The Adventures of Oliver Twist (Everyman's Library (Paper))
by Charles Dickens
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|
| published
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by Tuttle Publishing
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| first published
| 2000 |
| binding
| Paperback |
| isbn
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046087490X
(isbn13: 9780460874908)
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| pages
| 384 |
| description
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Edited with an Introduction by Philip Horne.
[close]
Edited with an Introduction by Philip Horne.
[close]
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| date added
|
06-02-07
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I have in my 37 years of life avoided reading Charles Dickens. My reason: after having suffered through trying to read the so-called English literature of his era--think Thomas Harding, Emile Bronte and Mary Shelly--I figured Dickens would be no better. For some reason I can’t now recollect, I decided to give Dickens a try. I chose Oliver Twist. And was immediately hooked. Far from the boring narrative one finds the works of the other English writers I've already mentioned, Dickens has a...more
I have in my 37 years of life avoided reading Charles Dickens. My reason: after having suffered through trying to read the so-called English literature of his era--think Thomas Harding, Emile Bronte and Mary Shelly--I figured Dickens would be no better. For some reason I can’t now recollect, I decided to give Dickens a try. I chose Oliver Twist. And was immediately hooked. Far from the boring narrative one finds the works of the other English writers I've already mentioned, Dickens has a very personable, simple, attractive writing style.
As its title suggests, the book itself is about Oliver Twist. He's an orphan who, constantly abused, finally runs away and goes to London for there he figures he'll never be found. During his trip to that city, he meets a youth of perhaps thirteen years who calls himself the Artful Dodger. He's a pick pocket, and he brings poor Oliver into a den of thieves, one headed by a fence named Fagin. Here is a character of very bad reputation. Alas, he also demonstrates Dickens’ obvious anti-Semitism. Fagin represents a caricature of all “bad” Jews. Despite this flaw, Dickens nonetheless makes him a compelling villain. His other primary rogue, Bill Sikes the housebreaker, is even more dangerous and more terrifying.
Poor Oliver is soon used as a decoy while the Artful Dodger and his fellow pickpocket, Charley Bates, steal from a gentleman looking at books at a bookstand. Oliver is caught, taken to the magistrate, then befriended by the very man who thought Oliver had picked his pocket: Mr. Brownlow. From here Oliver’s adventures for the most part recall the terrible things that happen to the poor boy: he’s kidnapped, compelled to be a house breaker, and has a variety of other problems. Along the way he learns that not all the adults in the world are as compassionless as those who ran the Parish orphanage from whence he came.
This book is more than a compelling tale: it is biting social commentary, attacking the terrible conditions that the English masses had to endure in the first half of the 19th century; it is especially critical of the unfair Poor Law. England at that time was in essence what the free market advocates want in America to be today: they want no government interference in business nor the government to manage anyone’s lives’ let the market to take care of it! Thus an orphanage isn’t a place where you keep children until they can be adopted or come of age, it’s a place where you work the them to turn a profit. Oddly, this tale rings very true to our society today, but even if you have no interest whatsoever in society in general and politics and economics in particular, it’s nonetheless a wonderful tale well worth reading....less
bookshelves:
classic
Reading this novel was a delight. Perhaps, it was so wonderfully moving because of some personal dilemmas occurring in my life at the time. My good friend, Christina deJong had just passed away from a horribly debilitating disease, cancer, and I was having problems grieving. And then I read this moving passage:
'but this should give us comfort in our sorrow; for Heaven is just; and such things teach
impressively, that there is a brighter world than this; and that the passage to it is speed...more
Reading this novel was a delight. Perhaps, it was so wonderfully moving because of some personal dilemmas occurring in my life at the time. My good friend, Christina deJong had just passed away from a horribly debilitating disease, cancer, and I was having problems grieving. And then I read this moving passage:
'but this should give us comfort in our sorrow; for Heaven is just; and such things teach
impressively, that there is a brighter world than this; and that the passage to it is speedy.
God's will be done! I love her; and He knows how well!'
Reminding me that Christina was in a better place was extremely comforting, and made this book even more unforgettable.
