The story of the orphan Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves, shocked readers when it was first published. Dickens's tale of childhood innocence beset by evil depicts the dark criminal underworld of a London peopled by vivid and memorable characters—the arch-villain Fagin, the artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes, and the prostitute Nancy. Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate novels, and popular melodrama, Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery.
Download and start listening now!
"It is hard to exit the original worlds created by Dickens. I usually manage it crying like a baby. Oliver Twist is top shelf storytelling. The characters are amazing. The setting is perfect. The plot manages to throw out hundreds of threads and ties them all together at the end, while never losing or boring the reader. Weakness? This is probably nit picking, but the story seems to work out too well in the end. Don't get me wrong, I know this is a social novel and FICTION, but I guess I just have a little bit of an issue with the whole melodramatic end, with every shoe finding a foot and every evil getting a noose. Other than that, Dickens shows with 'Oliver Twist' why he is/was the master and the giant of the social novel."
— Rob (5 out of 5 stars)
" amazinn book . i cant stop reading i finished it in 5 hours "
— Dina, 2/20/2014" The language can be a drudgery but the tale a delight! "
— Ramya, 2/19/2014" One of my favourite classics - everyone knows the story - orphan Oliver runs away to London, falls in with some criminals and eventually finds his family again. If you're reading it after only seeing the musical, you'll be surprised by how much more story there is, which is all for the better. Bittersweet in places, funny in others, this is one I know you'll want to revisit again. "
— Dark-Draco, 2/15/2014" Really love it. It has many sorrow feelings , but It end with happy :) "
— Musthafan, 2/14/2014" This one is pretty one ...the words were written not to be read as to be seen and imagined ...Oliver ..great one "
— Nadjib, 2/14/2014" So cool for the christmans time! "
— David, 2/14/2014" Well, I finally finished re-reading Oliver Twist. Also known as, how much bad stuff can happen to one poor orphan boy? It took me a while to finish reading, not because of the story itself, but simply because of other time issues. I enjoyed the story and the ideas. I love Dickens' writing style, I just wish I'd been able to read more of it at a time during one sitting. Now that I've re-read this one, I'd like to re-read more of his work. "
— Jaret, 2/12/2014" I liked it. It has the aroma of an early novel, with too much commentary and such. But that's kind of why I like it. It makes a fella cheery. "
— Cliff, 2/11/2014" It was a very interesting book, which gave me a clear picture of how life was like for poor children in the Victorian Times. "
— Hanaa, 2/11/2014" Dickens writes like the Dickens. Fun to re-read after 25 years. The characters were one-sided, but I must give him credit to be among the first to expertly weave a story line. He is under-appreciated as a social critic and mystic. "
— Brandon, 2/11/2014" Charming and emminently readable. Just totally enjoyable AND it mentioned Isleworth and the Coach and Horses at the top of Syon and then Shepperton. Can't get better than that! Was surprised Fagen came to such a violent end but those were the times. A really good read. "
— Trisha, 2/9/2014" Oliver twist reminds me of job in the Bible. all these terrible things keep happening, he can't catch a break, mocked, beaten, betrayed by people he trusts. it is heartbreaking. and Oliver just takes it, without turning bitter or angry. i find myself getting angry for him just reading it. after so many trials, it is uplifting to see the young boy stand tall and become a young man of character "
— Shelbi, 2/9/2014" Great story. A bit long. "
— Jeff, 2/9/2014" this definitely tells one that no matter the situation there's always a way out. "
— Princess, 2/9/2014" Oliver Twist is far from Dickens' best novel. In fact, I would say it is my least favorite of those I have read so far. Although it starts off very strongly as an almost Swiftian satire, the satirical edge is abandoned over the course of the novel in favor of an increasingly clumsy and convoluted plot. It's a shame, because it could have really been great but ended up being merely good. Still, it was one of Dickens' earlier novels so he can be forgiven for its amateurishness in comparison to his later work. "
