An Artful Novel

So Dickens chose to write about Oliver Twist, the cherubic little orphan lost in the big bad world. But I think we all know who the more interesting character is – Jack Dawkins, otherwise known as the Artful Dodger. In fact, that’s how the book starts: the preface “reintroduces us to the acclaimed Mr. Jack Dawkins, known to sundry as the Artful Dodger, and laments the inattention paid him as compared to more simpering examples of the day.”

The author goes on to explain why we heard more about Oliver than we did about Dodger: vampyres. Yup, vampyres. Dickens couldn’t tell us about what happened to Dodger because of vampyres. For instance, Fagin. wears all black, keeps to the shadows. . . .

Anyway, the story catches us up with Dodger and the events after Oliver Twist ends. He gets involved with some very interesting characters, including the Baker Street Irregulars, young Queen (well, princess) Victoria, and Van Helsing (yes, that Van Helsing). Baddies want to overthrow the British Monarchy, and put someone undead on the throne. Maybe even Vicki.

The story is silly, the writing is amusing, and if you like this sort of thing (see also: Terry Pratchett’s Dodger), then jump in.