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review
Robotswithpersonality
Dodger | Terry Pratchett
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Pickpick

When you think about the Discworld, especially those books set in the city and among the characters of Ankh-Morpork, it becomes clear that Pratchett can and has written historical fiction well; he'd basically written cusp-of-steam-power industrial age London with fantasy mods for years.
In the acknowledgements, Pratchett himself describes this book as historical fantasy, less because of any overt fantastical happenings, 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? but because he fully admits the timeline of certain people was fudged with to get them all in the vicinity of the story.
There are a number of historical figures and one notable literary character, at least in part borrowed from Charles Dickens. From what I gather this Dodger is not an exact match for the Artful Dodger, and those characters around him are Pratchett's own design, when not borrowed from history.
2w
Robotswithpersonality 3/? I do wonder if being English makes those people encountered a more significant experience, as they are part of a specific nation's history, and indeed are more likely to have been part of an English primary education. They were not part of my Canadian one, as it is I did a little Googling along the way. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 4/? While I see this as more of a historical novel than a historical fantasy, it is nonetheless fun to see historical figures brought to life for certain 'what if' encounters, and considering the dreary realities of the time in question, witnessing a satisfying happily ever after for a character who represents a group of people who rarely saw such a thing. 2w
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Robotswithpersonality 5/? Nonetheless, Pratchett doesn't shrink from the realities of the day, the poverty and squalor, the classism, intolerance, multiple references to veterans negatively affected by war, traumatized or injured, or both.
As such, I'd like to add a gentle caution for those who may have seen a later edition with what I'd call a Disney-fied cover.
2w
Robotswithpersonality 6/? This story is, though festooned with Pratchett's characteristic whimsy and humour, fairly gritty. It is not, as I first thought, something I'd classify as YA, even if the protagonist is in his late teens. The cover of the volume I have, with Dodger stepping out of a sewer with a straight razor facing down the shadows of people looming feels particularly appropriate, even if I still don't love Paul Kidby's art style. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 7/? I don't know where the character of Solomon Cohen (from what I can tell, not a Dickens character or a historical figure) falls in regards to portrayal of a Jewish character, I think he fits in well with the fictional, gritty historical London Pratchett has portrayed, but I wonder if once again he's dancing in the land of satire challenging stereotypes which has the potential to be misconstrued. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 8/8 Chalk this work into the column of historical fiction books I have enjoyed, a rarified list based on my preferences.

⚠️domestic abuse, assault, miscarriage
2w
9 likes1 stack add7 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
Dodger | Terry Pratchett
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“because a young man could get into trouble winking at gentlemen“ ...oh, yes?! 😉
So the internet tells me the winker, Mister Disraeli, is probably a former Prime Mister of the United Kingdom, another kind of dodger indeed. 😏 Pratchett is just having a marvelous time footling about in London history. 😁

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Eggs
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“…a good biography tells us the truth about a person; a good story tells the truth about ourselves.”

#Scrooge #ChristmasCheer

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 2w
lil1inblue 🩵🥰🩵 2w
Eggs @lil1inblue 🎄❤️🎄 2w
56 likes4 comments
review
MittenGirlPeach
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Pickpick

I got this book last year in a Yule swap, and it was a terrific read. Victorian London, Christmas, the human spirit, and a good yarn. Solid pick, perfect holiday tale. Hope it was a good day for all, no matter how you celebrate.

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Texreader
The Old Curiosity Shop | Charles Dickens
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It‘s time to pull out our Old Curiosity Shop dishes for Christmas dinner!

#whattheDickens @Cuilin

Cuilin I love them!!! 😍 Have a very happy Christmas Karen. 2w
KadaGul Adddorable!!Merry Christmas!🎄💚🎅❤️🦌💚🎁❤️❄️💚☃️ 2w
BkClubCare Oh! I have a hazy memory of these dishes!! Merry Christmas 🎄 2w
dabbe Happiest of holidays. 💙❄️💙 2w
AnnCrystal 🤩👍💝💝💝. (edited) 2w
49 likes5 comments
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Robotswithpersonality
Dodger | Terry Pratchett
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Cheers to Bookly app for getting it's little winter/Christmas look on. ☺️🎅❄️

8 likes1 stack add
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LMJenkins
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I forgot to post this the other day - but my #Jolabokaflod gift has been sent off! 🎁📚#jolabokaflodswap

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MommyOfTwo
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Thank you so much for the awesome package! The card was signed Jen P, no Litsy handle and there are 2 people with the name Jen P so I‘m not sure who it is from. @Avanders thank you for the fun swap! #SSS #stuffedstockingswap

JenP That‘s me. You‘re welcome 😊 3w
MommyOfTwo @JenP oh that is your Litsy name. It didn‘t even come up in my search. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thanks again, I love it all! 3w
Avanders Oooh love that stocking too!! 😍🎄♥️ 3w
JenP @MommyOfTwo I hope you love the books. It was fun going through your list! 3w
30 likes4 comments
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Blueberry
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Currently reading. 🎄

45 likes1 stack add
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DHill
Dodger | Terry Pratchett
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Started my new-to-me #AuthorAMonth pick.