Monday, January 4, 2010

Current Novel Study: _Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?_

Tuesday we begin our second novel, scholars: Elenaor Updale's Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

In a perfect fit for our second quarter theme -- self-transformation -- this novel blends mystery and betrayal, history and mischief into a cliff-hanging, nail-biting run through the Victorian London sewers ... rife with scent and cleverness of a devilish convict. Here is our author:

Here are some pictures of our setting (Victorian London 1837-1901):


Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?
Yours truly,

M. Kittner

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Kittner,
I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to get into the other three. I thought it was kinda funny how one of the reasons Pewley died, was from the shock of prison food. Another series that I like is the _The Keys to the Kingdom_ series. Mr. Webster told me that the seventh book has just come out. I can't wait to read all of those books!

B. Porter

M. Kittner said...

Glad you enjoyed it, B. The entire series is amazing. As for the last three, each is based loosely around some major historical allusion (which is why I like them so much).

The third one is AMAZING! I think it gives the first a run for its money. Let me know if you would want to reserve a copy (if you would like to continue reading about M's journey. In the second, he comes face to face with Dr. Farcett).

Also, I find it ironic that Pewley was sent to "Montmorency's" prison; that was a nice touch. Oh, and who could forget that we learn Fox-Selwyn knew Montmorency had a special "skill set" and that's why he bribed him with the break in to the Mauramanian embassy.

Great novels!
Enjoy the snow day!

MK

Anonymous said...

Mr.Kittner-
This is Mrs. Hutchins---standing in for Reid Hutchins. He wanted me to ask the following---and I do not understand it.....What pages would you/he/a person find reference for the boatman, Professor Humbley, and Fox Selwyn? Pardon my spelling errors--I am trying to read his handwriting. I hope you excuse him for not blogging personally, but someone had to go to the WFU b-ball game.Thank you for your attention. Mrs. M. Hutchins

R. Hutchins

M. Kittner said...

Mrs. Hutchins,

A quotation about what the boatman (bargeman) can be found at the end of the chapter titles "Horror Underground."

Fox-Selwyn is introduced in the chapter titled "A Drama" and he's a main character throughout the rest of the novel.

Prof Humbley's main role is through an imaginary conversation with Montmorency on pp. 34-38. Reid is probably looking for the quotation when Humbley informs Montmorency that he (Mont) should be his own accomplice.

Hope it helps!
MK