The Jester, by James Patterson

Listening to audio books in the car while commuting is a good way to break the monotony and expand the mind. One enjoyable author is James Patterson, who generally writes suspense thrillers based in the modern-day. But a really enjoyable title by Patterson, The Jester, takes the reader/listener back to the 11th century.

A small-town innkeeper in France is persuaded by rhetoric from a priest leading an army on a crusade to the Holy Lands to enlist. On his journeys he unknowingly becomes the possessor of a very valuable relic, which he takes back to France. The story depicts the struggles the innkeeper faces because of the greed of Lords in the land that are seeking that relic. His courage and his wit lead him to overcome great persecution and to rise to a place of freedom and prosperity.

Those who like action and a graphic description of battles and struggles will find this book satisfies their preferences. Those who like historical fiction and human drama will also be satisfied. The book uses language that some would consider vile, so you would not want to play this book in the presence of young children.

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