— Jeremy, 2/5/2014" Reading this makes you appreciate how gifted Dickens was as a writer who both entertained and dramatised while he also informed. Many of the characters are classic caricatures of real people, exaggerated for effects that, no doubt, his vast public came to expect (and demand?) from Dickens. and many of the big scenes (Dickens is a very melo-dramatic writer) are masterpieces of the fictional art.Dickens is arguably the first modern novelist, whose work was read in mansion and midden! Be warned; this work takes stamina to read. If you're usual fare is chick-lit or trashy thrillers, this will be too much for you,methinks! "
— Andrew, 2/5/2014" I am now motivated to read all of Dickens work. "
— Mindi, 2/1/2014" Oliver Twist is far from Dickens' best novel. In fact, I would say it is my least favorite of those I have read so far. Although it starts off very strongly as an almost Swiftian satire, the satirical edge is abandoned over the course of the novel in favor of an increasingly clumsy and convoluted plot. It's a shame, because it could have really been great but ended up being merely good. Still, it was one of Dickens' earlier novels so he can be forgiven for its amateurishness in comparison to his later work. "
— Jeremy, 1/31/2014" The Novel Touched My Soul .. Oliver Twist I'll never Forget IT <3 "
— Dua', 1/27/2014" I loved the book as much as i loved the movie ! great story. "
— Zahia, 1/26/2014" Amazing story about an orphan boy who has to survive England at its worst. "
— Paula, 1/25/2014" I was pleasantly surprised at Dickens' wry sense of humour. I hadn't expected this book to be as funny as it was. And I enjoyed it for about a hundred pages. But then I kind of felt like "I get it already" and I didn't really feel the book had anything else to say. I could be wrong. Maybe it gets better. I think maybe it felt a bit distant and I never fully believed the characters. But it's fun in its way. "
— Ben, 1/22/2014" Delightful Dickens! The Victorian morality tale of an orphan, repeatedly lost and found, from the street gang of petty thieves to the homes of the wealthy and all between. Entertaining and recommended. "
— Tom, 1/22/2014" I heard the movie is better than the book and I can see why. Lots of room left for creativity but I suppose dickens was such a strict fellow. Not that I hated the book or anything. But if you could see the scenario being played in the back of your head with missing patches here and there you would know the author didn't complete the job "
— Deviant, 1/21/2014" The story becomes a little bogged down towards the middle. However, it picked up nicely as I approached the climax of the story. I loved how Dickens brought all the characters into play for the finale..I can't wait to read a second Dickens novel. "
— David, 1/20/2014" THat the reason! waiting cheap with Dickens' novel, people fall in sea !!!! "
— Hjalmarsson, 1/20/2014" Oliver Twist was a good book. The book begins a little dry but later turns to plot twists that makes the reader want to keep reading. "
— Dillon, 1/18/2014" Super book! Would suggest to everyone who love classics, and to those even who don't. All should at least give it a try:) "
— Mutmainna, 1/17/2014" In my opinion, this book is a great mystery about Oliver's family and about Oliver's faith. I recommend to people who likes mysteries or sad stories. "
— Minju, 1/15/2014" I love Dickens. I love his story telling and his wonderfully colorful characters. I was in the mood for a Dickens novel and this totally satisfied it. I have to admit though, David Copperfield is still my favorite. "
— Alicia, 1/13/2014" ehhh i didn't really like it that much it "
— Marie, 1/10/2014" Could have used less madonna/whore complex (or just less madonna), and MUCH more of the Artful Dodge. But I do enjoy Dickens. "
— Adam, 1/5/2014" if u didn't read the story you should & if you didn't see the 60's movie version you must(exactly 1968) "
— Nesma, 1/4/2014" Not loving it thus far but I'm going to give it a bit more time to grow on me before I give up on it. "
— Theresa, 1/3/2014" Oliver Twist was totally amazing. The main theme is survival in these mean streets. Oliver was an orphan that was born in a warehouse, raised in an orphanage, then put back in a warehouse to live. Then he was sold off. After that, he ran away and had to survive on the streets of london. That is an example of survival. "