Indeed, I am a hopeless romantic. I read one particular chapter over a dozen times. In fact, I have the text of this chapter on Kurzweil that I have the ability to hear any time I wish:
'I only wish you had
left here, that you might have turned to high and noble pursuits
again; to pursuits well worthy of you.'
'There is no pursuit more worthy of me: more worthy of the
highest nature that exists: than the struggle to win such a
heart as yours,' said the young man, taking her hand.
This scene would make a perfect movie. Wonderfully romantic. Great book! :-)
click here to read Oliver! movie review
©N. Kent Last Updated: July 20, 2007 Email Nicole Kent
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Reading this novel was a delight. Perhaps, it was so wonderfully moving because of some personal dilemmas occurring in my life as the time I was reading this. My good friend, Christina deJong had just passed away from a horribly debilitating disease, cancer, and I was having problems grieving. And then I read this moving passage:
'but this should give us comfort in our sorrow; for Heaven Finn just; and such things teach us, impressively, that there is a brighter world than this; and that the passage to it is speedy.
God's will be done! I love her; and He know how well!'
Reminding me that Christina was in a better place was extremely comforting, and made this book even the more unforgettable.
Indeed, I am a hopeless romantic. I have read one particular chapter over a dozen times. In fact, I have the text of this chapter on Kurzweil that I have the ability to hear any time I wish:
'I only wish you had
left here, that you might have turned to high and noble pursuits
again; to pursuits well worthy of you.'
'There is no pursuit more worthy of me: more worthy of the
highest nature that exists: than the struggle to win such a
heart as yours,' said the young man, taking her hand.
This scene would make a perfect movie. Wonderfully romantic. Great book! :-)
...less
Read in February, 2008
The old man, who was stooping over the fire toasting a piece of bread, looked round as he bantered Oliver thus, and chuckled, as if to show that he knew he would still be very glad to get away if he could.
‘I suppose,’ said the Jew, fixing his eyes on Oliver, ‘you want to know what you’re going to Bill’s for – eh, my dear?’
Oliver coloured, involuntarily, to find that the old thief had been reading his thoughts; but boldly said, Yes, he did want to know.
‘Why, do you think?...more
The old man, who was stooping over the fire toasting a piece of bread, looked round as he bantered Oliver thus, and chuckled, as if to show that he knew he would still be very glad to get away if he could.
‘I suppose,’ said the Jew, fixing his eyes on Oliver, ‘you want to know what you’re going to Bill’s for – eh, my dear?’
Oliver coloured, involuntarily, to find that the old thief had been reading his thoughts; but boldly said, Yes, he did want to know.
‘Why, do you think?’ inquired Fagin, parring the question.
‘Indeed I don’t know, sir,’ replied Oliver.
‘Bah!’ said the Jew, turning away with a disappointed countenance from a close perusal of the boy’s face. ‘Wait till Bill tells you, then.’
There seems to be a planted idea residing in Oliver’s mind. Placed, by a labyrinth, in cause to understand something forthwith. The life of Oliver Twist has so many facets and can really be before to relate too, to bringing up a boy, of an orphanage, into the real world, which has taken on such a stylistic form which non-adheres that Oliver’s to look up and all about, from in towards himself. He is but constantly pressed gainfully into supercilious situations beyond his physically controls, and that which constantly led of paramour affection to sway for a controversial relationship bearing of Oliver.
He has fallen in the supposed clutches of harden life’s ridiculous criminals, and this here then begins to hearten back time and time again to a certain Oliver Twist’s distinguished sleuth slaying. He is above all only a mere child, and a vexed one at that. This setting of the story matters, much to a select audience, who to too few can at first appreciate the gargle of this language that must insure to increase the offering from such plots that substantiate the story. All supposed figurativeness of its time....less
bookshelves:
literature
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in August, 2007
So I've finished it, but it was kind of a struggle. There are parts of the story that made me not want to go on (and surprisingly this was often because I didn't want any more bad things to happen to Oliver. Now I know why 'Dick' is in Dickens).
Several things jumped out at me while reading. The first was the elitist Victorian view of society where the poor are pitied but in the end it is really their fault. Though Dickens does poke fun at this a bit, and he does point out how the middle...more
So I've finished it, but it was kind of a struggle. There are parts of the story that made me not want to go on (and surprisingly this was often because I didn't want any more bad things to happen to Oliver. Now I know why 'Dick' is in Dickens).
