Mystery, Adventure, Magical Realism

The Strange and Unlikely Tale of Montgomery the Mysterious Bird of Mystery

$16.99

(1) Write a Review

UPC:

9781760658915

Product Description

From the animator of The Corpse Bride, Coraline and Isle of Dogs, comes a hilarious, illustrated tale about Gramps's life as a magician. Gramps had what they call a ‘Chequered Career’ which he insists on regaling to his sceptical grandson. He’s been a stuntman and a deep-sea diver, but his most exciting, and discombobulating, career was when he was a magician. Known as The Astounding Alfredo, he became famous throughout the world, especially for the disappearing trick with his dove—Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird of Mystery. Unfortunately, Montgomery is not just mysterious, but malevolent, envious and ambitious. And Gramps and Montgomery discover that fame has a way of changing people—and places. Expect the unexpected and believe the unbelievable in this hilarious debut novel from acclaimed animator Antony Elworthy.

Reviews

4
magician, retirement village, storytelling, illusionist, spells, talking birds, rivals, shrinking, card tricks, performance

Posted by Novel Insight Reviews on 21st Nov 2024

When a young boy visits a retirement village, his Gramps tells him a story about when he became the famous magician, The Astounding Alfredo. After quitting his job as a deep-sea diver, Gramps became a travelling magician. His rival, The Incomparable Marvin, often attended his shows to hurl insults at him and throw rotten fruit. Gramps later pioneered a trick where he pulled a dove from a hat named "The Mysterious Bird of Mystery". Gramps had a dove, Montgomery, who was part of his famous trick. However, Montgomery was a bitter bird who complained and wanted to be the show's star. As Alfredo became famous, Montgomery became more hostile and refused to cooperate during the magic shows. An entertaining and whimsical read for lovers of magic, mystery, and adventure.