Page 1 of 2
There are currently 13 member reviews
for Fagin the Thief
-
Kathryn H. (Rochester, MI)
The Making of Fagin the Thief
Allison Epstein has done a wonderful job fleshing out the character of "Oliver Twist('s)" Jacob Fagin. If you enjoy books like Sarah Miller's "Marmee" or modern retellings or additions to the Jane Austen stories, "Fagin the Thief" may fill several happy hours of reading.
Epstein begins her imagining of Fagin when he is six years old. She skips around throughout the book but each chapter head includes the date, so it is easy to follow the plot.
Along with Fagin, the author also expands on the lives of Dodger, Nancy, Oliver Twist, and Bill Sikes, as well as Sike's dog, Bullseye. The story moves quickly. It is so well-written that I really did feel as if I was reading a part of Dickens I'd never found before.
"Fagin the Thief" was a joy to read and I highly recommend it.
-
Deborah W. (Boynton Beach, FL)
A New Life for an Old Character
I have a doctoral degree in English literature with a specialization in nineteenth century British fiction; Dickens is one of my favorite authors. So it's no wonder I was eager to read this novel! But you don't have to be familiar with "Oliver Twist," or a fan of the musical "Oliver," to enjoy this fresh take on Fagin, Dickens' infamous thief who trained a cadre of young boys in the fine art of pickpocketing. Here we learn Fagin's backstory: how he grew up Jewish in London and turned to thievery, how he took in Bill Sykes and then Nancy, and then the Artful Dodger and then Oliver, among others, and how in the end his little empire fell to pieces with Nancy's death. And here Fagin is more than a caricature: he's a fully-developed character with an inner life, philosophical musings about life and death, and a ferocious will to live. Various London neighborhoods, prisons, and communities come alive in this book, with lots of historically accurate details including foods, clothing styles, London fogs, and river Thames smells. If you're looking for a book to take you away to another time and place, and immerse you in the lives of others, this one is perfect.
-
Helen B. (WINTHROP, ME)
Fagin The Thief
Stephen King as a writer he always asks,, What if… In Fagin the Thief, Allison Epstein asks that question about the most loathed characters of Dickens' novel, Oliver Twist. In Epstein's deft and creative hands, we are reintroduced to the original Fagin and Bill, but are also thrust into a deeper study of who they may have been before they were brought to life through Dickens' pen. Epstein's work is meticulous in its research, the handling of Fagin's treatment as a Jew, and her splendid use of language. The reader from the start is drawn into the threatening and dark streets of 19th century London, but this time will find themselves cheering along not the little boy, Oliver, but rather those who we have seen as monsters for nearly two hundred years. Only a skilled storyteller can pull that off! A five star read, especially for Dickens' fans. Thank you to Doubleday, NetGalley, and BookBrowse.com for this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
-
Barbara C. (Riverside, CA)
Exceptional read.
The author has a clear writing style that I appreciated very much. Each character was an individual, with identifiable traits. Although many in the story had negative relationships the book was true to its intent. It was easy to follow and more than kept my attention. I galloped through it for fear it might slip away (ebook). One of my favorite Book Browse reads over the many years I have participated with this program. Thank you.
-
Arlene I. (Johnston, RI)
Sensational Read
Wow! Allison Epstein has provided the reader with lots of new imagery for Victorian England in her book, Fagin the Thief. A semi-new Fagin is revealed. Her in-depth characterization shows Fagin being a manipulative, cunning, greedy, corrupt man, but a "softer" side of him is developed. He does still exploit children-mostly orphans- but he also provides care, shelter and food. There is no debating that Fagin is a criminal mastermind leading a "gang" of young pickpockets in deplorable England. Sometimes his caring for these "wards" makes him a vulnerable character. To say that Fagin is a complex character is an understatement.
The author weaves the anti-Semitic portray of Fagin as well as the stereotyping of Jewish people during Victorian England into his character. At times Fagin feels unsafe in his adventures and doesn't always exhibit confidence in targeting "customers". He is know to other as "the Jew" which he feels is condescending.The darker corrupt side of Victorian England is vividly portrayed. The squalor of living conditions stands out in the novel. The only time the reader views the wealthy is through the characters Fagin targets to rob.
I would definitely recommend this novel to book clubs. The discussions could go in many different directions. This book would also be great for a literature class either in high school of college. Fagin, in both Oliver Twist and Fagin the Thief should provide lively discussions.
Thank you BookBrowse for giving me the opportunity of reading an advanced copy.
-
Lani S. (Narberth, PA)
a masterful interpretation
Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein is a remarkable reimagining of Fagin from Dicken's Oliver Twist sure to delight fans of Dicken's works. Set against the backdrop of 19th -century London, Fagin was raised by his mother Leah until her death when he was 16. During that period he was taken under the wing of a pickpocket who taught him the skills of the trade. He became a skilled artisan evading police and collecting goods while living in an abandoned building. Here he takes in several orphans who have no where else to go and teaches them what he has learned along the way. One of his orphans, Billy Sikes, was to become one of London's most daring housebreakers but ultimately lead to chaos within the "family."
A wonderful character study, Fagin emerges as a man shaped by the brutal realities of poverty, Jewish prejudice, and circumstance. As he gets tangled deeper in the world of crime, his internal struggle becomes evident with his desire for survival and the choices he is faced with. Though he is manipulative I couldn't help but find him a sympathetic character at times, though his actions continued to be morally questionable.
Epstein paints a wonderful picture of the harsh economic and social conditions of Victorian England, broadcasting the difficulties of survival for the gang of child thieves under Fagin's wing. Oliver Twist makes a cursory introduction as well as the Artful Dodger from Dicken's book. Nancy, the prostitute, who fell in love with Billy Sikes, plays a prominent and compelling role as well. The author's focus on the psychology and motivations of the characters makes this reinterpretation feel grounded and believable. While there is no straightforward redemption arc or a clear -cut portrayal of good vs evil, this terrific book offers a powerful insight on how individuals navigate systems of power and survival while highlighting the complexity of human nature. This book is a winner!
-
Barbara H. (Thomasville, GA)
A Nest of Thieves!!
When I first started this book I almost sent BookBrowse a "Just not my forte" note - but I decided to read on and now must say I absolutely loved this book!! It was a depiction of early to mid- nineteenth century London at its best and its worst.. It enveloped sadness, hatred, kindness, selfishness - and just the simple joy in living. The characters in Epstein's novel were so vivid and each one so different from the other as were the scenes depicted in this story so vivid of a sordid London. I, as the reader was transported to a much seamier time and place and side of life that is unknown to most of us. Yet the novel was so full of life!!
For me this was one of those rare books that one does not want to end -but alas, all good things must come to an end!
.png)
