Book info

• Title Oliver Twist
• Author Charles Dickens
• Year 1838
• Genre Classic

The story of Oliver Twist - orphaned, and set upon by evil and adversity from his first breath - shocked readers when it was published. After running away from the workhouse and pompous beadle Mr Bumble, Oliver finds himself lured into a den of thieves peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the Artful Dodger, vicious burglar Bill Sikes, his dog Bull's Eye, and prostitute Nancy, all watched over by cunning master-thief Fagin.

Thoughts

I know for certain that I have started this book several times, but how far through it I have previously managed to get, I’m not sure. The whole thing is familiar, practically knowing the musical off by heart, and although there are differences between story and film, it’s mostly the Oliver we know and love.

The characters are good and, thanks to the film, I had strong mental images of them as they meandered their way through the underbelly of London. It was interesting to see them go off in new and different directions - Sikes being just that little bit more of a monster, and Noah Claypole making a second and even less welcome appearance.

My only real complaint about the book is just how unlikely it all is. There are always leaps of the imagination to be had in works of fiction, but the coincidence that Oliver would find himself amongst long-lost family not just the first time, but on two separate occasions, seems incredible to the point of disbelief. That and the sheer number of tears were my only bugbears about a book that is an enjoyable, if slightly heart-wrenching at times, read.

Rating: 4 / 5