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Oliver Twist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1838

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Book Brief

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Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1838
Book Details
Pages

344

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1830s

Publication Year

1838

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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Super Short Summary

Oliver Twist follows the life of Oliver, an orphan who endures neglect and abuse in various workhouses before escaping to London where he falls in with a gang of young pickpockets led by the criminal Fagin. Oliver's misadventures lead him to the benevolent Mr. Brownlow, who tries to help uncover his true identity, while villainous figures scheme against him. Explores abuse, murder, and crime.

Dark

Gritty

Emotional

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

413,472 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens masterfully explores themes of poverty and social injustice through vivid characters and a gripping narrative. Praised for its emotional depth and social commentary, some readers find the plot meandering and certain characters overly sentimental. Despite minor criticisms, it remains a powerful and influential work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Oliver Twist?

A reader who enjoys Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens likely appreciates classic literature with rich, historical settings and vivid character portrayals. Fans of social commentary and coming-of-age themes, similar to those in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo or Great Expectations by Dickens himself, will find this novel compelling.

4.2

413,472 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Oliver Twist

A small and fair orphan who embodies innocence and embarks on various adventures and trials in 19th-century London. He is eventually adopted by Mr. Brownlow.

A kindly old gentleman who shows compassion to Oliver after a misunderstanding and later plays a significant role in his life.

Mr. Brownlow’s kind-hearted servant who cares for Oliver during his illness and believes in his goodness.

Mr. Brownlow’s contrary but secretly fond friend who assiduously visits Brownlow, the Maylies, and Oliver.

A strong-willed, kind old widow who adopts Rose and supports her marriage decisions.

A grace-filled, kind young woman who is revealed to have a familial connection to Oliver and later marries Harry Maylie.

Mrs. Maylie’s son who gives up a promising career for a humble life to marry Rose.

A servant of Mrs. Maylie who initially harms Oliver but later becomes fond of him and is loyal to the Maylies.

A rash doctor and close friend to Mrs. Maylie who assists the Maylies and helps uncover the truth about Oliver.

The parochial beadle who delights in exerting power over those in lower social standing within the workhouse system.

The controlling matron of the workhouse who alongside Mr. Bumble, ends up with a downfall.

A pauper who assists at Oliver’s birth and makes questionable choices that affect Oliver’s early life.

A man of conflicted family ties whose legacy and undisclosed romance with Agnes Fleming are central to Oliver's past.

Oliver's deceased mother known for her tragic love affair and the struggles surrounding her child’s birth.

A sinister figure with a personal vendetta against Oliver tied to his familial background.

An elderly man who recruits children for criminal activities and has a significant influence on Oliver's experiences.

A complex member of Fagin’s gang who faces internal conflict and attempts to protect those she cares for.

A violent career criminal and member of Fagin's gang known for his fearsome reputation.

A bully from Oliver's past who eventually resorts to exploiting others for gains in London.

A housekeeper who follows her love interest, Noah, to London after their apprenticeship.

A skillful young pickpocket and prominent member of Fagin's gang, known for his distinctive appearance and savvy.

A jovial member of Fagin's gang whose fate changes after experiencing a pivotal event.

An accomplice in robberies who employs manipulation to achieve his criminal objectives.

A young member of Fagin's gang with a romantic interest in Betsy and a criminal background.

One of Fagin’s pickpockets who becomes entangled with the law alongside Fagin.

The headmistress of the workhouse where Oliver stays, known for her mismanagement and neglect of orphans.

A rash magistrate responsible for presiding over Oliver’s trial for pickpocketing.

An undertaker who employs Oliver as a child mourner, exposing him to grave circumstances.

The undertaker’s unsympathetic wife who treats Oliver harshly during his apprenticeship.

Book Details
Pages

344

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1830s

Publication Year

1838

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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