Several things jumped out at me while reading. The first was the elitist Victorian view of society where the poor are pitied but in the end it is really their fault. Though Dickens does poke fun at this a bit, and he does point out how the middle class often exploits the poor (Mrs. Bumble for example). But thethe only reason Oliver is even interesting or has a chance at succeeding is because of his hidden upperclass roots! There is the underlying feeling that rich people are better.
Another thing that jumped out at me, was that the ending was awful. The book had to end with Oliver coming into his inheritance but it seemed really forced. Why would Monks cave like that? Isn't he supposed to live to destroy Oliver?
And what are with the super evil people (Monks, The Jew)? I guess they are supposed to be characatures but they just seem flat and annoying. Sikes and Nancy were both not very nice people but they were at least human.
Anyway, you can read it or not. If not you could read the wiki article and pretend to be in the know. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_T...
_____
I hope this book is more like Great Expectations and less like Tale of Two Cities. Wish me luck (stupid $2 books from BN)....less
Read in November, 2007
Having seen the stage musical and two movie versions, I have wanted for a long time to read the original. It was interesting to see how much was changed from the book. Fagin is a much more loathsome creature in the book--more treacherous, more cunning, more quick to anger, and not the jolly old naughty elf that he is in the musical version. Nancy is also more of a wretch, and not the kindly, big sister figure to Fagin's gang as she is portrayed in the film; making her decision to act on Olive...more
Having seen the stage musical and two movie versions, I have wanted for a long time to read the original. It was interesting to see how much was changed from the book. Fagin is a much more loathsome creature in the book--more treacherous, more cunning, more quick to anger, and not the jolly old naughty elf that he is in the musical version. Nancy is also more of a wretch, and not the kindly, big sister figure to Fagin's gang as she is portrayed in the film; making her decision to act on Oliver's behalf seem more daring, as it was in fact out of character. I also enjoyed the fact that the story is more complex than depicted in the musical. In Monks, there is a more sinister threat to Oliver than merely Fagin and Sikes fears of discovery. And Oliver has many more friends, and more family, by the end than Mr. Brownlow alone.
Some of my favorite parts of the book are the satircal passages, especially those involving Mr. Bumble and the parochial administration, where Dickens exposes, with many humorous turns of phrases, all the hypocricy and degradation of the systems of so-called social welfare, criminal justice, etc.
I read this aloud to my 10 and 11 year old daughters. They had recently seen their cousins and uncle in a stage production of the musical, and so were keen to have me read it to them. They were able to follow it pretty well, although the language in many places is quite difficult to follow. They enjoyed the richer detail and more intricate plot, as well....less
bookshelves:
novel
Read in January, 1986
Everyone knows this story and there's a reason for it.
My generic comment about Charles Dickens:
First of all, although I am a partisan of Dickens' writing and have read and relished most his works, I concede to three flaws in his oeuvre that are not insignificant. First, while he seemed to develop an almost endless variety of male social types, his female characters are much less well developed. Second, although he portrayed the stark brutality of economic and class inequality with unparall...more
Everyone knows this story and there's a reason for it.
My generic comment about Charles Dickens:
First of all, although I am a partisan of Dickens' writing and have read and relished most his works, I concede to three flaws in his oeuvre that are not insignificant. First, while he seemed to develop an almost endless variety of male social types, his female characters are much less well developed. Second, although he portrayed the stark brutality of economic and class inequality with unparalleled clarity, his diagnosis of what needs to be done is flaccidly liberal, suggesting that the wealthy should simply be nicer and more generous to the poor(yet his writings did propitiate structural changes, e.g. to the Poor Laws, in his lifetime). Third, in tying up the loose threads of his extremely complex plots, he often pushes this reader past the boundary of the reasonable suspension of disbelief. Some readers also object to his sentimentalism or to his grotesque characters but I find these extremes create a dynamism in combination with his social criticism.
