This book is ideal for those who love suspenseful novels. Recommended for upper primary school and above.
Set in Victorian London, a young man is nearly killed during a daring burglary when he falls through a skylight in a factory roof. An ambitious young doctor embraces the challenge of putting him back together and restoring him back to health.
Following his release from prison the young man adopts the name of Montmorency and using London’s new sewerage system, plans a series of daring burglaries to become wealthy and lead the life of a gentleman.
Throughout the novel, readers watch Montmorency lead two different lives: Scarper the burglar in the slums and Montmorency the gentleman.
In a weird sort of way, Montmorency reminded me of Disney’s Aladdin. Similar to Aladdin, I enjoyed reading about the man he wants to become and seeing his character develop throughout the novel. At the same time, I also knew he was on a dangerous path knowing he runs the risk of being revealed as a fake a la Aladdin when Jafar reveals him as a street rat in the film. I particularly enjoyed the suspenseful nature of the novel where Montmorency lands in situations that could potentially reveal his true identity.
Together with a cast of other delightful characters including a thespian thug named Freakshow, an ambitious Dr Farcett, a nosey young hotel proprietor’s daughter named Cissy and Lord George Fox-Selwyn, this book makes for a great read.Show moreShow less
Set in Victorian London, a young man is nearly killed during a daring burglary when he falls through a skylight in a factory roof. An ambitious young doctor embraces the challenge of putting him back together and restoring him back to health.
Following his release from prison the young man adopts the name of Montmorency and using London’s new sewerage system, plans a series of daring burglaries to become wealthy and lead the life of a gentleman.
Throughout the novel, readers watch Montmorency lead two different lives: Scarper the burglar in the slums and Montmorency the gentleman.
In a weird sort of way, Montmorency reminded me of Disney’s Aladdin. Similar to Aladdin, I enjoyed reading about the man he wants to become and seeing his character develop throughout the novel. At the same time, I also knew he was on a dangerous path knowing he runs the risk of being revealed as a fake a la Aladdin when Jafar reveals him as a street rat in the film. I particularly enjoyed the suspenseful nature of the novel where Montmorency lands in situations that could potentially reveal his true identity.
Together with a cast of other delightful characters including a thespian thug named Freakshow, an ambitious Dr Farcett, a nosey young hotel proprietor’s daughter named Cissy and Lord George Fox-Selwyn, this book makes for a great read. Show more Show less