Oliver Twist is not at all what I expected it to be! While it does revolve around the life and history of the poor orphan Oliver Twist, as the title suggests, that life and history is far more complex and fascinating than I ever expected. The book has a complex, multi-layered, and absolutely superb cast of characters, ranging from gentle and kindly protagonists to despicable and cunning villains. The plot is excellent, with countless threads of story and history all woven together by the end of the novel into a beautiful and spectacularly intricate tale that is charming, intriguing, emotional, and moving. The addition of Dickens' delightful irony and use of descriptive language to criticize the social conditions of his society make this book an ever-more meritorious read. I would recommend this book for any patient reader with an interest in the classics and a willingness to decode and make sense of the Victorian language style the book is written in.