These caveats aside, I deeply enjoy reading Dickens for a number of reasons. He exhibits stratospheric gifts of imagination in portraying extremes of human character in extreme situations. His idiosyncratic characters each have an unmistakable and unforgettable voice. His highly crafted language is endlessly inventive and evocative. Finally, he created a parade of some of the funniest, evilest, and most pathetic characters one will ever encounter and although extreme, they also ring true to equivalent characters from any time. ...less
Read in October, 2007
As one of Dickens' most well-known books, Oliver Twist does not disappoint. The plot line is extremely interesting, and I enjoyed reading such an original story written with such eloquent diction. Dickens' language is one of the best parts of the book. The story of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy who falls into many wrong hands before finally finding a good home, is not only well written, but intriguing. The characters are extremely well developed, and often comical. Oliver's life contains ma...more
As one of Dickens' most well-known books, Oliver Twist does not disappoint. The plot line is extremely interesting, and I enjoyed reading such an original story written with such eloquent diction. Dickens' language is one of the best parts of the book. The story of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy who falls into many wrong hands before finally finding a good home, is not only well written, but intriguing. The characters are extremely well developed, and often comical. Oliver's life contains many twists, twists that make the reading entertaining. Though many may see some of the events as relatively cliche, Dickens was one of the first to write the events. He himself "invented" the cliches that inspired thousands of writers after him. The book deserves to be a classic. It is an original tale, expertly crafted, and intelligently compounded. I not only enjoyed the story, but felt that I learned something. Dickens is one of the few writers that can write stories that are not only entertaining, but good. Good in the sense that they are original, insightful, and eye-opening. The plot of Oliver Twist relies on the strength of the characters. Their interactions within the environment of 19th century England build a story that shows us the many natures of human kind, and as always, how good prevails over evil. It is a very enjoyable read, from which the reader will gain a great deal. This classic is one which is truly worth the time it takes to read it....less
While a bit entertaining, the book feels much longer than necessary. Though there aren't any descriptions of the flowers and trees and buildings but there are a long series of events which seem to take a long time which are equally boring.
Most of the characters in Oliver Twist are one dimensional i.e they are either pure good or pure evil. There are those individual storylines that lead to nowhere.I did not care much for Oliver, either. There is too much melodrama and the sentimental scenes ar...more
While a bit entertaining, the book feels much longer than necessary. Though there aren't any descriptions of the flowers and trees and buildings but there are a long series of events which seem to take a long time which are equally boring.
Most of the characters in Oliver Twist are one dimensional i.e they are either pure good or pure evil. There are those individual storylines that lead to nowhere.I did not care much for Oliver, either. There is too much melodrama and the sentimental scenes are atrocious.
Coming to the ending- Though I appreciate a happy ending just like anyone else, but the ending in Oliver Twist came together slowly and with little interest.It is very contrived. And the fact that I knew the plot before reading the book also did not help. I should say I was a bit disappointed with this book.
I only completed the book because I felt that Charles Dickens is a brilliant satirist. If i have to recommend this book to anyone then I will recommend the abridged version to children. 500 pages is too long for a tale what could have been told in 250-300 pages....less
bookshelves:
2007,
classic-british
Read in December, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone
I don't know how my review got for "Christmas Carol" got posted on "Oliver". Must have been the computer fairies at work. At this point I'm re-reading "Oliver", my main impression so far is that the workhouse scenes are pretty overdone. They were dreadful enough; so don't screw up your point by making ridiculous charges against them: the facts are capable of making your point. Still have a long way to go, though, so I'm certainly not rating it yet.
Well, now I've f...more
I don't know how my review got for "Christmas Carol" got posted on "Oliver". Must have been the computer fairies at work. At this point I'm re-reading "Oliver", my main impression so far is that the workhouse scenes are pretty overdone. They were dreadful enough; so don't screw up your point by making ridiculous charges against them: the facts are capable of making your point. Still have a long way to go, though, so I'm certainly not rating it yet.
