- a boy orphaned at birth is thrust into a world of heartless caretakers and criminals
- based in early 1800s
- regularly introduces more characters, all from different stations of life yet whose lives intertwine
- darkness, filthy living, violence and other deplorable behavior
- moderately clean language
Type: chapter book
Ages: 9-14
Author: Charles Dickens
It is my understanding that Dickens was well acquainted with the type of life described in much of this book. He himself grew up in similar hardships, so his novel shined a bright light on a world inside London of which many of his readers were unaware. Poverty can advance crime, and he was telling its story.
This is one of those novels, in my opinion, that affect the reader more as they grow older–in our maturity and age, we gain a grander appreciation of life. We also begin wearing the cape of “child protector” upon becoming parents, if not earlier, so any mistreatment of young, dear Oliver certainly can affect older readers more than younger.
Since it can be covered in middle grade curriculum, I thought it should be included in my collection of book thoughts. I do, overall, recommend reading the classic that it is, though the reader must brace himself or herself for behavior and events that they do not approve of. It is still fine literature and can be well-discussed in a classroom setting. The ending is quite satisfactory.