Echoes of Venice: A Modern Tale of Redemption: Classics Reimagined: A Comedic Twist, #1

By Said Al Azri

"Echoes of Venice: A Modern Tale of Redemption" is a heartwarming and humor-infused novella set against the enchanting backdrop of modern-day Venice, reimagining classic Shakespearean characters. This story weaves the lives of its richly drawn characters, each undergoing personal transformations and learning the true value of relationships, community, and generosity. From Antonio's introspective journey, Shylock's unexpected foray into philanthropy, to Bassanio and Portia's inspiring venture with GlobeCoin, the novella offers a tapestry of redemption, love, and social change. Amidst these personal tales, the novella paints a vivid picture of Venice, a city as timeless as it is dynamic, framing it not just as a setting, but as a character in its own right.

 

Why is this novella?

• To explore themes of personal growth and social responsibility.
• To offer a modern retelling of classic characters in a contemporary setting.
• To emphasize the importance of community involvement and empathy.

 

What is in this novella? (Or What I "as a reader" will get from this novella.)

• Engaging character arcs showing transformation and redemption.
• Humorous and poignant moments that balance levity with depth.
• Insights into the power of compassion and community impact.
• A vivid portrayal of Venice as a living, breathing entity.

 

For whom is this novella?

• Fans of contemporary fiction with a classic twist.
• Readers interested in stories of personal growth and redemption.
• Those who enjoy narratives set in romantic and historical cities.
• Readers seeking a blend of humor, romance, and social commentary.

 

What is special about this novella?

• Modern interpretation of classic Shakespearean characters.
• Unique blend of humor, societal themes, and romance.
• Rich descriptions of Venice as an integral part of the story.
• Focus on contemporary issues through a timeless narrative lens.

 

Why should I acquire this novella?

• To experience a fresh take on timeless themes and characters.
• To enjoy a story that blends humor with meaningful messages.
• For an immersive escape into the enchanting city of Venice.
• To be inspired by the characters' journeys towards making a positive impact.
   

• Language: English
• Publisher: Said Al Azri
• Release date: Jan 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224475506

Book preview

Main Characters and Venues

Main Characters:

1. Shylock:

A shrewd investment banker, known for his penny-pinching ways despite his immense wealth. He’s often seen in an outdated business suit, meticulously counting money and muttering about market fluctuations. He has a quirky obsession with old calculators and is often comically paranoid about his wealth.

Humorous Twist: Shylock has an ironic habit of clipping coupons and hunting for ridiculous bargains, despite being a millionaire.

2. Bassanio:

A charismatic but financially reckless tech startup founder, always dressed in casual startup attire (think hoodies with ironic slogans). His infectious optimism and grandiose plans are only matched by his talent for burning through investment money.

Humorous Twist: Bassanio is constantly pitching absurd app ideas, mixing tech jargon with Shakespearean flair.

3. Antonio:

A well-meaning but overly generous venture capitalist. He's always seen with the latest tech gadgets, which he barely knows how to use. His office is filled with unfinished projects and gifts from grateful entrepreneurs.

Humorous Twist: He has a comedic tendency to fall asleep during business meetings, dreaming of bizarre new ventures.

4. Portia:

The heiress to a tech empire, lives in the exclusive gated community of Belmont Estates. She's smart, savvy, and a bit bored with her luxurious lifestyle. She often engages in undercover philanthropy, disguised in various humorous getups.

Humorous Twist: Portia runs a secret blog where she humorously critiques the extravagances of the ultra-rich.

5. Jessica:

Shylock’s rebellious and vivacious daughter, who's more interested in social media fame than her father's wealth. She's often seen secretly donating to charities behind her father’s back.

Humorous Twist: Jessica creates viral TikTok dances mocking her father’s miserly ways.

Main Venues:

1. Modern Venice - The Rialto:

Description: The Rialto is a bustling financial district, filled with skyscrapers, trendy coffee shops, and street performers. Think Wall Street meets Silicon Valley.

Humorous Element: Street performers comically parody the day traders and tech moguls.

2. Belmont Estates:

An opulent gated community with smart homes, manicured lawns, and a private golf course. It's a world of lavish parties and high-tech luxury.

Humorous Element: The community has an over-the-top, competitive gardening club, leading to ridiculous landscaping projects.

3. Shylock’s Mansion:

A massive, yet stark mansion filled with antique furniture and outdated technology. Despite its size, it feels empty and cold.

