Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon – Gothic Historical YA Novel Re-imagines a Classic

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Once known as the “Artful Dodger,” Jack MacCarron is also living a life that’s really not his. He’s entered a world he wasn’t born too, but as con man with street smarts, he knows how to adapt.

Secrets, pasts and danger collide between these two lives… lives that seem to boast a glittering future.

REVIEW | Touted as an “innovative” re-telling, this novel certainly matches this descriptor. Taking a stab at reimagining the classic Dickens story, Oliver Twist, Langdon reworks the story through a different lens, that of a female protagonist. Apart from her co-authored series (‘Doon’), the only other book to this author’s name is Gilt Hollow, a contemporary story that’s different but not dissimilar to Olivia Twist.

Part of the appeal of this novel (for my shelf) is its setting. I love that it’s a historical novel in the YA scene, a market I really don’t read anything from. The anticipation of this story’s setting does not disappoint. Every scene and descriptive phrase is perfect, all of which is likely aided by the visualizations already affixed in my mind from BBC productions. With its shadowed streets and potential dangers lurking around the corners, the world is fascinating, and also, wisely, left in realistic format.

As characters existing in this world, Olivia and Jack are among the good. What’s so interesting about them is they have a past unlike most heroes and heroines. Of course every character has some kind of backstory, but in these arcs, both have a past, one with shadows that’s peppered with gray areas. That said, they’re easily liked, never on any kind of precipitant that leaves the reader wondering. A trait I appreciate.

Those seeking a unique historical read need look no further than Lorie Langdon’s latest. Olivia Twist is everything it promises to be – a historical work of fiction that dazzles.

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book; all opinions are my own.