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Oliver Twist
6 pages, Audio CD
First published November 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Focus on the Family
293 books48 followersFocus on the Family is a conservative, interdenominational Christian parachurch organization founded in 1977 by psychologist James Dobson, and currently based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is active in promoting an effort toward its socially conservative views on public policy.
The stated mission of the organization is "nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide". The core promotional activities of the organization include a daily radio broadcast by its president Jim Daly and his colleagues, providing free resources according to Focus on the Family views, and publishing magazines, videos, and audio recordings. The organization also produces programs for targeted audiences, such as Adventures in Odyssey for children, dramas, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, and Family Minute.
The stated mission of the organization is "nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide". The core promotional activities of the organization include a daily radio broadcast by its president Jim Daly and his colleagues, providing free resources according to Focus on the Family views, and publishing magazines, videos, and audio recordings. The organization also produces programs for targeted audiences, such as Adventures in Odyssey for children, dramas, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, and Family Minute.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 3, 2013
Who doesn't know the story of Oliver Twist, the innocent boy who meets with misfortune after misfortune till at last he finds a happy ending to his story.
I will admit (no rotten tomatoes please!) that I'm not a big reader of classics. I just have trouble sticking to reading them. That's why I've done all of my classics via book on tape. Radio Theater is even better, and this production is fantastic. I don't think Focus on the Family Radio Theater has ever disappointed. And the bonus DVD is pretty good too. Five stars for Oliver Twist.
I will admit (no rotten tomatoes please!) that I'm not a big reader of classics. I just have trouble sticking to reading them. That's why I've done all of my classics via book on tape. Radio Theater is even better, and this production is fantastic. I don't think Focus on the Family Radio Theater has ever disappointed. And the bonus DVD is pretty good too. Five stars for Oliver Twist.
March 1, 2018
Gave this to Ellie for Christmas 2017. We listened to this in the car and loved it!!! Mom is reading the book for her book club and the audio is very close to the book so far(I'm on ch22)...krb 2/28/19
August 10, 2023
The production of this is excellent! I was drawn into the story by the characters, each done by a different voice actor. But I also found myself feeling this is sad and so much violence.
In my opinion, Focus on the Family has appropriately rated it for ages 12+. Because maturity varies from one child to another, I encourage every parent to listen to it before exposing their children. The drama and sound effects make the scenes truly come to life. The violence was disturbing and I would be uncomfortable having sensitive 12 year-olds listen to it.
In my opinion, Focus on the Family has appropriately rated it for ages 12+. Because maturity varies from one child to another, I encourage every parent to listen to it before exposing their children. The drama and sound effects make the scenes truly come to life. The violence was disturbing and I would be uncomfortable having sensitive 12 year-olds listen to it.
February 6, 2018
Happy Birthday, Charles Dickens -- February 7, 1812
July 3, 2024
This is another one of the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre audio dramas that we have been listening to and it is another hit with me! What an amazing and heartbreaking story! Like everyone else, I knew the "please sir, may I have some more?" plea from little Orphan Oliver but I knew nothing beyond that! And after the only familiar plot point happened at the beginning of the book, I was caught up in the story as a first time reader and had no idea what would happen next. It took me by surprise & broke my heart, yet I loved it. I can only imagine reading this when it was written and reflecting on the social commentary Dickens was making. However still, decades later, the reader can question the type of person they are, the type of faith they have, and how they will choose to treat people and their community. A true classic.
December 14, 2012
Binding: 5 CDs & 1 DVD
ISBN:978-1-58997-713-6
List Price:$39.99
Release Date:November 2012
The Focus on the Family rendition of Charles Dickens Oliver Twist is very well dramatized with well-placed narrator information interspersed in the dialogue. There is an excellent interpretation of the plot, and believable character voices.
The story of young Twist follows the path of a lonely orphan boy from the parish workhouse, to the London criminal underworld, and finally to a peaceful life with his father’s best friend. Mr. Brownlow, and his Aunt Rose in the country. Dickens’ story of greed, justice, and redemption is captivating and worth the time to listen and learn from the complex journey of Oliver Twist.
My children and I enjoyed listening to it together. They each hardily agreed it was well done and we are looking forward to a time when we can listen to it again! (rev. A.Freeman)
About the production: An audio drama of the highest quality, Oliver Twist was recorded on location in London with an award-winning cast. This classic story will steal your heart as the timeless characters are brought to life in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s edition of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. This amazing audio production comes on five CDs, with a bonus DVD that includes behind-the-scenes production footage and the documentary Modern Day Oliver. Purchase of the product also benefits Focus’s “Wait No More” adoption initiative.
