Customer Reviews

Montmorency

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Montmorency is a difficult book to explain as it's not a typical young reader book.

Taking place in the late 1800's, Montmorency is the psuedynom of a jailed thief recovering from injuries obtained during his bungled last job. As he heals from radical -- and groundbreaking -- surgeries, he formulates a plan to become a master thief.

After his release, he puts his careful plan into place. During the day, he is Montmorency, a gentlemen with a penchant for fashion and opera. At night, he's Scarper, a thief who scurries through the sewers of London, robbing the very wealthy. His plan is thorough and complete. However, the more he enjoys his role as Montmorency, the less he enjoys his part as Scarper. Finally, he's given an out: a way to leave Scarper behind and still make a living in the role of Montmorency with a chance for societal respect.

This is not necessarily a linear story: it's more of a character study. We agonize with Montmorency as he again and again goes over his plans. We suffer with him during his last days in prison and his re-working of the plan. Finally, we cheer him as he slowly drags himself out of the life of Scarper and into the life of a gentlemen.

The vocabulary and the themes are better suited for more mature readers and the book serves as an excellent bridge into teen reading. Once you've read Montmorency, you'll want to read the rest in the series (four so far...).

Excellent way to learn some English history! A vivid look at Victorian England through the eyes of a thief who awakes from trying to escape capture into the care of a doctor - baring in mind that doctors of the period knew little of the body and less of sanitation and antibiotics etc. Montmorency is taken to the Royal Science Academy (?) to show off the doctors work and learns some useful info which he puts to good use upon his release from prison. And so the story starts......

Definately recommend this book. Both for both sexes and from 4th grade up. Excellent adult read also.