Montmorency’s Revenge, by Eleanor Updale
Updale, Eleanor (2007). Montmorency’s Revenge. NY: Orchard Books. 304 pages.
This is the fourth book in a smashing historical fiction series that, to be honest, I can’t get enough of. The series is set in late 19th century Europe and follows the adult character of Montmorency, a onetime crook who, by adopting some rather dubious and self-interested Robin Hood behaviors, manages to infiltrate high society and live among the upper class. He develops a close friendship with some minor royalty and a physician and the men engage in some undercover detective and spy work. At the end of the last book, Montmorency and the Assassins, a tremedous act of personal terrorism has occurred and Montmorency has vowed revenge.
Disturbed by the terrorist acts of anarchists in Europe, Montmorency and his gang are put on the trail of the anarchist leader responsible for the death of one of their friends. Although they are working under the auspices of the British government, Montmorency and his young friend Frank are more thrilled by the prospect of exacting bloody revenge. With Frank disguised as “Jack” to avoid detection, Montmorency notices the thrall this new, undercover personality has on Frank/Jack. It appears as if Frank may be as seduced by the dark side as Montmorency one was.
I’ve never really been one for historical fiction; however, Updale’s series is so great! I love the character of Montmorency and his perpetual struggle with his dark “self” and I’m especially excited that we’ll see this conflict play out in another character as well. Updale evokes the nineteenth century in a distinctly non-pedantic way (we even get to witness the assassination of William McKinley!), a technique that all too many children’s and YA authors seem to ignore in favor of didacticism. The surprise and brutal ending of the last book had me drooling for more and damn if the promise of future depravity doesn’t have me again waiting eagerly for Updale’s next installment.