With cinema-quality sound and an original soundtrack, this audio drama tells the story of a young orphan sent from a child farm to begin life in a workhouse. After committing the unpardonable offense of asking for more food, Oliver is sent off to apprentice with a coffin-maker whose wife mistreats him. He runs away to London, where he meets the Artful Dodger and Fagin, who trains kids to be pickpockets. Despite his many trials and hardships, he finally gets his happy ending, bringing hope for redemption to all around him.
There are 5 CDs and 1 DVD including a behind the scenes glimpse into production. For more information visit http://www.RadioTheatre.org/OliverTwist
DISCLOSURE: We were provided a complimentary copy of this production by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of Tyndale Publishers and the Radio Theatre (you can view a sample of production of Oliver Twist audio and see and hear the actors in action) in exchange for our honest review without pressure for a positive review.
November 14, 2012
As of late, I've been listening to the novels turned into radio dramatizations thanks to Focus on the Family Radio Theater. Just something on the voice acting, dramatic score, and flow of how it sounds have sparked my interest with such representations of the novels especially classics in which description was read upon with interest and the English language was written in such a beautiful candor which is either lacking among most writers now or ignored and misunderstood by most readers today. Everyone wants to express their stories through minimalistic ways avoiding advanced vocabulary, major descriptions of settings, and eloquent writing. Have you seen letters written by soldiers during the Civil War to their wives? Have you seen the atrocious writing soldiers today send their wives or girlfriends?
Nevertheless, Oliver Twist is a unique story about an orphan boy in which the title of the book is named after and his trials and tribulations growing up. The extremes of both ends of society from how the lower castes of society are associated with transgressions, either it be by will or not, to how higher echelons are more God-fearing and Christian driven are shown through the eyes of the main protagonist. The story itself is quite complex for the time it is written and the descriptions and presentation of each character is quite memorable.
I personally loved Fagan, though he be a villain, for the voice actor who played him did such a memorable job representing him, I almost felt sorrow for the ends and the means to his character. There were times when I actually teared up and felt happiness for the good that occurs. There are also times I felt loathing and anguish for the negativity this book my also present. All in all, this is a great theatrical presentation on the radio of a classic that has been remembered and cherished throughout the literary histories.
Nevertheless, Oliver Twist is a unique story about an orphan boy in which the title of the book is named after and his trials and tribulations growing up. The extremes of both ends of society from how the lower castes of society are associated with transgressions, either it be by will or not, to how higher echelons are more God-fearing and Christian driven are shown through the eyes of the main protagonist. The story itself is quite complex for the time it is written and the descriptions and presentation of each character is quite memorable.
I personally loved Fagan, though he be a villain, for the voice actor who played him did such a memorable job representing him, I almost felt sorrow for the ends and the means to his character. There were times when I actually teared up and felt happiness for the good that occurs. There are also times I felt loathing and anguish for the negativity this book my also present. All in all, this is a great theatrical presentation on the radio of a classic that has been remembered and cherished throughout the literary histories.
December 14, 2012
Our family have been long-time fans of the Focus on the Family radio series, Adventures in Odyssey. Over the years we have listened to the stories on the radio and collected some of our favorite seasons. Then they began to produce their radio theatre series, stories such as Anne of Green Gables, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Secret Garden, A Christmas Carol, etc. have become favorites of our family and have been listened to over and over again. So when I saw that Oliver Twist (Radio Theatre) was up for review, it was a no-brainer, I requested to review it and waited for it to arrive in my mailbox.
It was worth the wait! Classic stories are timeless, and Charles Dickens' works are chuck full of wonderful stories begging to be read/listened to. The Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production was able to stick closely with the book and unlike movies and plays, was able to put nearly the entire book into the production. My children and I enjoyed the story. We were transported by the fine writing and acting, into 19th century England, and followed Oliver throughout his trials and joys.
The CD book contains 5 discs totaling 5 1/2 hours of playtime, as well as, a DVD that takes you behind the scenes of the making of Oliver Twist. It also contains an half hour introduction to Wait No More, which discusses the plight of modern day Oliver's, and foster care/adoption.
