130 pages • 4 hours read
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344
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1830s
1838
Adult
12+ years
900L
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
413,472 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
413,472 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. Brownlow
A kindly old gentleman who shows compassion to Oliver after a misunderstanding and later plays a significant role in his life.
Mrs. Bedwin
Mr. Brownlow’s kind-hearted servant who cares for Oliver during his illness and believes in his goodness.
Mr. Grimwig
Mr. Brownlow’s contrary but secretly fond friend who assiduously visits Brownlow, the Maylies, and Oliver.
Mrs. Maylie
A strong-willed, kind old widow who adopts Rose and supports her marriage decisions.
Rose Maylie
A grace-filled, kind young woman who is revealed to have a familial connection to Oliver and later marries Harry Maylie.
Harry Maylie
Mrs. Maylie’s son who gives up a promising career for a humble life to marry Rose.
Mr. Giles
A servant of Mrs. Maylie who initially harms Oliver but later becomes fond of him and is loyal to the Maylies.
Mr. Losberne
A rash doctor and close friend to Mrs. Maylie who assists the Maylies and helps uncover the truth about Oliver.
Mr. Bumble
The parochial beadle who delights in exerting power over those in lower social standing within the workhouse system.
Mrs. Bumble/Mrs. Corney
The controlling matron of the workhouse who alongside Mr. Bumble, ends up with a downfall.
Old Sally
A pauper who assists at Oliver’s birth and makes questionable choices that affect Oliver’s early life.
Edward Leeford
A man of conflicted family ties whose legacy and undisclosed romance with Agnes Fleming are central to Oliver's past.
Agnes Fleming
Oliver's deceased mother known for her tragic love affair and the struggles surrounding her child’s birth.
Monks
A sinister figure with a personal vendetta against Oliver tied to his familial background.
Fagin
An elderly man who recruits children for criminal activities and has a significant influence on Oliver's experiences.
Nancy
A complex member of Fagin’s gang who faces internal conflict and attempts to protect those she cares for.
Bill Sikes
A violent career criminal and member of Fagin's gang known for his fearsome reputation.
Noah Claypole
A bully from Oliver's past who eventually resorts to exploiting others for gains in London.
Charlotte
A housekeeper who follows her love interest, Noah, to London after their apprenticeship.
Jack Dawkins/The Artful Dodger
A skillful young pickpocket and prominent member of Fagin's gang, known for his distinctive appearance and savvy.
Charley Bates
A jovial member of Fagin's gang whose fate changes after experiencing a pivotal event.
Toby Crackit
An accomplice in robberies who employs manipulation to achieve his criminal objectives.
Tom Chitling
A young member of Fagin's gang with a romantic interest in Betsy and a criminal background.
Betsy
One of Fagin’s pickpockets who becomes entangled with the law alongside Fagin.
Mrs. Mann
The headmistress of the workhouse where Oliver stays, known for her mismanagement and neglect of orphans.
Mr. Fang
A rash magistrate responsible for presiding over Oliver’s trial for pickpocketing.
Mr. Sowerberry
An undertaker who employs Oliver as a child mourner, exposing him to grave circumstances.
Mrs. Sowerberry
The undertaker’s unsympathetic wife who treats Oliver harshly during his apprenticeship.
344
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1830s
1838
Adult
12+ years
900L
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