Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist illustrated Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist is the second novel of Charles Dickens originally published in three parts beginning in 1837. The story follows an orphan, Oliver, who travels through many a miserable experience in his young life. From the workhouse, to an abusive master, to London, Oliver meets many colorfully written characters along the way. Considered one of the very first "social" novels of its time, Oliver Twist presents heavy commentary on the effects of not only child labor and treatment but also on social class which makes this nearly two century old novel still extremely relevant to today's audience.