**Oliver Twist was provided for me free by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
It was worth the wait! Classic stories are timeless, and Charles Dickens' works are chuck full of wonderful stories begging to be read/listened to. The Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production was able to stick closely with the book and unlike movies and plays, was able to put nearly the entire book into the production. My children and I enjoyed the story. We were transported by the fine writing and acting, into 19th century England, and followed Oliver throughout his trials and joys.
The CD book contains 5 discs totaling 5 1/2 hours of playtime, as well as, a DVD that takes you behind the scenes of the making of Oliver Twist. It also contains an half hour introduction to Wait No More, which discusses the plight of modern day Oliver's, and foster care/adoption.
**Oliver Twist was provided for me free by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2013
I just love the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre productions! I have listened to the whole series of the Chronicles of Narnia, which was amazing, so I was excited to see Oliver Twist become available. It did not disappoint. Each character is voiced by a different person, with music and sound effects. It's like watching a movie; you just can't see the picture.
For those who don't know the story of Oliver Twist, it's about a boy whose mother dies giving birth to him and he is sent to an orphanage. This is where the famous phrase, "Please, sir, may I have some more?" is said asking for more food because they are fed very little. The treatment of the children is horrible, with beatings and verbal abuse besides the starvation. It's truly horrible how children were treated in those days. He ends up running away to London and falls in with Fagin and his band of thieves. Oliver is always trying to do the right thing, but it seems like he keeps getting into trouble, and we find out later people are after him for a reason. He meets some nice people who try to help him at different periods and I like how the pieces come together as we learn who Oliver really is and his family's story.
I really enjoyed this story! There are 5 cds and 1 DVD, with a couple features about modern-day Oliver's and behind the scenes... read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
For those who don't know the story of Oliver Twist, it's about a boy whose mother dies giving birth to him and he is sent to an orphanage. This is where the famous phrase, "Please, sir, may I have some more?" is said asking for more food because they are fed very little. The treatment of the children is horrible, with beatings and verbal abuse besides the starvation. It's truly horrible how children were treated in those days. He ends up running away to London and falls in with Fagin and his band of thieves. Oliver is always trying to do the right thing, but it seems like he keeps getting into trouble, and we find out later people are after him for a reason. He meets some nice people who try to help him at different periods and I like how the pieces come together as we learn who Oliver really is and his family's story.
I really enjoyed this story! There are 5 cds and 1 DVD, with a couple features about modern-day Oliver's and behind the scenes... read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
November 20, 2012
MY REVIEW:
I have always known of Oliver Twist and it's classic status, but until reviewing this dramatized audio version I had never known what the story was about. My initial reaction of the 5 & 1/2 hours of drama is that it is an overwhelmingly sad story. However, I am thankful for the redeeming ending that wraps up all the mysterious details strewn through out the saga.
I do not think I would have read this story in print, but I was captivated by this dramatic audio presentation that brought the story to life in my own home. The vocal talent in this Radio Theatre was authentic and fascinating to listen to. Focus on the Family truly brings the story to life and because of that I truly stand by the age recommendation for listening as 12+. I would also strongly suggest that parents listen to this before allowing children to hear it just to make sure that your child is ready for the cruelty and violent parts of the story.
This audio "book" will find it's home on my bookshelf and I can't wait to share it with my kids as they get older. It is a wonderful way to enjoy classic literature.
* * *
The review copy was provided by Tyndale Blog Network but the opinion expressed is my own.
I have always known of Oliver Twist and it's classic status, but until reviewing this dramatized audio version I had never known what the story was about. My initial reaction of the 5 & 1/2 hours of drama is that it is an overwhelmingly sad story. However, I am thankful for the redeeming ending that wraps up all the mysterious details strewn through out the saga.
I do not think I would have read this story in print, but I was captivated by this dramatic audio presentation that brought the story to life in my own home. The vocal talent in this Radio Theatre was authentic and fascinating to listen to. Focus on the Family truly brings the story to life and because of that I truly stand by the age recommendation for listening as 12+. I would also strongly suggest that parents listen to this before allowing children to hear it just to make sure that your child is ready for the cruelty and violent parts of the story.
This audio "book" will find it's home on my bookshelf and I can't wait to share it with my kids as they get older. It is a wonderful way to enjoy classic literature.
* * *
The review copy was provided by Tyndale Blog Network but the opinion expressed is my own.
