Oliver Twist (Dover Thrift Editions) by Charles Dickens Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Oliver Twist (Dover Thrift Editions)
Book Review: Confusing, but really good!
Summary: 3 Stars
I was assigned this book for a literature circle, and it was a very good plot, starting with the birth of the orphan named Oliver, and his travels to different abusive homes. It then follows the young boy to London, where he falls in among thieves, who force him to break the law. Oliver is then caught in the act of stealing, and tries to keep his head above water. However, a character named Monks has his own plans for the boy.
The end of the book was, by far, the best part of the entire story. The writing style of Charles Dickens baffled and bewildered me countless times, but I did get through it, and unless you're willing to give a lot of thought and effort to this novel, I would not suggest reading it.
Book Review: Dickens's Double Edge
Summary: 4 Stars
Along with "Great Expectations," "Oliver Twist" was one of my father's favorites. This book starts with the birth of Oliver Twist. his mother sadly dies, and Oliver is at the mercy of the brutal orphanage headed by Mr. Bumble. When Oliver asks for more food (his famous line), the orphanage decides that this is intolerable. They offer 5 pounds to anyone who will take Oliver off their hands. (Though in defense of the orphanage they do refrain from giving to someone who is obviously unfit.)
Oliver ends up in the employ of the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry. He is 1/2 way decent to Oliver, but that is more than can be said for Mrs. Sowerberry, Charlotte, or Noah. Oliver runs away, and it is not long before her runs into the Artful Dodger. The Dodger convinces Oliver to join him in Fagin's employ. Fagin is the head of a group of thieves. But is he really such a bad person? He takes better care of the boys than the so called legitimate firms. He's a little crafty of course, but he is trying to survive in difficult times.
Well, Oliver ends up with the law on his tail. In this 2nd novel, we can see Dicken's brilliant techniques. The scene of a mob chasing Oliver is of course disturbing. But Dickens gives us a chance to laugh when he explains it: "'Stop thief, Stop thief!' There is a magic in the sound. The tradesmen leaves his counter and the cart man his wagon..." Well, Oliver is found innocent, but not before Charles gives us a fierce (but still comical) literary attack on the courts. Dickens is best known for his sympathy to the poor in these times. But we should not neglect his fierce and comical side.
Well, the tension is released as Oliver is taken in by the kind Mr. Brownlow. But all can not be quiet for long. Fagin is concerned over Oliver's sudden disappearance. Why not? Oliver knows where he and his boys reside. Tensions tighten further when we see Bill Sikes (who unlike Fagin really has no redeeming traits) goes after Oliver. Oliver is captured, and in a redeeming moment, Fagin warns Oliver to be careful around Bill Sikes. Sikes then takes Oliver on a job that ends with Oliver getting shot (though not fatally).
But all is not lost. Oliver befriends the kind Rose Maylie and she helps Oliver back to health. We later learn that Rose is Oliver's aunt. But there is more bad news. Oliver's 1/2 brother Monks wants to get a hold of Oliver. Monks runs across Mr. and Mrs. Bumble. (In an attempt to give Bumble a redeeming trait, Dickens has him marry the down on her luck Widow Corney.) Through the destruction of a certain locket, Monks is able to secure an inheritance for himself. But there is more to come.
Nancy pities Oliver and wants to return him to Mr. Brownlow. But Sikes fears that Nancy will turn him over to the authorities. Tensions get worse when the sociopathic Sikes clashes with the notably more human Fagin. Nancy gets Oliver to safety, but is soon BRUTALLY killed by Sikes. It is not long before Sikes is persued by the mob. It would seem that Dickens has contempt for mobs even when they are chasing a killer.
Oliver is of course saved, and part of the story ends happily. But poor Fagin is arrested, and the courts are not so merciful. Some of his acts were criminal, but he was just trying to survive. Fagin certainly treated the boys better than the orphanage did. Fagin is sentenced to death, and Dickens makes sure we feel sympathy for him: "What right have they to butcher me?"
While this is only Charles Dickens's 2nd novel, it does show his ability to skillfully combine disturbing events, and cynical comedy, as well as bringing several plots together. (Not to mention creating fully 3d characters.)
Book Review: Enthralling but contradictory
Summary: 4 Stars
Call me biased, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the novels I've read by Charles Dickens. He is an incredible (if wordy) storyteller. He can tug at the heartstrings, tap into the cynical mind, and keep the reader wanting more. This novel is no exception. I found Oliver Twist one of his more easy stories to follow, thus I would recommend it to someone new to Dickens' works.
Oliver Twist, an orphan born in the pitiful conditions of an English workhouse under mysterious circumstances, experiences the highs and lows of life through a series of curious events. Oliver, spending most of his youth amongst the poor, is exposed to hunger and neglect, cruelty and greed. Desperate of his situation, he takes his chances on the street by running away, and comes across a peculiar band of unsavory characters. After taking up with them naively, he comes into contact with a respectable gentleman, who for strange circumstances, takes a chance on Oliver and cares for him. Eventually, he is captured up by those brutes he was previously staying with, and more mystery and secrets and lies exposed ensue.
For me, this was a "couldn't put it down" type novel. Every chapter had me on edge, wondering the fates of all those involved. It is a novel of cynicism towards England's (ignorant) view towards the poor. It's a tale of love over obligation. It's a tale of individualism, purity versus corruption, perceptions versus reality. The characters ran from sympathetic to loathsome, and the tale was exciting. However, in this novel, some of the points Dickens is trying to make contradict themselves (nature vs. nurture), which keeps this novel from being superior. It's an intriguing and heartfelt read, nonetheless.
Book Review: For the Artful Reader
Summary: 5 Stars
Dickens' writing is exacting, descriptive and illuminating. In structure and style, very similar to many of Dickens' other works, particularly Great Expectations - the poor orphan makes it big while encountering interesting and malevolent characters along the way.
Oliver Twist brings us dark yet humorous characters like Sikes, Fagin, the Artful Dodger, etc.
Great reading and an important part of any classic collection.
Book Review: Glad I revisited this classic as an adult!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember reading this in school, but at a young age I just didn't appreciate it. I recently downloaded this on to my Kindle and LOVED it! Sad and heart-breaking throughout, but a classic treasure nonetheless!!