Montmorency

Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

De: Eleanor Updale

Narrado por: Stephen Fry

When a petty thief falls though a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a while new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and, with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system, he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman named Montmorency, and his degenerate servant Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smallest mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives.

Eleanor Updale's writing is witty and wholly original. With a unique perspective and a voice reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe, Montmorency is a cleverly told, gripping adventure story.

©2003 Eleanor Updale (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Montmorency's heart-pounding brushes with discovery add a palpable layer of suspense." (Booklist)
"Readers will find themselves drawn not only to Montmorency's compellingly bizarre biography, but also to his clever and mischievous nature that eventually leads him to both a realization of his past wrongs and a valid career where he can put his "best" skills to good use." (School Library Journal)

Fun story, excellently narrated.

I enjoyed the plot,but it is the characters that make this charming and memorable. I also love Fry’s narration every time I hear it.

this book was realy good

the book montmorecy was good it tell me about what can happen tryin to be two different people.

A story about life, moral and pursuing greatness

An excellent tale of what one can do given the motivation and right circumstances. It feels like a detective novel, without being anything like it. Truly an engaging listen, with the amazing Stephen Fry. I hope that a sequel might yet emerge.

Fabulous.

Stephen Fry is a man of extraordinary oratory gifts and they are evident in this reading. Montmorency is not just for kids. In fact, my husband and I just finished it and were surprised that it was tagged as part of a "young readers" series. Suspenseful, witty, fun.

Excellent story and narration

If you could sum up Montmorency in three words, what would they be?

Evokes the Classics

What other book might you compare Montmorency to and why?

The A.J.Raffles stories, written by E.W. Hornung. Montmorency is somewhat Raffle-ish, and also not unlike an inversion of a certain Society burglar that Raffles snares.Hornung was the brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose characters lend some tang to Montmorency as well. The character development and use of coincidence also reminds one of Charles Dickens.

What does Stephen Fry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mastery! One of the very best narrators there is. Impeccable narration and voices bring the story to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I just enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

This is a very smart book that provides a new and original revival to the classic London mystery genre. The splitting of one person into two characters by disguise and persona was very well done, as was the portrayal of the schism between classes. And the ending was very satisfying. As a first novel it is hard to criticize. The book could have been a little longer and still made a fast read, which would have allowed the plot events to develop at a more leisurely rate. This would also give some more space between the Dickenson-type coincidences that helped move the story along.There were a few "continuity" items, including a couple of minor language neologisms that could have been omitted, and one pervasive olfactory sensation that was conveniently omitted after the first mention, but hard to overlook in its absence, as it would have provided a pervasive and powerful clue. Perhaps the overly proper Police and perpetrated parties were just too polite to mention it.None of these impeded the enjoyment of the story, and I am sure that the sequels are to be at least as much fun!

Listening to Stephen Fry makes it worth the listen.

The plot becomes increasingly far fetched, and the character transformation is implausible. But there are enough interesting plot twists and images of Victorian London, all narrated with gusto by Stephen Fry, to make this a fun listen.

Wonderful story and well read!

This is a piece of historical fiction that is beautifully conveyed by the reader! You’ll find yourself engrossed in the tale before you know it!

Montmorency

Stephen Fry is an incredible narrator of this book, making all the characters and descriptions really come alive. He does a fantastic job. Can't wait to hear him as the voice of the book in Hitchiker's movie. The story of Montmorency is fascinating too, especially at the beginning when he is plotting. I loved how all the details of the plan are explained. You really get the sense of someone taking you into their confidence and telling you delicious secrets. Too bad the ending is a considerable let down and just a set up for making this an ongoing series.

Fun, well written escapist fiction

Unlike a lot of other escapist fun reading, Montmorency is very well written. Imaginative, involving plot pulls you right in to the historical era and the moral dilemmas that the protagonist encounters as he uses wit and daring to pull himself out of prison, the gutter, and near-death to the highest society. Loved this "underdog fights back" story with lots of historical color, authentic sounding dialogue and a great ending! Great narration on this audiobook adds to the enjoyment.

Brilliant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's highly entertaining and Stephen Fry is a delight to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

The humor in the story

Which character – as performed by Stephen Fry – was your favorite?

Both the thief and the gentleman were superb.

Any additional comments?

Stephen Fry makes this audio book into an experience which is much larger than just reading or listening to a book.