The eighth novel in Naxos AudioBooks' series of the great works of Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist is Dickens' second novel. Coming shortly after 'The Pickwick Papers', it is a thrilling study of childhood innocence thrust into the darkly comic world of Fagin, his apprentice the Artful Dodger and their gang of child thieves. Who will help the orphaned Oliver to escape from their clutches and discover his true history? The original story is even more powerful than the musical that popularised it.
Oliver Twist
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An unforgettable journey into criminal behaviour that takes me back to my own childhood fantasies (Malcolm McLaren )
The power of [Dickens] is so amazing, that the reader at once becomes his captive (William Makepeace Thackeray )
Dickens is huge - like the sky. Pick any page of Dickens and it's immediately recognizable as him, yet he might be doing social satire, or farce, or horror, or a psychological study of a murderer - or any combination of these (Susannah Clarke )
The image of little Oliver Twist victimised by poverty, almost seduced by the specious excitement of crime, and then offered the possibility of a lucrative career in authorship is always compelling (Guardian )
We leave him most reluctantly, and so will every reader who has any capacity to see and feel whatsoever is most loveable, hateful, or laughable, in the character of the everyday life about him (Examiner ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The power of [Dickens] is so amazing, that the reader at once becomes his captive (William Makepeace Thackeray )
Dickens is huge - like the sky. Pick any page of Dickens and it's immediately recognizable as him, yet he might be doing social satire, or farce, or horror, or a psychological study of a murderer - or any combination of these (Susannah Clarke )
The image of little Oliver Twist victimised by poverty, almost seduced by the specious excitement of crime, and then offered the possibility of a lucrative career in authorship is always compelling (Guardian )
We leave him most reluctantly, and so will every reader who has any capacity to see and feel whatsoever is most loveable, hateful, or laughable, in the character of the everyday life about him (Examiner ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having read quite a lot of Dickens novels, I came quite late to Oliver Twist. I had read a children's version of it and since I knew the story, I thought I might not find it very interesting. How wrong I was!. The first chapters, although they are a very good critic of the poor workhouse conditions, were a bit dragging. But once Oliver goes to London and meets Fagin's gang, it was a pleasure to read. As in most of Dickens' works, the villains are the ones who make the story interesting. The dingy places that they live, the squalor and filth is so well described as the evil turn of their minds that the "good" people in the story, including Oliver, are quite dull compared to them. It seems Oliver is just an accessory that the plot evolves around but the bad people are the ones that draw us into it. Especially the murder, the haunting conscience and the death at the end are one of the best that I have ever read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Noel
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Dickens' famous story of a young orphan's struggle to survive on the streets of London is rightly one of his most remembered.
Two outstanding characters have been contributed to literature - Fagin and Jack Dawkins the Artful Dodger.
Dickens writes Fagin as a puppet master, controlling the orphaned children as pickpockets and the adults like Bill Sikes as thieves. His subterfuge of a penniless pauper with a kindly approach are at odds with the moments he steals gazing at his hidden stash of jewels and his barking moments of brutality. Though his name is Fagin, Dickens refers to him more often than not as "the Jew", a label quite jarring in today's culture. Fagin is sinister though and many see him as a devil like character. His many schemes, plans, and selfishness all contribute to the image.
The Artful Dodger is a whirling dervish of charisma and charm, teaching Oliver the tricks of the trade and leading the cohorts of youngsters as the ultimate example they should all be aspiring to. Dickens chooses to have the Dodger answer for his crimes as he is finally caught and sent to jail. Tantalisingly, Dickens implies that the Dodger will be deported to Australia though we never see Dodger again after he is led away back to jail. Maybe he was thinking of writing a sequel with him as a grown up character?
Oliver is by no means a great character but a likeable one. His tribulations put us on his side early on and his base survival has us enthralled and rooting for him throughout. Bill Sikes isn't also that great a character. A one dimensional thug and bully, his character is indeed menacing and ugly but unfortunately never goes further.
Nancy meanwhile is another triumph of characterisation. Dickens shows her kind side, her deceitful side, her desperate life, and ultimately her sacrifice. She longs to stay with her boyfriend Bill Sikes despite his brutality and maintains a cheerful and optimistic disposition throughout the miserable drama. Her life and desires are complex and is one of Dickens' most enduring creations.