January 13, 2013
Oliver Twist by Focus On The Family
I was given this wonderful set of CD's for my honest opinion by Tyndale Blog Network. Knowing that the staff of Focus On The Family had produced this wonderful retelling of an old classic favorite was an easy selling point to me. I was not a bit disappointed. The characters were well developed, each voice was full of emotion, successively conveying the message of good triumphing over evil, truth rewarded over lies. Because there was 6 hours available to to tell the tale, Focus On The Family gave us more of the real Oliver Dickens than both movies or plays do.
The accompanying DVD was amazing. The story-line provided me with photographs and a real idea of the England and hardships that Charles Dickens endured before becoming an writer. This hardship he developed into many of his books, exposing his readers to the unfairness and demanding social change. For those of you who say..I had to read it in school..this is new and fresh. For those who were given other choices..try it, you'll like it. Do not skip the DVD. It will touch your heart.
I was given this wonderful set of CD's for my honest opinion by Tyndale Blog Network. Knowing that the staff of Focus On The Family had produced this wonderful retelling of an old classic favorite was an easy selling point to me. I was not a bit disappointed. The characters were well developed, each voice was full of emotion, successively conveying the message of good triumphing over evil, truth rewarded over lies. Because there was 6 hours available to to tell the tale, Focus On The Family gave us more of the real Oliver Dickens than both movies or plays do.
The accompanying DVD was amazing. The story-line provided me with photographs and a real idea of the England and hardships that Charles Dickens endured before becoming an writer. This hardship he developed into many of his books, exposing his readers to the unfairness and demanding social change. For those of you who say..I had to read it in school..this is new and fresh. For those who were given other choices..try it, you'll like it. Do not skip the DVD. It will touch your heart.
May 24, 2013
This audiobook... was amazing. Technically it's Radio Theatre. I love having voice actors for each character, and background noises and such. Wonderful.
Onto the actual thing.
I love the musical 'Oliver!'. It's how I got to really understand the book 'Oliver Twist', and how I happened upon this. This was a very accurate representation of the book. However I didn't like how they cut out Nancy meeting Oliver for the first time, and I felt they focused a little too much on Rose Maylie. I will admit that I don't like her character, and for no reason I can think of. Maybe because she seems just a little too good. Anyway.
The voice actor for Oliver was splendid, I felt he captured the character very well. Everyone else had good voice acting too, and the cockney accents were pretty well done. Sykes was particularly creepy in his low, rough voice. Well cast.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this. Very good.
Onto the actual thing.
I love the musical 'Oliver!'. It's how I got to really understand the book 'Oliver Twist', and how I happened upon this. This was a very accurate representation of the book. However I didn't like how they cut out Nancy meeting Oliver for the first time, and I felt they focused a little too much on Rose Maylie. I will admit that I don't like her character, and for no reason I can think of. Maybe because she seems just a little too good. Anyway.
The voice actor for Oliver was splendid, I felt he captured the character very well. Everyone else had good voice acting too, and the cockney accents were pretty well done. Sykes was particularly creepy in his low, rough voice. Well cast.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this. Very good.
May 3, 2014
I received Oliver Twist, in exchange for review from Tyndale House. The book was published by Focus on the Family. I had previously read the book and seen the movie. So, when I saw the cd version, I had to request this classic. The book took me a minute to finish (need quiet time away from the kiddies, but I loved listening to the book). I requested the audio book to listen on the computer and the cd player. I loved the cds. The audio quality was amazing. The narrator's made me feel like I was back in Dicken's time. The visions in my head were simply amazing, especially the scene where Oliver asked for more grub. I love Charles Dickens, especially Twist and Great Expectations. I highly recommend the audio book, as well as getting the print edition.
February 25, 2013
This is a Focus on the Family's radio theatre. Man, I love these so much. I was so excited when I heard they were doing an Oliver Twist - one of my favorite stories of all time. I knew it was going to be good, but this BLEW ME AWAY. The cast of voices was perfect, they kept it close to the book, the music was beautiful - it was just perfect. I can't wait to see what Radio Theatre they do next.
And people, PLEASE give this (or any of their radio theatres) a try. Even if you don't like audio books, these are different. It's like a mix of reading a book and watching a movie. It's awesome. :)
And people, PLEASE give this (or any of their radio theatres) a try. Even if you don't like audio books, these are different. It's like a mix of reading a book and watching a movie. It's awesome. :)
February 19, 2015
Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors, his stories reach into the soul and touch your heart in the only way a true author can!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews