Oliver Twist

by Charles Dickens Narrated by Rick Kistner

Overview

Follow the story of the orphan Oliver as he escapes child labor to join a gang of young criminals. The 1838 novel reveals the social conditions at the time in England for many orphans who were forced into child labor, satirizing the industrial era and the poverty and crime that surrounded it. The book was adapted into a musical which eventually became a Best Picture-winning film in 1968.

Join Oliver Twist on a remarkable journey through Charles Dickens' timeless tale expertly narrated by Rick Kistner. Step into the world of 19th-century England as Oliver navigates the challenges of his orphaned life, from the harsh reality of child labor to the allure of a young criminal gang. Through this skilled narration, experience the intricate web of social dynamics, poverty, and resilience that define Oliver's world.

Immerse yourself in the world of Oliver Twist as the narrator weaves a rich tapestry of characters and settings, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of this beloved literary classic. Experience the highs and lows alongside Oliver as he seeks his place in a society rife with poverty and crime, all while striving for a better future. This audiobook edition of Oliver Twist is a must-listen for those captivated by Charles Dickens' exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr6–8—A graphic retelling of the classic, Great Expectations is rushed, confusing, and an unpleasant read. At times it is difficult to tell the characters apart, mainly because of the lack of depth in the secondary players, and because the artwork is flat and impassive. The plot is without focus, so struggling readers will have an issue with continuity. Oliver Twist has similar problems. The flow is choppy, characterization is nonexistent, and the compression of the story line adds to the confusion. The artwork, black-and-white rough sketching, is inconsistent. Panels range from clean and distinct to dark and busy. As in the first book, some characters are indistinguishable from page to page. The combination of story and artwork will not create new fans of graphic novels.—Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL

Publishers Weekly

The inimitable Martin Jarvis brings his talents to bear on Charles Dickens's classic in an audiobook that will delight listeners with its superb recreations of gritty 19th-century London. To escape Mr. Bumble and life in the workhouse, Oliver flees to London where he meets the Artful Dodger and becomes embroiled with Fagin's ragtag band of thieves. Jarvis simply dazzles: his performance captures both the humor and sorrow of the text, his narration is crisp, and his characterizations--his rendition of the terrifying district magistrate, Mr. Fang, is particularly memorable--are as varied as they are energetic, befitting, and enjoyable. (June)

From the Publisher

"The power of [Dickens] is so amazing, that the reader at once becomes his captive, and must follow him whithersoever he leads." —William Makepeace Thackeray

APRIL 2012 - AudioFile

This retelling presents a condensed version of Dickens’s work for young listeners. Smoothly written, it has been considerably shortened from the original. It recounts the main events but lacks Dickens’s signature word craft. Jonathan Keeble is an authoritative guide through Oliver’s orphan narrative. Keeble’s commanding voice presents a series of interrelated vignettes, each separated by period music. His characters each have memorable voices, especially Fagin, who is a bombastic villain fully brought to life. With such voices, Keeble offers a performance, more than a narration. His changing tone and pace draw attention to dramatic events; however, some principals, notably Oliver, sound a bit caricatured. An informational booklet on Dickens accompanies the production. Keeble’s vivid reading makes Oliver’s story accessible for young listeners. C.A. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191088587
Publisher:	Moonlight Publishing CO
Publication date:	08/16/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

Chapter I
(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Oliver Twist"
by .
Copyright © 2003 Charles Dickens.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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