2013 – “Dodger” by Terry Pratchett

I thought that I had read all of Terry Pratchett’s novels but it seems that I have omitted one which fitted handily into my 60 Books from 60 Years challenge. Dodger is not a Discworld book but is set in Victorian London, albeit a rather romanticised version of the city at the time. It is designed for younger readers but that makes no difference to the enjoyment of the story by those of us who are older. The book is heavily influenced by the works and life of Charles Dickens, especially Oliver Twist, but I don’t think that you need to know this to enjoy reading it.

The main character, Dodger, is an orphan who lives and works in the sewers gathering items which are lost down the drains of the city. One day he rescues a young woman from some people who are attacking her and as a result of this he becomes acquainted with Charles Dickens, the author, and some other notable Victorian dignitaries and philanthropists.

Dodger is an endearing character who is essentially good and who has knowledge and understanding which is different from that of the adults who try to help him. He is also brave and compassionate. He has a Jewish mentor who is as unlike Fagin as the author can make him and a moral compass which may be skewed but is consistent.

The author also introduces us to Henry Mayhew and Angela Burdett-Coutts who are important figures in the reform of Victorian London and shows us what life was like for many and how it was eventually improved.

As is typical with this author the message is well wrapped up in word play and plot. There are also some digs at our present day society. The story is fun and it is easy and enjoyable to read. I do prefer the Discworld books and didn’t find this quite as entertaining as the best of those but it is still an excellent book for adults or younger readers.