Reviews

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

irina_sky's review against another edition

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5.0

A Wonderful piece of English literature. A captivating and thought provoking read about a poor orphan Oliver who faces a lot of hardships. However, his kind heart and faith in people helps him overcome the hideous reality of the harsh world where adults rule. The book proves that despite of all the dark sides of our life, kindness and virtue always prevail.
Omg, the description of London of that time really knocked me out. Charles Dickens must have hated the city too much since he pictured it as the most disgusting, hideous, dirty and criminal place on earth. But it's the city itself that makes the atmosphere of the book: gloom, danger, hopelessness pierce the book throughout.

mai2725's review against another edition

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5.0

This is my 7th book to read for him and he have never ever disappoint me in any book of his he just heading to the top.

sfitz700's review against another edition

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funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rainydayscribe's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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.
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gingerliss's review against another edition

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5.0

This has definitely been added to my favourite books ever list... I will write a longer review shortly...

ellyn144's review against another edition

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3.0

A deceptively simple plot, weighed down by unnecessary verbage.

arkcraig's review against another edition

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5.0

The master had me on the edge of my seat from page one. He builds up tension so slowly, and then in the last 30 pages bam bam bam!

cam_mcauley's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

mcskireader's review against another edition

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4.0

Bill Sikes has got to be one of the best (worst?) literary villains ever. Between he and Fagin my nightmares will have ample resources for a long time. Oliver Twist is not my favorite Dickens, but his almost oppressive commentary on the time is great to read, even if it does feel a little too cheery at the end after all the gloom, doom and a little gore. I would recommend this book just for it's amazing descriptions of London's nighttime and weather. Its like an additional (creepy) character in the novel and the passages about them are so beautifully worded.

rainbowtrisha's review against another edition

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4.0

Well I did it, I finally read Oliver Twist. Hard to get into at first with the different styles of writing throughout and an extremely fast ending. This version has lots of spelling mistakes.

Now I can watch the movie!