By: Charles Dickens
Coincidences clutter this novel, especially in regards to Oliver's encounters with characters that are later revealed as relatives. The casual references to Fagin as "the Jew" reek of anti-Semitism. Oliver himself is almost unbelievably innocent and pure. Yet the language use, the arresting criminals and protagonists (the minor characters are often particularly noteworthy), make this a compelling read. (Fiction) 07/12/09