— Pie, 1/3/2014" the first book I read "
— Razan, 1/3/2014" Required reading in high school. "
— Mo, 1/2/2014" I dare you all not to fall in love with the story of Oliver Twist! "
— Kate, 1/1/2014" I found this book easier to follow than A Tale of Two Cities, but wow, HUGE coincidences abound. Most of the characters are very one-dimensional as well. However, the plight of the poor in 1800s England was indeed tragic, and this book is a reminder of that. "
— Sharla, 12/31/2013" Certainly not a quick read! But I liked it nonetheless. "
— Elleke, 12/31/2013" read it when i was a child :) "
— Anurag, 12/31/2013" Truly, a masterpiece. The early satire of Britain's treatment of their poor is scathingly funny. The remainder is simply a beautifully written mystery, as Oliver's benefactors work on his behalf to secure his future. "
— Michael, 12/30/2013" One of my favourite Dickens novels. "
— Roberta, 12/30/2013" This book had great influence on my childhood. I must have read it 5 times. From the beginning to the very end, this book lures you in. If you want to read a book which makes you wonder what will come up next, this book definitely suits you. "
— Derin, 12/29/2013" I know this book is supposed to be a classic that everyone loves but I struggled to believe in some of the characters and the coincidences that occur to create the happy ending, which I admit most readers want. It appeared in places to lack fluidity which shows the original serialisation. I enjoyed the story line of the innocent boy born into a life with what looks like no way out and yet he still achieves. I just felt the we didn't know Oliver because we don't see his perspective yet we are supposed to believe in him. All in slightly disappointed but think this is mainly due to my own high expectations. 4 Stars... "
— Sophie, 12/24/2013" Masterful use of irony, biting commentary on the social conditions of Dickens' times. Dickens' character development is a model. "
— Edward, 12/23/2013" Dicken's description of people and places are very vivid. The reader can start to imagine, what Victorian London was like. But the characters are very "black and white" (bad characters look ugly, good characters nice), which is enforced by Dickens way to make caricatures of his characters. "
— Peggy, 12/9/2013" Never had the chance to read the book before. All of the relations that brought the book to be seemed a little too coincidental. Character development strengthened the underlying themes of nature vs. nurture. Good prevails over evil as the orphan gains himself a new life through proper means. "
— Chris, 12/8/2013" Quite interesting. Bit laborious in parts but glad I persisted. "
— Don, 12/6/2013" Classic, of course. Not an easy read though. "
— Skye, 11/28/2013" Oh God, more Dickens. Dark dark dark... "
— Jane, 11/27/2013" I read this many years ago...classic Dickens "
— Jan, 11/24/2013" The musical ends within the first 200 pages what? "
— Allison, 11/20/2013" One of the better Dickens novels to read with grade school children as the villians are pretty well defined. "
— Dan, 11/9/2013" Opened eyes to the underclass in London. "
— Duane, 11/8/2013" The fantastic ending raised doubt as to the impeccable reputation of the great Charles Dickens. "
— Nathan, 11/2/2013" Amazing story ....... "
— Mahmoud, 10/28/2013" I think it's the Greatest of Charles Dickens "
— Ahmad, 10/25/2013" I cheated a little bit. I listened to it read since whenever I've tried reading this book, I've always struggled with Dickens's thought process and sentence structure. Having listened to this book, however, I really enjoyed Dickens's writing style. "
— Preston, 10/17/2013" Damn I found this a bit tough to read the first time. Thank god for the dictionary. "
— Akeem, 10/14/2013" It makes me hate London for the bleak cloudy image the story brings up to your mind. Yet it was interesting. "
— Mohammad, 10/11/2013" Again and again...Charles Dickens...my favorite author. Every word is a masterpiece. "
— Glenn, 10/1/2013" Love it! And, seeing Oliver, the musical on the big screen when I was 12 was really my first foray into musical expression. I had a crush on the actor who planned Oliver! "
— Kris, 10/1/2013" Much better than the movie... "
— Walt, 9/27/2013" The Novel Touched My Soul .. Oliver Twist I'll never Forget IT <3 "