Well, now I've finished it. On the whole, it was sort of a disppointment. I remember being infuriated, frightened, and very amused when I read this as...oh...maybe a 10-year-old. Now, maybe not so much. The characters are one-dimensional, with the possible exception of Nancy and the Beadle, Mr. Bumble; the plot is way over the top with coincidence; the humor is weaker than some of his other works. The scenes at the end, with Sikes on the run and with Fagin in his cell, are well done, I think. This isn't my favorite Dickens and probably not one I'll read again. ...less
This was a great book! I've tried reading Charles Dickens when I was younger and found it a difficult read. This time, it was a masterpiece. Dickens wrote long descriptive passages so the imagination can really fly away and paint a great picture. You really do feel sorry for poor Oliver, as everything under the sun gets thrown at him. As bad as the other characters were, I could not help but pity them for what they had become. This just made Oliver even more amazing that he refused to turn out t...more
This was a great book! I've tried reading Charles Dickens when I was younger and found it a difficult read. This time, it was a masterpiece. Dickens wrote long descriptive passages so the imagination can really fly away and paint a great picture. You really do feel sorry for poor Oliver, as everything under the sun gets thrown at him. As bad as the other characters were, I could not help but pity them for what they had become. This just made Oliver even more amazing that he refused to turn out that way, as hard as it may be to believe.
I read this book while living in London so it was exciting to recognize some of the places I visited. It felt more real to me, to see in my mind's eye the characters wandering through the same streets as I had. Perhaps it made me appreciate more fully how rich with history the city was. I had moved there from a house no more than 10 years old in a suburb that did not exist 15 years ago. This book made me feel more connected....less
bookshelves:
classic-fictions
To me some pieces are written to be read once for ever. Though I loved Oliver Twist or David Copperfield and even Bleak House when I read them first as a young man, but never again….
برخی از آثار یا نویسندگان در دوره ی خود در حد شاهکار بوده اند. بسیاری شان اما پس از یک زمان مشخص، تاریخ مصرفشان تمام شده است. می توانم تصور کنم که دیکنز یکی از آنهاست که در دو...more
To me some pieces are written to be read once for ever. Though I loved Oliver Twist or David Copperfield and even Bleak House when I read them first as a young man, but never again….
برخی از آثار یا نویسندگان در دوره ی خود در حد شاهکار بوده اند. بسیاری شان اما پس از یک زمان مشخص، تاریخ مصرفشان تمام شده است. می توانم تصور کنم که دیکنز یکی از آنهاست که در دوره ی خود باید خیلی درخشان بوده باشد. من اما حتی "اولیور توویست" و "دیوید کاپرفیلد" را که در اوایل جوانی به راستی دوستشان داشتم، حاضر نیستم دوباره بخوانم، حتی آن وقت ها که چیزی برای خواندن نداشته ام، حاضر بوده ام یکی دو کار بالزاک را دوباره بخوانم اما دیکنز را ...
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bookshelves:
classics
Read in April, 2002
recommends it for:
Any DIEHARD fan of Dickens
As is always the case with Dickens, one should not read this book with any background noise or one may miss his meaning and need to re-read passages. Of the four Dickens novels I have read, this is the best and the most humorous, with the most skillful wording the master ever put to paper. The plot is familiar: Oliver in the work house, his employ at the undertakers, Fagan and the Dodger and their pickposket boys, Nancy and Bill Sykes, and the world of the underground in Victorian England. Th...more
As is always the case with Dickens, one should not read this book with any background noise or one may miss his meaning and need to re-read passages. Of the four Dickens novels I have read, this is the best and the most humorous, with the most skillful wording the master ever put to paper. The plot is familiar: Oliver in the work house, his employ at the undertakers, Fagan and the Dodger and their pickposket boys, Nancy and Bill Sykes, and the world of the underground in Victorian England. The real fun is in the dialogue and Dickens' descriptive prose. Knowing that Dickens lived in the places he writes about, it is remarkable how little sympathy he shows for those who lived criminal lives. In all cases, they have chosen their lives of crime and perhaps deserve the consequences. On one point I disagree with Dickens: he thought A Tale of Two Cities was his masterpiece, but I grant Oliver Twist that hallowed place of honor, having read them both....less
bookshelves:
reviews-
The great thing about working in educational publishing, is that sometimes you are given the chance to re-read amazing novels like this one.
I called my cat Oliver Twist, so I guess I liked the novel I lot when I read it for the first time some fifteen years ago. However, I had completely forgotten memorable chapters like the ones about the murder of Nancy, the escape and death of uber-villain Bill Sikes, and the last day of Fagin.
Incidentally, as I read this tale of absurd coincidences a...more
The great thing about working in educational publishing, is that sometimes you are given the chance to re-read amazing novels like this one.
