Oliver Twist / A Tale of Two Cities

by Charles Dickens

Illustrated by Phiz & George Cruikshank

Genres: Classics, Fiction

624 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1859

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Mie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Oliver Twist. It got me right from the start, and kept my attention the whole way through. A Tale of Two Cities however was much harder. I had to keep forcing myself to stick with it. Eventually, about 2/3 of the way through I was interested in the story and read quickly to the end. Classics everyone should read.

[Jen Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This omnibus of novels by Charles Dickens consists of Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities. Because I don't have the stamina or the patience to read all of these at one time, I decided to read each individually when the time is right. I will review each work as I finish it until I eventually have read them all. Below are links to my reviews for each of the works that I have read.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - Began 12/4/16 and finished 12/13/16, Rated 4/5

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - Began 6/1/17 and finished 6/9/17, Rated 3/5

[Rhonda D · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long very descriptive book. Helped to understand that period in history. I was not a fan. The very beginning sticks in peoples minds."it wad the best of times it was the worst of times " and ended with the like " it is a far far better thing I do... "

[Sbugsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished listing to both of these novels. I found them very interesting and I am glad I chose these.

[Akansha Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really find it interesting from the beginning and I like this book.