I picked up this book not being overly familiar with it. I think because it was adapted as a 90s cartoon film with animals, and because the only scene the vast majority of people are familiar with is "Please, sir, may I have some more?", it might seem to be a children's book of sorts. At least, I'd thought it was. Holy moly. It is gritty. Biting wit and irony is used to call out injustices. There are grizzly crime scenes and quite a lot of focus on trauma, and on how guilt can haunt someone to the end of their days. There's hope too, no doubt, and a lot of warmth, but it's certainly a novel full of heavy themes. And it's really good. A true page turner! I have a newfound respect for Dickens. I didn't appreciate him enough while reading him in school.