Recommendation: 'Dodger' by Terry Pratchett

Aha – Terry Pratchett has ventured into Dickens territory. . . Victorian London, it’s sordid underbelly, and all the many sorts of people who lived there at that time. Obviously the main character is Dodger, who turns out to be a most interesting and very likeable character, and yes Charlie (Dickens) makes many appearances in this entertaining book too. Dodger saves a young woman from being beaten to death and is drawn into intrigue and adventure, after all somebody wants her dead. He most definitely rises to the occasion and must use all his wiles and charm to find a solution that benefits all

I hoped I was going to enjoy a book that was well plotted and full of nonstop wit and humour, and I was not disappointed. There are so many clever lines like “The man gave Dodger a cursory glance that had quite a lot of curse in it…”  and when a knife is at his throat “Not one muscle had moved anywhere on the body of Dodger, if you didn’t count the sphincter.” I am always impressed how cleverly Terry Pratchett writes, he can encapsulate an idea in a few well chosen words and make it funny at the same time.

Great characters, lots of excellent dialogue and plenty of action to keep the tale going - what more could you ask for in a book? And yes this is found in the teen section but don’t miss it because of this - a great read.

Title: Dodger
Author: Terry Pratchett
ISBN: 9780753191514
Published: 2012
Publisher: Doubleday

 - Anita, Blockhouse Bay Library