James Benmore

This is why judging a book by its cover is recommended - I saw a library copy of this at work and was intrigued enough to ask if I could read it too. My knowledge of Dickens' Oliver Twist begins and ends with Christmas TV, but more than a passing acquaintance probably isn't required.

James Benmore picks up the Dodger's story six years later, after Jack Dawkins is returned to England from a penal colony in Australia, on a mission to recover a stolen gem. He is escorted by an Aboriginal named Warrigal, who is posing as Dawkins' man servant but is anything but servile. They return to the rookeries and meet some old faces, while searching for the gemstone which Jack hopes to exchange for his freedom. Of course, nothing is ever that simple, but the adventure is well paced and the Dodger is a charming narrator. Great fun.… (mehr)