— Dua', 9/14/2013" Why is this book famous? "
— Jennifer, 9/7/2013" Read when I was about 11 or 12, have always loved Charles Dickens ever since "
— Susan, 8/28/2013" With each of his book I can more clearly see these "Dickensonian children" in all their misery. It would be more difficult without the humor, and Dickens way of telling the tale in terms of the characters' perspective. A long book, nicely tied up in the end. "
— Joy, 8/22/2013" i like the story & the movie :) "
— Hadeel, 8/18/2013" Excellent book. Put off reading this for years because of The odd glimps on the tv musical. The book is much darker and the characters are great. Looking forward to reading more Dickens. "
— David, 8/16/2013" English society in the 19th century - mostly their coldness, arogance and indifference towards others. It is all about survival of the strongest. "
— Hana6, 7/28/2013" A boy who separated with his mother. He lived in cruel-boarding house which there's many cruel-people around him! Bahagia, juga terharu mengetahui siapakah Oliver sebenarnya dan masa lalu ibunya "
— Alice, 7/13/2013" Not my favorite Dickens books that is for sure! The first half is one frustration after another. At least it had a happy, resolved ending. "
— Lacey, 7/8/2013" Oliver Twist needs reform! The plot moves far too slowly lacks the suspense necassary to capture the reader's attention. The main character needs to be more involved. "
— Sojhal, 6/21/2013" I loved it! I like Charles Dickens, so this book was an instant like for me. "
— Abby, 6/20/2013" Timeless as in all books by Dickens "
— Ellen, 6/11/2013" Surprisingly readable. Good satire, good humor, good story. Nice, though forced, surprises "
— John, 6/11/2013" Great book, narration by Nadia May was excellent. Loved Dickens' rich language. "
— Philip, 6/10/2013" It's a classic, what can I say. But I do not miss reading it. "
— Jessica, 6/5/2013" Why is this book famous? "
— Jennifer, 6/3/2013" So far I think this book is really good. "
— Ray, 5/18/2013" As with most Victorian literature, I really enjoyed this story. I knew the story, of course, but I live reading Dickens' descriptions of the characters and setting. "
— Jenn, 5/17/2013" I read 600 out of the 800+ pages in this book, but it finally got the better of me. Probably me, as it's revered. I just don't get Dickens. "
— Joann, 3/31/2013" I was right alongside Oliver at ever moment in this book! <333 "
— Julianna, 3/24/2013" It was an uphill battle, but I managed. "
— Rebecca, 3/12/2013" An extra star for the baddies and specially Fagin, because little Oliver is just an annoying whimp, really... "
— Emilie, 3/3/2013" I still wonder how a very nice gentleman like Mr. Sowerberry get married to that kind of woman... ah! I thought she was good but not at all! "
— Fitrilya, 2/21/2013" This one is pretty one ...the words were written not to be read as to be seen and imagined ...Oliver ..great one "
— Nadjib, 2/20/2013" Not loving it thus far but I'm going to give it a bit more time to grow on me before I give up on it. "
— Theresa, 1/7/2013" i like the story & the movie :) "
— Hadeel, 1/6/2013" One of the first adult books I read. Love it as a boy and now love it just as much as a man. "
— Long, 12/15/2012" the first book I read "
— Razan, 12/11/2012" Oh God, more Dickens. Dark dark dark... "
— Jane, 12/8/2012" The first literary work I ever read, at the age of 8... Never stopped going back to it.... "
— Ele, 10/31/2012" English society in the 19th century - mostly their coldness, arogance and indifference towards others. It is all about survival of the strongest. "
— Hana6, 10/19/2012" Although it is very famous, it is not the type of novels I like "
— Sumyah, 9/29/2012" PG mistreatment of children, and blood. I love this book, the sarcasm and the vindication of Oliver. he uses just my type of humor especially in the beginning. "
— Nephi, 9/15/2012" This story is about an orphan boy, Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse so he can be taken in by a group of bad people also known as thieves. It was not a book that made me not put it down I read it for an english lesson in school. I thought the movie was better. "
— Labibah, 9/14/2012" I love Dickens' plot lines, but his writing style is so convoluted and wordy!! So hard to follow! This one in particular requires a lot of backstory knowledge about the British systems of the time that he's satirizing. Not my favorite. "
