"The story of the orphan Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves, shocked readers when it was first published. Dickens's tale of childhood innocence beset by evil depicts the dark criminal underworld of a London peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the arch-villain Fagin, the artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes and the prostitute Nancy. Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate Novel and popular melodrama, Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery."

I haven't read this book since I was a teenager, but I used to love it.

The book is on its way to Canada as part of the NSSHS.

Received as part of the NSSHS. Don't worry, it arrived on time, I just haven't had time to journal it yet. Thanks so much for the chocolates; I used to live in England, so it brought a smile to my face to see something with a Marks & Spencer tag. The embroidered card is just lovely!

I read this a while ago and forgot to journal it. I'm a fan of Dickens and had never read this, one of his most well-known works, so it s was great to finally sit down and get to know it. As with when I read H.G. Wells, it's interesting to see how watered down a great work becomes when it is integrated into pop culture. When I explain to people who haven't read the book that the whole "please sir, I want some more" part takes place at the beginning of the book and that there are a few hundred pages after, they are often very surprised. This book contained all the usual hallmarks of a Dickens novel. I really enjoyed it.

Released at the Bookcrossing meeting. Everyone's welcome!