Montmorency

Story

When a mysterious man falls through a glass roof into the clutches of a young doctor hoping to prove himself as a surgeon, it’s the start of a whole new life for him. The man reinvents himself as Montmorency, dashing gentleman by day – and Scarper, slippery thief by night. However, Montmorency’s plans to rob the rich and live out his days as a wealthy man don’t go quite as he expected…

Why we chose it

An adventure set in Victorian London which sees the hero move easily from prison cell to the new underground sewer system to the splendour of high society – an enjoyable and unusual historical adventure.

Where it came from

Montmorency is Eleanor Updale’s first book. She studied history at university and weaves her historical knowledge into the story. For example, lots of the action takes place in London’s Victorian sewer system!

Where it went next

Montmorency is the first in a series of five books. The final book was published in 2013, six years after the previous book. The first book in the series was adapted for the stage at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2007.

Associated stories

Updale’s Johnny Swanson, set just after World War 1 is another historical novel. For younger readers, Itch Scritch Scratch is a picture book about nits written with illustrator Sarah Horne. Saved and The Last Minute are both young adult novels.