From the book jacket..."This fiercely comic second novel stands in marked contrast to its genial predecessor, "The Pickwick Papers". Set against London's seedy backstreet slums, "Oliver Twist" is the saga of a workhouse orphan captured and thrust into a thieves' den, where some of Dickens's most depraved villains preside; the incorrigible Artful Dodger, the murderous bully Sikes, and the terrible Fagin, that treacherous ringleader whose grinning knavery threatens to send them all to the "ghostly gallows" Yet at the heart of this drama is the orphan Oliver, whose unsullied goodness leads him at last to salvation."

Sending out as a Secret Santa gift. I was not given your screen name and I guessed "ninkasi". I hope I figured correctly and sent you something from "your" wishlist. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Thank you again for this wonderful holiday gift! I've never read this book, though I've seen the old movie many times. Once I finish reading this, I'll pass it along to another bookcrosser to read.