I am embarrassed to say that there are quite a few gaping holes in my library. Last month I plugged one of them by finally reading Oliver Twist. I knew the framework of the story – an orphaned boy travels to London, meets lovable scamps, has adventures and overcomes the odds. At least that’s what I thought.

Once I actually read the book (or more appropriately listened to the audiobook) what I found was an incredibly funny and sarcastic look at class and privilege.

Mrs. Frost Was Right

I’m pretty sure my only other experience with Oliver Twist was reading an excerpt in Mrs. Frost’s 12th grade English class. It didn’t make much of an impression on me back then. What struck me this time going through the book was how fully formed Dicken’s drew the various characters and the way he empathizes with the Poor. Oliver, Nancy, Fagan, Bill, the Artful Dodger all come to life and are richer and more nuanced than my high school senior self remembered. Nancy, in particular, undergoes quite a transformation throughout the story that is lovely to watch.

I am a huge fan of audiobooks and I think that part of my enjoyment of Oliver Twist was due in part to the narrator who read the story. He perfectly captured Dicken’s wit and sarcasm as he pokes fun at 19th-century English society.

Examples:

“There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.”

“Women can always put things in fewest words. Except when it’s blowing up; and then they lengthens it out.”

“The doctor seemed especially troubled by the fact of the robbery having been unexpected, and attempted in the night-time; as if it were the established custom of gentlemen in the housebreaking way to transact business at noon, and to make an appointment, by the twopenny post, a day or two previous.”

“But, tears were not the things to find their way to Mr. Bumble’s soul; his heart was waterproof.”

Dicken’s is even able to poke a little fun at himself:
“Don’t be afraid! We won’t make an author of you, while there’s an honest trade to be learnt, or brick-making to turn to.”

I need to give Mrs. Frost a call and apologize. I kinda wish I would have paid a little more attention in class. I came very late to appreciate Oliver Twist but I’m glad I didn’t completely miss it.