Humorous Element: The mansion has absurdly overcomplicated security systems, all of which Shylock struggles to operate.

4. Courtroom:

A sleek, modern courtroom turned into a media circus for the trial. The room is filled with reporters live-tweeting the proceedings and a judge struggling to maintain order.

Humorous Element: The courtroom has a sassy AI assistant that often interrupts proceedings with irrelevant legal trivia.

These character and venue descriptions blend humor with modern elements, offering a fresh perspective on the classic story. They set the stage for a narrative that’s both engaging and comically rich, appealing to a contemporary audience while honoring the spirit of Shakespeare's work.

Prologue: Venice Reimagined

Scene 1: A Panoramic View of Modern Venice

The sun cast its first golden rays upon the city, igniting the glass facades of towering skyscrapers that stood like sentinels around the historic heart of modern Venice. Below, the city was already pulsing with life. The Rialto, once a mere market, had transformed into a bustling hive of commerce, a testament to the relentless march of progress. The Grand Canal, now lined with sleek cafes and luxury boutiques, mirrored the azure sky, its waters disturbed only by the gentle wake of electric water-taxis that glided silently along.

In the midst of this fusion of the ancient and the contemporary, the Rialto Bridge stood resilient, a relic of the past overseeing the future. Below it, the financial district buzzed with activity. Men and women in sharp suits hurried along, clutching cups of artisan coffee, their conversations a symphony of deals and dollar signs. Every so often, a street performer would capture their fleeting attention, their acts a blend of old-world charm and new-age tech, from holographic jesters to drone-flying acrobats, each earning amused glances and the occasional digital tip.

Nearby, a group of tourists navigated through the narrow cobblestone alleys, their eyes wide with wonder at the city’s seamless blend of history and modernity. They passed by ancient buildings now repurposed into tech start-ups and co-working spaces, where young entrepreneurs pitched ideas that would shape the future.

As the day progressed, the city transformed yet again. The corporate hustle gave way to leisure as rooftop bars and riverside restaurants filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. The air was rich with the aroma of gourmet cuisine fused with traditional Venetian fare, an olfactory tapestry as diverse as the city itself.

High above this lively panorama, in one of the glass towers that scratched the sky, was the office of Shylock. From his vantage point, he could survey his domain. His office was a stark contrast to the world outside – minimalist, cold, with the latest gadgets all precisely arranged. The walls were adorned with screens displaying stock market data, each flicker of a number reflecting in his keen, calculating eyes.

Shylock sat behind his massive oak desk, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished surface. In front of him was a heap of financial newspapers, his morning ritual. Despite the digital age, he relished the feel of paper, the rustle a soundtrack to his thoughts. As he scanned the headlines, his mind raced through figures and forecasts, plotting his next move in the grand chess game of finance.

The door to his office opened, and in walked his assistant, a young woman in a sharply tailored suit, her tablet in hand. She approached Shylock with a mixture of respect and apprehension, aware that she was about to disturb the maestro in his orchestra of numbers.

Mr. Shylock, your 9 AM appointment is here, she said, her voice a careful blend of deference and efficiency.

Shylock looked up, his expression unreadable. Send them in, he replied, his voice devoid of warmth.

As she turned to leave, he added, almost as an afterthought, And Lucia, remind me to call my broker about that new investment opportunity. We wouldn't want to miss the boat.

Lucia nodded, suppressing a smile at the irony of his words. In a city surrounded by water, Shylock was the one man who never seemed to set sail, forever anchored to his empire of wealth.

The panoramic view of Venice faded into the background as the day's business commenced, but outside the walls of Shylock's office, the city continued to thrive, a testament to the enduring spirit of a place that had always found a way to evolve, to dance gracefully on the edge of time.

Scene 2: Shylock in His Tower of Numbers

In the heart of the Rialto's financial district, amongst the sleek towers of glass and steel, stood one particularly imposing skyscraper. Its exterior, a mirror reflecting the ambition and grandeur of modern Venice, housed the offices of Shylock: financier, investor, and undoubted master of the monetary realm.

Shylock’s office was on the top floor, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city below. It was early morning, and the office was quiet, save for the faint hum of the state-of-the-art air conditioning and the gentle tap-tap-tap of Shylock's fingers on his antique mahogany desk. Around him, the room was a