Oliver Twist

The novel begins with Oliver's birth in a workhouse where his mother dies shortly after his arrival. Raised in the bleak and oppressive workhouse environment, Oliver faces neglect and mistreatment until he eventually runs away to London in search of a better life. There, he falls in with a gang of young pickpockets led by the cunning and manipulative Fagin.

Throughout the story, Oliver encounters both kindness and cruelty. He forms relationships with a cast of memorable characters, including the benevolent Mr. Brownlow, the compassionate Nancy, and the villainous Bill Sikes. As Oliver struggles to navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld, he remains steadfast in his innate goodness and innocence.

"Oliver Twist" is not only a gripping tale of adventure and suspense but also a scathing critique of the social injustices and inequalities of Dickens's time. The novel exposes the harsh realities faced by the poor and vulnerable in Victorian society, particularly the exploitation of children and the corruption of the legal and charitable institutions meant to protect them.