Oliver Twist, by
Charles Dickens, is about an orphan. He stays nine years in a nasty orphanage. He is apprenticed to a person who takes care of dead bodies. Oliver decides to run away to London, where he finds Jack Dawkins and other orphans hired by Fargin as pickpockets. Fargin is kind however. Oliver is caught when he tries to pickpocket Mr. Brownlow who has a painting that looks very like Oliver. So Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver to his home and takes care of him. Oliver is happy there but Fargin is forced by a Mr. Monks to recapture Oliver. Oliver is brought back to Fargin and is sent to rob a house and is again caught and again taken care of the family. Mr. Monks wants Oliver recaptured again because he knows that Oliver has been left money from his father. Oliver finds out and also finds out he has some relatives alive. After Mr. Monks fails again to recapture Oliver, he goes to the United States, and Oliver lives happily, being adopted by the family.
This is a very good novel. It is a classic and also was very interesting. It shows how London was during the industrialization period and also shows realities about human character. It is emotion provoking as well as a page-turner. I really recommend it to anyone looking for something to read.
-Reviewed by M. Hovanesian
Comments
I really love this book. This book is a very sad book because Oliver is born with poverty and his mother had died. My favorite part of the book is when Oliver beats up Noah because he really deserves it for saying that about his mother. My least favorite part is since Oliver is a really innocent boy he doesn't know that the two people he encounters in London are two pick pockets. This book made me feel inside very sad because if i was Oliver would be so sad i wouldn't want to do anything. I recommend this book to everybody because some people don't appreciate their life and they want more and look at Oliver's life. Hes poor and cant afford anything while people are waiting every month to get a new present or what they want.
Reviewed by Alex Michael, Grade 7
Pacific Park Library
Oliver Twist is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, showcasing Charles Dickens' storytelling prowess and his ability to shed light on the social issues of his time. "Oliver Twist" offers a compelling narrative filled with memorable characters, vivid descriptions of Victorian London, and a commentary on poverty and inequality. Readers who appreciate richly detailed historical settings, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes would likely enjoy this book. It exposes the dark underbelly of society while emphasizing the resilience and inherent goodness of the human spirit. "Oliver Twist" can evoke a range of emotions, from sympathy for the downtrodden to outrage at the injustices depicted. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the marginalized and prompts reflection on the societal factors that perpetuate inequality.
Reviewed by Abraham, Grade 9
Montrose Library