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Oliver Twist  By  cover art

Oliver Twist

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Peter Batchelor
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Publisher's summary

Born to an unmarried woman who dies after giving birth, orphan Oliver Twist seems destined to slog through a dismal life in the workhouse. A rebellious cry for more gets Oliver banished, and ultimately lands him on the dismal streets of London. The young outcast finds refuge with Fagin and his band of thieves before fate intervenes and puts Oliver in the hands of a kindly benefactor. It is likely that Dickens's own early youth as a child laborer contributed to the story's development. Oliver Twist has been the subject of countless film and television adaptations.

Public Domain (P)2013 Trout Lake Media

What listeners say about Oliver Twist

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book- what a bargain! Excellent narrator!

I was hesitant to get this since sometimes the inexpensive are that way for a reason, but was thrilled with this book, and all for $1.95! Character descriptions are so vivid and the narrator was great.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent narration!

Any additional comments?

It's hard to believe that one person alone – Peter Batchelor – is doing all the reading! He does a incredible job! This is one great example in which listening to an audiobook can add a whole new dimension to the story. I could never do all those British accents and tones in my head while reading from a book. It feels like going to the theater. And Batchelor adds just the right amount of comedy without overdoing it. I've watched several film adaptations, and yet this one-man-cast's performance has impressed me the most so far! The pace is a bit quick, though, which could be a problem if you're not a native English speaker (as is my case). I managed fine, but had to put a little extra effort at times.

As for Oliver Twist, it's a great classic and much has already been said about it in other reviews. The only thing that bothers me is that the complex villain Fagin is not only Jewish, but is mostly referred to as "the Jew", as it gives the impression that there could be anti-Semitic feelings behind it. Then again, I've read that Dickens wasn't an anti-Semite and that he later created benevolent Jewish characters. I'd be interested in learning more about it. Otherwise, it's a very touching and often funny story.

At the time I purchased the audiobook, it cost only $1.95, which is quite a bargain.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Reader ruined everything

Far too theatric a presentation of the characters. Oliver's voice was so overdone - drove me crazy

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Perfect

I simply can not imagine a better rendition. Dickens and Batchelor at their very best.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing !!

Oliver Twist is one of Dickens' best. Such sadness to turn to such happiness. I love all his work. And, Peter Bachelor is now my favorite narrator !!

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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what took me so long to read this

I've never read this as a child. But as an adult I appreciate it. thanking Audible for having this book. I feel if I had read it myself I would have been lost. the story was told marvelously. this one I can read again.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Classic

There is a reason this book is a classic. Great story, great build up, and great twists

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fabulously done.

I was so impressed with the story and the reader kept me interested all the way to the end.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

It's Dickens, but . . .

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes to the book. No to this audio version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Had to quit.

What didn’t you like about Peter Batchelor’s performance?

I could listen to it without ear buds, in the next room, but not otherwise. It may even have worked on stage, but using an iPod and earbuds, this could actually hurt. Oliver, in particular, comes off as whiney and I looked forward to hearing from another character: Not a good sign. I have to say that when the narrator is speaking "the narrator" words, it's fine. Reminds me of Jim Dale's Dumbledore.But that doesn't redeem the experience.

Did Oliver Twist inspire you to do anything?

This version inspired me to buy one with another narrator.

Any additional comments?

You get what you pay for.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good narrator with annoying character voices

This is the second Dickens that I listen, narrated by Peter Batchlor. The narrator is certainly accomplished and quite pleasant to follow when he uses his regular voice. He goes beyond the reading and interprets the gravity of a Dickens work. But when he makes voices for different characters the narration is more annoying than enjoyable. The high pitch voice is particularly difficult.

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1 person found this helpful