2861J-6
The 24th Annual Book Report Competition For Secondary School Students
Junior Section
Title of the book: Oliver Twist
Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Commercial Press ( Black Cat Series )
No. of words : 489 words
When I first saw the front cover of 'Oliver Twist', I thought that it was only a simple story. But
when I finished reading this book, I thought 'Oliver Twist' is a great novel and Charles Dickens, is
also a great writer.
Oliver Twist, the main character of the book, is a little boy who was born in a workhouse.
Unluckily his mother died when he was born. Therefore he lived in a workhouse and worked for
long hours in the workshop every day. Mr.Bumble, his master, only gave him little food. One day,
Oliver Twist was sold by Mr.Bumble and worked in Mr. Sowerberry's coffins shop. In the coffins
shop, all the local shop-boys insulted him. One day Oliver quietly left Mr.Sowerberry's shop and
went to London. On the way to London, he met Dodger and Dodger's friend Fagin. Dodger and
Fagin were thieves and they taught Oliver to steal money. Oliver was almost sent to prison but a
shopkeeper proved that he was innocent. After he was released, he lived with Mr.Brownlow who
was a kind man. He liked his new home because Mr.Brownlow and his housekeeper loved him and
bought him new clothes. But Bill Sikes and Nancy, Fagin's friend caught Oliver to Fagin's home.
How pitiful Oliver was! Fagin forced Oliver to steal money again. This time Oliver was hurt.
Fortunately, Rose and Mrs. Maylie saved Oliver. He soon became strong and healthy.
Simultaneously, Nancy discovered that Fagin and Monks wanted to kill Oliver. Nancy told that
secret to Rose who was worried about Oliver's safety and asked Mr.Brownlow to help Oliver.
Nancy was murdered by Bill Sikes because they knew Nancy had betrayed them. After that,
Mr.Brownlow discovered Monks was Oliver's half-brother. Monks wanted to kill Oliver because it
was in favour of him as he could get all the money. At last, the police found Fagin and Bill Sikes
and put them in prison. Monks went to America and died in a prison there. Mr.Brownlow adopted
Oliver. They were very happy together. After all his adventures, Oliver finally had a loving family, a
comfortable home and true friends.
'Oliver Twist' gave us an important message. There are many troubles and challenges in our
lives but we must never give up. Oliver Twist had many troubles after he was born such as his
abominable life, but he never gave up and was optimistic. He believed that he could solve all the
problems and had a new life one day. However, the students in Hong Kong are too weak and
over-protected. When they encounter any troubles in their study or in their lives, they just give up.
They always rely on their parents, teachers or friends and do not learn to face the challenges
independently and courageously. They are scared of difficulties and challenges. I think 'Oliver
Twist' is an educational book and all Hong Kong students should read this book and learn from him.