I called my cat Oliver Twist, so I guess I liked the novel I lot when I read it for the first time some fifteen years ago. However, I had completely forgotten memorable chapters like the ones about the murder of Nancy, the escape and death of uber-villain Bill Sikes, and the last day of Fagin.
Incidentally, as I read this tale of absurd coincidences and mistaken identity, I also made some shocking discoveries about my adopted puppy, Trixie. Alec and I found her real name and identity (not the ones we thought originally), met her mother, and most likely found out her dad's breed. I only wish there were a secret will somewhere. I heard about some dogs in America who received more than a few millions in inheritance, so why not Trixie? Anyway, great book....less
bookshelves:
dickens
Read in January, 2007
This was Dickens' second novel. It's the one I remember best from my youth. I think I found it frightening then, perhaps because it was one of the first "grown-up books" I read that had a good deal of violence directed at "civilians" and because I was only slightly older than Oliver and thus able to identify with him more than I did with, say, Natty Bumppo.
Rereading it decades later, I was surprised at how little time Oliver spends with Fagin, the Artful Dodger, and Sikes...more
This was Dickens' second novel. It's the one I remember best from my youth. I think I found it frightening then, perhaps because it was one of the first "grown-up books" I read that had a good deal of violence directed at "civilians" and because I was only slightly older than Oliver and thus able to identify with him more than I did with, say, Natty Bumppo.
Rereading it decades later, I was surprised at how little time Oliver spends with Fagin, the Artful Dodger, and Sikes. Those characters are the ones most calculated to leave a strong impression in a young teenager's mind.
I've quoted Bumble's statement that "the law is a ass – a idiot" thousands of times, but I was unaware until my recent rereading of how funny that remark is in context – not the context of a few paragraphs, but the context of the entire Bumble courtship and marriage.
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Read in March, 2008
I really liked this book. Dickens writes about the experiences of a boy named Pip who is content with his lot in life until he realizes there is more out there and suddenly his desire to become proper and educated exceeds all other desires. Dickens writes from the viewpoint of Pip, his observations, his thoughts, and his commentary on the life he experiences. In essence this is a character that you can relate to, his desires to do good, his frustrations with his life, his feelings of inferiority...more
I really liked this book. Dickens writes about the experiences of a boy named Pip who is content with his lot in life until he realizes there is more out there and suddenly his desire to become proper and educated exceeds all other desires. Dickens writes from the viewpoint of Pip, his observations, his thoughts, and his commentary on the life he experiences. In essence this is a character that you can relate to, his desires to do good, his frustrations with his life, his feelings of inferiority, superiority, and doubt about life. It raises, in a sense, the question of our expectations as much as Pip's when he comes into money which allows him to work to obtain the education and status he desired. In the end Pip realizes that life isn't all that you want or expect it to be and that there is a great amount of learning that occurs as life occurs....less
Read in June, 2007
Dickens definitely has a way with words though I had trouble understanding at points whether he was condoning somethings or ridiculing them. It might have helped if I was actually reading the book and able to look back, or maybe not. The story is very complete biography of Oliver which might have been cut at certain points which had no real impact on the plot. And though it wasn't painful, the story was extremely show to develop at several points. I have heard before of Dickens's stretch of beli...more
Dickens definitely has a way with words though I had trouble understanding at points whether he was condoning somethings or ridiculing them. It might have helped if I was actually reading the book and able to look back, or maybe not. The story is very complete biography of Oliver which might have been cut at certain points which had no real impact on the plot. And though it wasn't painful, the story was extremely show to develop at several points. I have heard before of Dickens's stretch of believable coincidence in his writing but was shocked when the ending arrived as to how true that is. The probability of even one of those connections might have been a push but the number of them was utterly ridiculous. All in all though, it's not that bad of a book despite being a classic....less
Read in August, 2001
This is my favorite Dickens novel of the ones I have read. The plot revolves, almost melodramatically, around extemely helpless and extremely evil characters--I think this, for me, helped this Dickens novel to be more readable and enjoyable. The satire on the poor laws of industrial England, and the sheer "theatricality" of it all are just wonderful. There are several scenes where Dickens' vivid imaginative flare creates what I think are fictional masterpieces. Apart from being such a ...more
