Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

A delightful Victorian mystery is skillfully narrated by Stephen Fry. During a robbery, the title character falls through a skylight, incurring severe wounds and scars that make him the subject of medical lectures held at the prison. During one of these talks, Montmorency overhears of a new sewer system installed in London. Upon release, he sets himself up as the wealthy gentleman Montmorency by day and uses the underground tunnels as alter ego Scarper to thieve at night. How long can Montmorency keep the dual roles from colliding? Although the title is recommended for young adult audiences, the subject and setting would appeal more to adults. Fry does a remarkable job mimicking the various London accents--from sewer rat to society gent and all sorts in between--in this superbly suspenseful story. M.M.O. 2005 YALSA Selection (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

April 5, 2004
Updale employs a distinctive, wry voice in this debut novel to launch a series about a convict-turned-gentleman in late 19th-century England. After being paraded around lecture halls by the doctor who saved his life after a near-fatal accident at his capture, the cunning Montmorency develops a taste for the high life and a strategy for attaining it (involving a map of underground sewers, viewed at same lecture halls). The humor arises from the juxtaposition of the fellow's circumstances versus his aspirations. For instance, Montmorency hatches his plan as the prison's chaplain utters the blessing at the conclusion of services: "He would become his own accomplice. His old self would become the servant of his new self. One would live in squalor, the other in style." Updale credibly establishes the prisoner as intelligent and as a quick study in the art of mimicry (taught to him by his cell mate). These two skills enable him to dart between his dual worlds. The author also lays bare the widening dichotomy between the two personae ("Montmorency might have hopes of becoming a gentleman, but Scarper really wasn't a nice man") even as she draws a parallel between the treachery in both the sewers and in the upper echelons of London society. Though there's nary a child in sight, the novel does serve as a fine introduction to the thriller genre, and this first installment (whose ending leaves ample opportunity for more adventures) will likely whet readers' appetites for more. Ages 10-14.

August 1, 2004
Gr 6-9-Although there are no teenage characters in Eleanor Updale's historical novel set in Victorian England (Scholastic/Orchard, 2004), teens will nevertheless become enthralled with the mystery and intrigue surrounding the title character and his exploits. While imprisoned, clever Montmorency devises a plan to become an upper-class member of society by robbing upper-class individuals and using the profits from these crimes to advance his social position. Upon his release, he spends his nights as his alter-ego, the scoundrel Scarper, using the sewers to sneak undetected to the poshest neighborhoods in London and steal valuable loot. By day, he is transformed into the polished gentleman named Montmorency and passes his time educating himself in order to become more cultured. The duality of his existence is thrilling to Montmorency at first, as he succeeds in fooling all those with whom he comes into contact. However, it eventually becomes rather taxing and, occasionally, potentially life-threatening. Stephen Fry's narration will involve listeners in the plot immediately. He skillfully conveys every character's voice and the mood of each scene. Listeners will laugh along with Montmorency's sillier escapades and will hold their breath during his narrow brushes with danger. Fans of historical novels, mystery, and adventure will be drawn to this audiobook and will eagerly anticipate a sequel. An excellent choice for public and school libraries.-Casey Rondini, Hartford Public Library, CT

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