Dodger is a tosher - a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of
Dickensian London. Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is
anybody doesn't. But when he rescues a young girl from a beating,
suddenly everybody wants to know him. And "Dodger's" tale of
skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins... (Blurb taken from Waterstones website).
I love Terry Pratchett. In my experience, I find him to be what I call a "marmite author" - you either love him or hate him; but I think that if you find the right book of his to read, you will like him. As much as I love Discworld, it did make a nice change to read a non-Discworld novel.
"Dodger" is set in an alternative universe - Dickensian London. I love novels set in London - I don't know why because it's not like I'm really familiar with London; I've only visited the place a few times, and two of those times were because of a school trip, so we did have an agenda we had to stick to and were able to have a good wander about. I'm guessing my love of London settings must be because I'm British and it's hadwired into me! Despite not knowing London too well, it didn't prevent me from being able to imerse myself in the story. Sometimes when reading, I can feel disconnected from the action because I'm having trouble with imagining the setting - either because the author hasn't done a very good job with their description, or I'm unfamiliar with the setting; and I'm glad to say that this didn't happen with this story.
In this novel, you will meet a variety of historical characters - some real, and others who are a legend. You will know what I mean if you go and read the book since I don't want to give away too much and take the enjoyment away from you when you see what people crop up. Pratchett also injects his trademark humour in one particular name that I can think of, and that is a girl by the name of "Simplicity" - and she's anything but simple. I will say that I absolutely love the character of Dodger - and yes, you do find out his real name in the book. I like the struggle Dodger has as he becomes more and more famous, moving up in society, yet he wants to stay rooted in his old life as a tosher (or a sewer scavenger for those who are not in the know). This reflects real-life in the Victorian era where there was the rise of celebrities, and Dodger has the stuggle where the media warps what actually occurs, so that the accepted story don't match up to the actual story - it's no wonder that Dodger just wants to head back down to the sewers!
This was an easy read - which is not surprising when you realise it is aimed at Young Adults (according to the inside of the book!) but adults will also thoroughly enjoy this. The plot runs at a lovely place, and I found that during the second half of the novel, there are twists and turns, so you are kept engaged all the way through.
In conclusion - Pratchett, in my opinion, has done it again and written another quality book, and is certainly one I would recommend to people who are just starting to get into Pratchett.
On another note - yay first review for a long time!