— Melissa, 8/30/2012" I read this book because I had to in school. I hated this book. Maybe I'd like it now, but at the time, I felt like I was being punished. "
— Patrick, 8/6/2012" A classic, not to be missed. "
— Anna, 7/23/2012" Again and again...Charles Dickens...my favorite author. Every word is a masterpiece. "
— Glenn, 6/2/2012" My favorite book I think. i read it when I was eight or ten years old. I was a pretty precocious reader then... what happened ? "
— Robert, 5/29/2012" The first literary work I ever read, at the age of 8... Never stopped going back to it.... "
— Ele, 5/6/2012" I loved the character of Nancy. She fascinated me. "
— Rachel, 3/12/2012" Funnier than I expected, in places, and SO not the Broadway musical. Indelible characters, with the full range of all the evil and good that mankind can exhibit. "
— Margo, 3/2/2012" I liked this one as much as Great Expectations and Nicholas Nickelby. Read them on a summer off from high school when I had nothing to do and decided to grab something from my Dad's bookshelves. "
— JM, 1/19/2012" if u didn't read the story you should & if you didn't see the 60's movie version you must(exactly 1968) "
— Nesma, 12/30/2011" I think it's the Greatest of Charles Dickens "
— Ahmad, 12/27/2011" Not as good as Great Expectations. Too many remarkable coincidences. Kind of like a Seinfeld episode where extraordinary coincidences wrap up neatly in the end. "
— Barbara, 12/26/2011" I think i read this more than ten times "
— Iimaan, 12/20/2011" I didn't particularly like it "
— Gracie, 12/17/2011" perfect book for perfect ppl. "
— Garima, 9/22/2011" Ya know, even the third time around I didn't like this book. So dreary and sad. "
— Piper, 8/25/2011" This book is simply amazing! The character make-up, the sentence structure! I love it! "
— Caroline, 8/22/2011" I didn't enjoy this Dickens as much as the others I read this year, somehow it just never gelled for me. It is certainly darker than Dickens' other works and there is a more obvious (but not in any way objectionable) effort to reform here. "
— Carla, 8/22/2011" Read this in high school. I always liked Dickens. Poor Oliver. "
— Janis, 8/4/2011" Funnier than I expected, in places, and SO not the Broadway musical. Indelible characters, with the full range of all the evil and good that mankind can exhibit. "
— Margo, 7/25/2011" You gave us plenty, Charlie, but we still wanted more. "
— Steve, 7/14/2011" This book desrves 4 stars because it is a very nice, hopefull story. Oliver is an orphan who has a very hard life growing up. He is forced to commit crimes in return for food and shelter. At the end, Oliver leads a happy life showing the hope and irony the book has. "
— Amy, 7/2/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" Still funny after all these years. I'm becoming a Dickens fan. It's amazing what you'll like when you're not forced to read it! "
— Charlotte, 6/24/2011" This book is really great.You should read this book and Charles Dickens other books too. "
— Tamara, 6/24/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" This was my first book!It's about an orphan lad who roams from place to place and comes across various adventures on his journey! "
— Princess, 6/22/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" It was so cool because Oliver Twist liked Fagin but then he realized that he was bad. "
— Ruthie, 6/13/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" i love this book..when i first read it i was about 14 years-old..*_*<br/> "
— Annaborana, 6/10/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011" Buku satu ini dicetak dg singkat, jelas, dan cukup padat. :) "
— Opie, 6/8/2011" The thing was fabulous and I enjoyed reading it "
— Behnum, 6/8/2011Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was born in Landport, Portsmouth, England, the second of eight children in a family continually plagued by debt. A legacy brought release from the nightmare of debtors’ prison and child labor and afforded him a few years of formal schooling. He worked as an attorney’s clerk and newspaper reporter until his early writings brought him the amazing success that was to be his for the remainder of his life. He was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and he remains popular, responsible for some of English literature’s most iconic characters.
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.