The overall story of Oliver Twist, of his rise to grace through typically fantastical and novelistic conceits, are but a sideline to the true nature of the book - Dickens' concern and portrayal of society's inhuman treatment of the poor. The book remains important and memorable for this reason. This is probably one of Dickens' most accessible books, a great book and a true classic.
Two outstanding characters have been contributed to literature - Fagin and Jack Dawkins the Artful Dodger.
Dickens writes Fagin as a puppet master, controlling the orphaned children as pickpockets and the adults like Bill Sikes as thieves. His subterfuge of a penniless pauper with a kindly approach are at odds with the moments he steals gazing at his hidden stash of jewels and his barking moments of brutality. Though his name is Fagin, Dickens refers to him more often than not as "the Jew", a label quite jarring in today's culture. Fagin is sinister though and many see him as a devil like character. His many schemes, plans, and selfishness all contribute to the image.
The Artful Dodger is a whirling dervish of charisma and charm, teaching Oliver the tricks of the trade and leading the cohorts of youngsters as the ultimate example they should all be aspiring to. Dickens chooses to have the Dodger answer for his crimes as he is finally caught and sent to jail. Tantalisingly, Dickens implies that the Dodger will be deported to Australia though we never see Dodger again after he is led away back to jail. Maybe he was thinking of writing a sequel with him as a grown up character?
Oliver is by no means a great character but a likeable one. His tribulations put us on his side early on and his base survival has us enthralled and rooting for him throughout. Bill Sikes isn't also that great a character. A one dimensional thug and bully, his character is indeed menacing and ugly but unfortunately never goes further.
Nancy meanwhile is another triumph of characterisation. Dickens shows her kind side, her deceitful side, her desperate life, and ultimately her sacrifice. She longs to stay with her boyfriend Bill Sikes despite his brutality and maintains a cheerful and optimistic disposition throughout the miserable drama. Her life and desires are complex and is one of Dickens' most enduring creations.
The overall story of Oliver Twist, of his rise to grace through typically fantastical and novelistic conceits, are but a sideline to the true nature of the book - Dickens' concern and portrayal of society's inhuman treatment of the poor. The book remains important and memorable for this reason. This is probably one of Dickens' most accessible books, a great book and a true classic.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I am half way through Oliver Twist and at my age 71 have suddenly realised what a great writer Charles Dickens was wonderful book
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok.
This book wasn't the best of books. It was interesting for a bit, but it really drags on after a while. Thanks for everything Charles Dickens.
Published 9 hours ago by BOOM!!!
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good old classic
I read this book when I was young and it is still a classic. Really enjoyed it. Made me sad and happy, glad I have read it again.
Published 2 days ago by Mrs Caroline Ramsdale
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
If you can read this style of literature, Oliver is an excellent story. Dickens brings his characters and the period to life depict ing the life in London brilliantly. Read more
Published 5 days ago by C Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars
Book
It's a classic tale what more is there to say about it except now in electronic form and paper form.
Published 9 days ago by John Fulton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic!
Review wouldn't do it justice, just know that at £0 you'd be daft not to download it!
Takes you back to your childhood
Takes you back to your childhood
Published 13 days ago by Craig
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book ever!
I love this book as it was so dramatic and yet heartening to see such love put into It. I love it.
Published 16 days ago by sjc
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oliver Twist
I have just finished reading this literary classic. The characters are fleshed out so well that you feel for poor Oliver' plight.
Published 17 days ago by Adrian Reaney
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review of Twist
Fabulously written. A dark story with interesting characters who are very cleverly linked to each other. My first Dickensian voyage but not my last.
Published 18 days ago by Mr Alan Wheatley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Truly deserving of its 'classic' status
I had to read Oliver Twist for university and I have absolutely loved it! Dickens' dry humour and sarcastic wit were a source of constant amusement and fun while I was reading and... Read more
Published 22 days ago by jacksayspurple
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book
Charles Dickens what a great author. 0liver was a great read from start to finish. Hope the next Dickens will be a great read as well.
Published 27 days ago by Caroline
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