This is my favorite Dickens novel of the ones I have read. The plot revolves, almost melodramatically, around extemely helpless and extremely evil characters--I think this, for me, helped this Dickens novel to be more readable and enjoyable. The satire on the poor laws of industrial England, and the sheer "theatricality" of it all are just wonderful. There are several scenes where Dickens' vivid imaginative flare creates what I think are fictional masterpieces. Apart from being such a great read, the book is packed with stark, interesting social dynamics, psychological issues, and Dickens' "London"! Fagin's utilitarian backfiring ruminations on teh night of his trial are still poignant in my memory. The book is a literary masterpeice! Better than Harry Potter any day....less
bookshelves:
booklist-for-2008
Read in January, 2008
I have started re-reading some of my antique books, and have found the language and expressions amazing. I honestly have to wonder though, if Dickens even knew what a period was. For example, this passage from the first chapter of Oliver Twist:
Among other public buildings in a certain town, which for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning, and to which I will assign no fictitious name, there is one anciently common to most towns, great or small: to wit, a workhouse; and ...more
I have started re-reading some of my antique books, and have found the language and expressions amazing. I honestly have to wonder though, if Dickens even knew what a period was. For example, this passage from the first chapter of Oliver Twist:
Among other public buildings in a certain town, which for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning, and to which I will assign no fictitious name, there is one anciently common to most towns, great or small: to wit, a workhouse; and n this workhouse was born; on a day and date which I need not trouble myself to repeat, inasmuch as it can be of no possible consequence to the reader, in this stage of the business at all events; the item of mortality whose name is prefixed to the head of this chapter.
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bookshelves:
classics
Read in May, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone
I was beginning to feel like I hadn't read any classics lately, so, somehow, I was led to Oliver Twist. I guess because when you think classics, you think Dickens. I guess Dickens was all about colorful, multi-layered characters. I felt like I should be making a list of characters while I was reading to try to do a matching quiz that my teacher would be giving out later. There was Oliver, Fagin, the artful Dodger, Bill Sikes, Nancy. Dickens was also about plot...always linking this characte...more
I was beginning to feel like I hadn't read any classics lately, so, somehow, I was led to Oliver Twist. I guess because when you think classics, you think Dickens. I guess Dickens was all about colorful, multi-layered characters. I felt like I should be making a list of characters while I was reading to try to do a matching quiz that my teacher would be giving out later. There was Oliver, Fagin, the artful Dodger, Bill Sikes, Nancy. Dickens was also about plot...always linking this character back to another by "coincidence." One thing that I learned was that when Oliver asks for more supper ("please, sir, can I have some more")...it's not for him, it's for another boy. They all drew straws to see who would ask, and Oliver drew the short straw....less
Read in January, 2008
My first Dickins book, which is, I guess, fitting, because it was his first novel. Interesting to think about how books were published in serials during the Victorian years. I can't imagine getting hooked on Oliver Twist in pieces as I am with certain weekly television shows, but entertainment was, of course, much different in the 1800s. Cruikshank's illustrations definitely add to the novel. In fact, it made me think that more of the 'classic' texts should have illustrations. Dickins' long-wind...more
My first Dickins book, which is, I guess, fitting, because it was his first novel. Interesting to think about how books were published in serials during the Victorian years. I can't imagine getting hooked on Oliver Twist in pieces as I am with certain weekly television shows, but entertainment was, of course, much different in the 1800s. Cruikshank's illustrations definitely add to the novel. In fact, it made me think that more of the 'classic' texts should have illustrations. Dickins' long-winded social commentary disguised as narrative witticisms definitely work, but became tiresome after a while. Not to mention the dreary, claustrophobic mood of the book. But, come on, it's Oliver Twist. It's supposed to make you feel awful. ...less
book data (includes all editions)
avg rating
(all editions):
3.68 (7266 ratings)
avg rating
(this edition): 3.00
(1 ratings)
number of reviews: 369
other editions
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Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics)
isbn: 0141439742
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Oliver Twist (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (B&N Classics)
isbn: 1593080301
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Oliver Twist (Signet Classics)
isbn: 0451529715
