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w0nt0n's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
wyemu's review
3.0
Even those who don't know who it's by, or even that it was originally a novel, know the basic story of 'Oliver Twist'; the orphan who runs away from cruelty arriving in London only to find himself at the mercy of a gang of thieves. At times the plot is overly saccharine, little Oliver is almost too good, sweet and innocent. Also, I found the death of Nancy more confusing than upsetting as Dickens has a habit of alluding to death in many ways without ever actually saying it. Overall 'Oliver Twist' is enjoyable but there are other of Dickens' novels I prefer and would recommend reading first.
nanvdand's review
4.0
This review is for those who may be intimidated to start a Dickens book. I suggest you start with an audio version with a great narrator. My personal favorite is Simon Vance but there are others that are excellent. Good Dickens narrators understand the English used and make the understanding of it significantly easier - even for those of us who speak middle class American. All of Dickens books are fun with wonderful characters and plot twists.
cheathcote's review
4.0
I read the original book without the edits alongside - hence the 4 stars, perhaps 4.5 though.
However the film adaptation really does not do the book much justice. Dicken's tale is really much more complex than the movie would have you believe. There are a serious of lovable characters left out and Fagin & Dodger are perceived a lot more friendly in the film. Ultimately casting the main villain role over to Sikes. Whereas within the book there are a series of villains working for the benefit of themselves. Sikes himself does not perceive Oliver as a threat and ultimately abandons his pursuit of him.
While I still love the film, I will now watch it with an aire of caution. I much preferred the tale as told by Dickens. The language may be difficult to reference to a modern understanding but some books may assist with that (i.e. penguin classics has appendix' and an essay prior to the book to help with a basal understanding of the tale.)
However the film adaptation really does not do the book much justice. Dicken's tale is really much more complex than the movie would have you believe. There are a serious of lovable characters left out and Fagin & Dodger are perceived a lot more friendly in the film. Ultimately casting the main villain role over to Sikes. Whereas within the book there are a series of villains working for the benefit of themselves. Sikes himself does not perceive Oliver as a threat and ultimately abandons his pursuit of him.
While I still love the film, I will now watch it with an aire of caution. I much preferred the tale as told by Dickens. The language may be difficult to reference to a modern understanding but some books may assist with that (i.e. penguin classics has appendix' and an essay prior to the book to help with a basal understanding of the tale.)
writicious's review
5.0
I can highly recommend tge dramatised audio on audible. The voice acting was
pharmdad2007's review
5.0
***Dickens in December 2019***
Another great Dickens novel!
My wife has long told me that this is her favorite Dickens, and I can certainly see why. Fantastic story, great characters, and quintessential Dickens prose. I love it so much!!!
Another great Dickens novel!
My wife has long told me that this is her favorite Dickens, and I can certainly see why. Fantastic story, great characters, and quintessential Dickens prose. I love it so much!!!
madyjune's review
4.0
I have only read a few books written by Charles Dickens and this is my favorite so far.
sabsey's review
A book being influential doesn't necessarily mean it's good. I can appreciate the cultural impact Oliver Twist has had, but I don't like it and I don't understand why. This book was boring, and put me even more off Dickens
zaksi's review
3.0
I think I liked it more when I'm not stuck in a reading slump. It was good tho but not the book I needed at the moment.
But I enjoyed the one particular scene with Rose and Harry (if you know you know) and the entire time I felt bad for Oliver.
But I enjoyed the one particular scene with Rose and Harry (if you know you know) and the entire time I felt bad for Oliver.