Oliver Twist

Dickens, Charles

ISBN 10: 1843795655 ISBN 13: 9781843795650

Publisher: Naxos Audio Books, 2012

Synopsis

Oliver Twist, Dickens' second novel, has enthralled generations of readers since its publication in 1838. Orphaned and desolate, Oliver's journey to London and subsequent induction into its dingy underworld, is narrated with ceaseless energy by Jonathan Keeble. His depictions of Fagin and the terrifying Bill Sikes are particularly mesmerizing, and his reading is infused with a delicious knack for story-telling. This unabridged version has been long anticipated, and is a stand-out Naxos AudioBooks recording.

About this title

Review

Keeble's reading of this classic shows an acute perception of Dickens's sense of nineteenth-century Poor Laws. His tones are full of sympathy for the young waif, and he vividly portrays characters (the Artful Dodger, Fagin, and Nancy, among others) Oliver encounters in London. The Artful Dodger's almost incomprehensible cockney speech patterns and Fagin's slightly lisping words of false concern are especially well done. In a whispering plea, Keeble captures Oliver's desperation when he utters the famous request, 'Please, sir, I want some more'. A dramatic meeting between Oliver and his saviour, Mr. Brownlow, is particularly compelling, as Keeble dramatically expresses Mr. Brownlow's sympathetic feelings and justifiable offence over some court proceedings. The final chapter, in which characters receive their just deserts, allows Keeble to conclude on a tone of nostalgia and exhibit sympathy for the suffering children, as justice is meted out to the villains. Keeble's ability to change British dialects and modulate tones for all characters is quite remarkable. --Mary McCay, Booklist

Edition details

• Publisher: Naxos Audio Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1843795655
• ISBN 13: 9781843795650
• Binding: Audio CD
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 13