Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am reviewing one of my favourites: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

Oliver Twist was first published in serialised format by Bentley’s Miscellany from 1837–1839 and in book format in 1838 by Richard Bentley. My Kindle copy is 420 pages long.

The Plot
The book tells the story of Oliver, a young orphan boy forced to grow up in poverty in a workhouse. The novel follows Oliver’s life as he escapes the workhouse and becomes involved in a gang of pickpockets in London.

Characters
Oliver Twist
Oliver is the story’s protagonist. He is a young orphan boy raised in a workhouse until he runs away to London and meets Dodger, a pickpocket who introduces him to Fagin, the leader of a group of pickpockets.

Oliver is a character for whom it is easy to feel empathy and root for. He has been mistreated and abused by just about everyone around him and yet, despite his difficult circumstances, remains kind-hearted and pure throughout the novel. He is depicted as innocent and naive, though he also possesses a strong sense of justice and compassion for others. As he moves through the dangerous streets of London, Oliver’s unwavering moral compass serves as a guiding light through the darkness surrounding him.

Fagin
Fagin is an older man in charge of a pack of youthful pickpockets. He is cunning and manipulative, preying on homeless and vulnerable children for his own gain while also organising robberies and selling the goods he receives.

The Artful Dodger
Dodger is one of Fagin’s followers who acts as Oliver’s guide to the world of thievery. He is clever, streetwise and skilled at pickpocketing. Despite his criminal behaviour, Dodger is charming and charismatic.

Nancy
Nancy is a complicated character (and my favourite).
A former member of Fagin’s gang, Nancy, develops a soft spot for Oliver after meeting him. She is torn between her devotion to Fagin and her growing affection for the boy, ultimately deciding to help him in his quest to escape Fagin and his gang. Nancy is kind-hearted and loyal to those she cares about but also deeply troubled by her lifestyle and the choices she has had to make.

Bill Sikes
Bill is Nancy’s lover and a henchman in Fagin’s gang. He is ruthless and will do whatever he likes to achieve his goals. He is awful to Nancy, abusing her and others, and has no qualms about using violence against anyone who gets in his way.

Mr Bumble
Mr Bumble is the pompous and self-important beadle who works at the workhouse Oliver is raised in. He is incompetent, cruel and heartless to the orphans under his care.

Mr Brownlow
Mr Brownlow is a wealthy and kind-hearted man who takes pity on Oliver and takes him under his wing, when after initially suspecting Oliver of picking his pocket, Oliver takes ill at his trial.

Brownlow is a father figure to Oliver and serves as a symbol of goodness and mercy in a world of darkness and vice. His compassion and generosity starkly contrast the cruelty and greed of Fagin and his associates.

Writing Style
Dickens’ style here is typically engaging and marked by his brilliance in storytelling and ability to create remarkably detailed and layered characters and settings. His descriptions of the grimy streets of London are always particularly noteworthy, painting a vivid picture of life in a busy Victorian city.

In addition to its plot and well-drawn characters, Oliver Twist is a powerful critique of social issues prevalent during Dickens’ time.

To me, Dickens’ work often feels like a history book; through vivid descriptions of poverty-stricken neighbourhoods, corrupt officials, and unjust systems, he shines a light on the harsh realities faced daily by those living on the edges of society. His commentary on these issues adds depth and complexity to an already captivating narrative and teaches the reader about the world at the time of the story’s writing.

Final Thoughts
I have loved Dickens since I was small, and my parents read me A Christmas Carol. I love the way he writes. It’s almost as if he’s sitting down with you, by a fire with a drink, recounting his stories to you, and this story, in particular, is one of my favourites. I have seen almost every adaptation of the book (Oliver! is my favourite) and have read the book a few times in the last couple of decades, and rereading it for this review made me feel enormously nostalgic for my childhood.

Overall, Oliver Twist is a timeless classic that is well worth reading. Its memorable characters, powerful story, and strong moral message make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories, social history or great characters.

I am giving Oliver Twist an 8/10.

Have you read Oliver Twist? Have you watched any of the large number of adaptations? Which do you think does the book justice most?

As ever, thank you for stopping by to read my review.

Until next time,

George

© 2024 GLT

Categories: Book Reviews, Reading

Tags: book review, books, Dickens, Oliver, Oliver Twist, review, Victorian London