Rating: 
Summary: Long, Boring, and Tedious
Review: I really didn't like this book at all. I'm a classic literature reader, which is why I picked it up in the first place. It was my first Dickens novel, and I was so disappointed. To me, it seemed to be more about those darn criminals than anything. Judging from this book, I don't like Dickens' style of writing: too wordy, unclear, and imprecise. I swear, the guy could go on for pages talking about a piece of wood if he had to. I got so bored, the words just started slurring together after a while. However, its story about how a boy of poverty becomes rich in so many other aspects is quite touching. But the journey of getting to that point is LONG, BORING, and too TEDIOUS for me to stand. Possibly, if I were a boy, I could relate to this book more. I would, however, recommend this book to anyone who likes a drug-out mystery.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, Fun and More Fun!
Review: I'm enrolled in a class on 19th century European history, and one of our assignments was to read Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons", which I did, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The class itself really hasn't been that great, but it has opened my eyes to the world of classic literature. Like millions of others, My hatred towards the classics can be traced back to high school where I was forced to read classic literature, and then not allowed to develop my own interpretations of the books. I think most of us have fallen into this rut, and it's a darn shame. It's kind of a two-edged sword; everyone should read some of these kinds of books, but forced readings are often taxing and boring. Then we are forced to learn one interpretation of the book. This isn't what literature should be about.Fortunately, I woke up. I've bought a mess of books, but wanted to start out with something easy and light. Jumping into "War and Peace" just isn't an option, especially since I'm a full-time college student. So I decided to start with "Oliver Twist", a book I should have read years ago but didn't. Also, I'm trying to work my way up to some of Dickens' more in-depth works, such as "Bleak House". I'm not going to spend much time on the actual story, as other reviews have done a pretty good job in this area. Also, many are aware of this story through the musical adaptation. Needless to say, it's a cracking good tale with enough meat in it to satisfy the hungriest of readers. I read the Penguin edition, and have to start by saying that the introduction was, in my opinion, not very enlightening. Written by Angus Wilson, it does give some good info on what sort of inspirational material Dickens borrowed from to write this book. Wilson spends the rest of his time criticising. Maybe he was cranky because he didn't get picked to do an intro for a more "formidable" book. The actual book is a real hoot. It strikes just the right balances between hilarity, sadness, and darkness. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading this book. The best character in this vein is Mr. Bumble, the beadle of the work-house where Oliver grows up. Dickens is SO scathing towards this guy. The scene where Bumble is making moves on Ms. Corney is an absolute scream. If you don't laugh, you're just not trying hard enough. "Oliver Twist" has a dark side, too. Look at the ominous Bill Sikes. He just oozes bad feelings and you know he's going to hurt someone. The wily Jew, Fagin, is very scary, and you just cringe whenever he is on the scene. Like Satan, this guy is everywhere, causing all kinds of mischief. Apparently, literary know-alls have decided that "Oliver Twist" is a lesser Dickens work. Maybe that is due in some part to the touchy-feely ending. Some also don't think it has much of a message beyond its criticism of the mistreatment of Victorian England's poor. I saw strong themes of hope and redemption in the book. Who can read about poor Nancy and not see her desparate attempt at redeeming her life? Even Sikes, as irredeemable as he seems, has a guilty conscience over his crime. I can understand how some younger people might not like this book. The pacing of the book is slower than most would be used to you, and some of the language is tough for a modern reader. However, the book is timeless. We see the same things in society today that Dickens observed. When the system breaks down, people, especially children, will turn to other institutions, such as gangs, to find fulfillment. I highly recommend this book. Don't overlook it. It is very much worth your time!
Rating:
Summary: A bit challenging for the younger reader but well worth it
Review: I just finished reading this a couple days ago after taking a lengthy break about two hundred pages in. The fact that I read the last two hundred in under a day says something... First the faults I found with this novel: Lack of character development. As has been noted by numerous critics, the villains in this work are portrayed vastly more effectively than everyone else -- Fagin of particular note. While there is nothing inherently wrong witht this, it does plant some doubt into the reader's mind as to who Dickens *really* care about. What the novel lacks more than anything is a clearly, strongly developed "good" character. Far too many of the "good guys" (Rose Maylie comes to mind particularly quickly), including Oliver himself are barely more than flat ideals of goodness. *Everyone* has some grit in him, and I'm sure Dickens could have brought that out. Dickens cannot be blamed as much for my second fault in the novel. The ending is wrapped up a *bit* too quickly, a *bit* too neatly. Something is certainly to be said for tying various plotlines together, but I feel like Dickens is making a serious stretch. This is not atypical of the time period, and therefore cannot be harshly criticized. Dickens is also rather blatant with his "philosophical" beliefs, but again, it was part of the time period in which he was writing. Now for the good stuff (aka the fun part). Vivid description (well worth the effort in paying attention to it), lively plot (far more intricate than the enjoyable musical "Oliver!"), and memorable villains (yeah, it does go both ways :-) At the very heart of the novel lies and uplifting story about a young orphan surviving against all odds. It's also a scathing criticism of the "welfare" system in England at the time. All in all, the work has the potential to be boring if it is lightly skimmed. However, if a reader puts for the necessary effort, the world of early Victorian England and London in particular comes alive. Sitting at my computer now, I can vividly remember a dozen scenes right off the top of my head. And that's what's reading is all about: good books are enjoyed while read; great ones are enjoyed for a long time after.
