Charles Dickens (7th February 1812 - 9th June 1870), the author of Oliver Twist, was an English writer and social critic. He is considered as one of the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. He was very popular and renowned writer. Everyone enjoys his writings. His notable works consist of 'The Packwick Papers' 'Nicholas Nickleby', 'A Christmas carol' 'David Copperfield', 'A Tale of two Cities' and others.
'Oliver Twist' is the second novel of Charles Dickens. The story revolves around an orphan, Oliver Twist. Sold to an Undertaker. Somehow he escapes from the clitches of the Undertaker and reaches London. The theme revolves around the life story of the criminals. The main social cause pertaining to the cruel treatment given by these criminals to orphans. It is very pathetic and eye opening. It narrates child labours, domestic violance and other social problems. It is a social novel. The author has put all the things in a systamatic way, appealing manner, sympathetic way. That is why, Charles Dickens is famous for his humour, sattire and keen observer of character and Society. In this novel the author has focussed on the recruitment of children as criminals. Actually the author himself had experienced, as a youth about all such activities. With that feelings, the novel has come out in a very lucid way. A mind opening social book. It encourages everyone to be alert for such Social evil.