjoy historical fiction

I found Nicole Galland’s novel a compelling read from start to finish. The story is told from the main character Iago’s perspective and gives his account of what lead to the tragic events we know from Shakespeare’s play Othello. Ms. Galland richly describes Venetian culture and society. I felt drawn in by the descriptions of day to day life and the parties that Iago was loath to attend as a man who hated hiding behind masks both figuratively and literally as was the custom of the time. Yet this...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Jenny GB rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bravo! What an exhilarating adaptation of Othello! This is definitely Nicole Galland's best yet. Could I hope for a series? Macbeth perhaps?

The premise of the novel is to tell the story from Iago's point of view because in Shakespeare's play he is most definitely a wicked villain but Galland wants to show his side of the story. I will admit to never reading Othello until just before reading this book and I was stunned at how conniving he was in the play. This book, however, brilliantly shows him...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Iago, when I read Othello, never quite struck me as evil villain. No one simply betrays their loved ones and kills them for no reason yet no one had taken on Iago's defense until now. Nicole Galland does a wonderful job of defending Iago's actions by showing us how (and perhaps a reason or two as to why) Iago did what he did.

A wonderful read and I recommend it to anyone, regardless of reading Othello or not. You don't need to read to the play nor understand the play to fall in love with this am...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

great story! probably wouldn't have chosen this book on my own, but it was recommended to me and I ended up really loving it. And now I have to revisit Othello.

This is the back story on how Iago came to be such a villain. It's full of historical background information, and written in an "authentic" voice. I really enjoyed the in-depth character development of all the players.

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Apr 03, 2013 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I loved this so much. I did Othello last year; I wish this had been required reading for us so that we could have used the backstory.

Beautifully written, compassionate characters, subtle references to other Shakespeare plays. One of the best things I've read in a few years.

This is not to be confused with the other Iago fiction that came out at roughly the same time. "I, Iago" is far superior.

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May 03, 2013 Elyse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I loved this retelling of Othello from Iago's perspective. Creative, yet historically accurate (at least to my knowledge), it took a few chapters to get into but man. This perspective was just riveting to me! To hear from the curious perspective of one of the best literary villans ever written was such a treat.

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