Book talk: Dodger earned his nickname for his ability to dodge out of danger and he's stayed true to his name. He makes a living by finding coins, jewels, and other debris in the sewers of London. One night as he's coming out of a drain he sees a lady in distress and rushes to her aid. This sets off a chain of events that leads him to meeting Charles Dickens, getting a close shave from Sweeny Todd, and even attending a posh dinner party. But when an international assassin is hired to kill him, will he be able to dodge him too?
Rocks my socks: This book is chock full of interesting facts about Victorian London from Dickens and Disraeli to toshers and cockney rhyming slang. Dodger somehow finds himself rubbing elbows with a variety of famous and infamous people from the era as he woos a damsel in distress and finds his way out of the gutter.
Rocks in my socks: The characters are all caricatures rather than fully fleshed out individuals. I'm sure it was a conscious decision on Pratchett's part, but it just didn't work for me. I didn't really connect with any of the characters--which is surprising considering how much I like tricksters and kind-hearted thieves. It was a pleasant and at times entertaining read but it wasn't a particularly moving or memorable one for me.
Every book its reader: I'd give this to fans of Pratchett or anyone looking for a fast-paced romp through Victorian London.
Extras:
There's a well-produced book trailer for the book:
Source: Bookshelf store in Truckee, CA
Dodger by Terry Pratchett: buy it or check it out today!
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