Audible Book Review: Dodge & Twist by Tony Lee

This is a fun production listen.
Dodge & Twist
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tony Lee
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Michael Socha, Kara Tointon

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 12-12-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s rumored that Dickens wanted to return to his classic novel Oliver Twist—to bring Oliver back as an older character—but never managed this before he died. If Oliver had returned, what would he have been like? Would the scars of his childhood effect the man he would become? And what of ‘Dodger,’ sent to a land halfway around the world, his friend, mentor and master dead because of Oliver?
Dodge & Twist is that story. The tale of two boys, 12 years later, returning into each other’s lives—for both good and bad.
This Audible Original production of Dodge & Twist is fully dramatized with an immersive SFX soundscape and is performed by a full cast including Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens (Green Wing, Episodes, I'm Alan Partridge), Matt Lucas as Fagin (Little Britain, Me, Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland), Kara Tointon (Eastenders, Mr Selfridge, The Sound of Music Live) and Michael Socha (Being Human, This is England). Will Howard and James Joyce portray Oliver and Dodger.
©2018 Audible, Ltd (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Oliver returns to London after twelve years. He is once again penniless and seeking the withheld funds which should be his inheritance as the adopted son of Mr. Brownlow. He doesn’t want the funds for himself, but so he can pay the servants and take care of Mr. Brownlow’s properties. Oliver is surprised to run into Dodger. Their meeting is tense since Oliver remembers this boy tried to trap him into a life of crime in Fagan’s gang. Dodger remembers that Oliver’s escape brought the death of Fagan. Dodger directs Oliver to the solicitor’s office but tells him to contact him later. When the lawyers deny his claim, Oliver is so desperate that he allows Dodger to convince him to join him in a major heist.

Although reluctant, Oliver, still rather naïve, finds himself making plans with a small team that includes Nancy’s sister and Noah, one of Fagan’s bullies. Oliver struggles with his conscience while trying to dodge abuse from Noah and slowly learning that Dodger has input from a strange voice.

Other characters from the past (original story) make appearances and some have a surprising role. Charley Bates, once a pickpocket for Fagan, is now a police officer. He is trying to save Dodger from his demons and Oliver from Dodger.

I haven’t read Oliver Twist in years but I did recognize many of the characters. I am not such a student of Dickens to be offended by Mr. Lee’s efforts to create a sequel. Mr. Lee wove the past of the characters together to help remind the reader/listener of the events of the original story. The squalor of the city continues. The ‘twists’ of plot continues. There is banter, suspense, and danger. The pacing is good and I found myself listening to find out what would happen next. I recommend this to fans of historical adventure and mystery as well as fans of Dickens.

Audio Notes: This is a full drama production which added to the enjoyment of the work. There are different voices for each character as well as background noises that enhance the scenes. I enjoyed the audio production and recommend this as a fun listen.

Source: 2/23/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.