Rating:
Summary: Oliver Twist-Puffin Classics Edition
Review: This is not the complete book as Dickens wrote it. It has been slightly abridged for young readers. I used to hate the idea of doing such a thing to a book, but I recently read this out loud to my children and the abrigement makes it much easier for kids to follow. As far as I can tell, about a fourth of Dickens' original has been edited out. The plot seems to be intact, much of what is missing are long descriptive passages. Certainly not for purists, but as an introduction to Dickens, especially kids who have seen one of the many movies versions, this is fine.
Rating:
Summary: VERY GOOD BOOK BUT WITH PATIENCE
Review: ALTHOUGH I AM JUST AN EIGHT-GRADER, THIS BOOK WAS PRETTY EASY TO READ BUT THERE WAS TOO MUCH DESCRIPTIVE PARTS. CHARLES DICKENS USED A WONDERFUL VARIETY OF WORD. THIS BOOK I THINK WOULD BE GOOD FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKES READING AND HAS PATIENCE. THE PLOT FINALLY GETS INTERESTING IN THE SECOND HALF BUT ALL IN ALL, IT IS PRETTY GOOD.
Rating:
Summary: A Crucial Study
Review: While I don't feel this is Dickens' best, I still consider it a crucial work of his. This 2nd novel of his certainly emphasizes the harsh conditions of Victorian England. Also, this novel demonstrates his cynical sense of humour. He also demonstrates his skill of creating dramatic irony. Fagin (the so called villain) treats Oliver and the other boys much better than the legitimate firms. Also, Dickens portrays an interesting contrast. One one hand, we have the frightening psychopath Bill Sikes. On the other hand, Fagin clearly DOES have a conscience. (This is clearly displayed when Sikes goes into a rage and Fagin expresses his concern.) It is also interesting that the legitimate firms abuse Oliver and the other boys without a second thought. I can not overemphasize the grace in which Dickens makes Fagin's death very slow, tragic, and painful for us. We also have altruistic characters such as Mr. Brownlow and Rose. Characters such as Mr. Grimwig add some welcome comical touches. So we have strong images, a bitter representation of the period, comical touches, dramatic irony, and well drawn tragic scenes. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Not His Best but Still Good
Review: Oliver Twist is the orphaned boy with the famous line, "more please". He says that when requesting more gruel from the orphanage master. Oliver Twist seems to be the character most identified with Dickens' own childhood. While it's likely that Twist's life was much more difficult than Dickens' at that age, it is well known that Dickens had a rough life as the son of a man in debtor's prison. Oliver escapes to the streets and meets up with many evil and malicious characters. We see the boy grow into a man at an early age but still maintain the desire to remain a child. Oliver Twist is Dickens' condemnation of the British orphanage system and laws regarding homeless children. Twist was in essence made a criminal for the mere fact that he had no parents. As with all of Dickens' works, there are mysterious strangers who provide a miraculous rescue at the end. However, this is one of the more unbelievable rescues that Dickens has written. The reason that he was the master of the Victorian novel was that he was able to take the stale, rote formula and turn it into a breathing life story that you felt really existed. He misses the mark slightly in that regard with Oliver Twist. The language is uniquely Dickensian. There are piercing descriptions that allow you to get lost in Victorian England. Dickens is the only writer that can actually make you think that you're smelling the very scent that he is describing. This book is one of Dickens' lower level novels. Being that it comes from him though, there is still much to enjoy about Oliver Twist.
Rating:
Summary: Crucial Knowledge
Review: Dickens' 2nd novel "Oliver Twist" is a crucial MUST for an understanding of Dickens. While I do not consider it a 5 star book, it shows many sides of Dickens. It shows the harsh conditions of Victorian England very well. But it also exposes us to Dickens cynical sense of humor. One case is where the magistrate who is suppose to judge a case is comically unaware of the case. Also Dickens presents us with dramatic irony in that Fagin (the thief) treats his boys better than the legitimate firms. Dickens also provides us with a wide variety of characters. Also, Dickens provides us with an interesting situation in that it is clear that the legitimate firms do not hesitate in their abuse to Oliver. Fagin clearly DOES have a conscience. His concern for Oliver is genuine when Bill Sikes goes into his psychopathic rages. Furthermore, Dickens makes sure we feel a slow and agonizing pain when Fagin is arrested and doomed to die.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, enjoyable, enlightening
Review: Dickens truly is a master of the English language. Not only is Oliver Twist an enjoyable story, it is a biting commentary on the social conditions of the day. The book is full of satire and humor. Those of you who found it boring and long obviously missed this humor. Dickens is also a master of literary caricature as is especially obvious in Oliver Twist. It is not by coincidence that this book is a classic which has been adapted and retold for years.
Rating:
Summary: What a good book! A book you can't put down!
Review: I loved this book! I don't care about what the others say about the book not being Charles Dicken's best! I think they the book doesn't deserve the few stars it got from other reviews! This book was exciting and kept me reading. I still can't believe that Bill Sikes killed his own wife! I also saw the movie which is just as good as the book! I love the songs they do in the movie lik Pick a Pocket or Two.
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