Olivia Twist
on Goodreads (4,185)
What’s inside...
Olivia Twist is an innovative reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic tale Oliver Twist. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Olivia Brownlow who was raised as a boy among thieving street gangs for her safety. After being taken in by her uncle, she navigates high society while also grappling with her past and helping orphan thieves. Her life becomes even more complicated when she meets Jack MacCarron, a society man with secrets of his own. As their paths intertwine, Olivia must decide whether to follow her carefully laid plans or risk everything for love.
Age
12-13
Length
331 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Olivia Brownlow
Jack Maccarron
Mr. Brownlow
Discussion points
How do you think Olivia felt when she discovered her true identity? What would you feel in her place?
Why is it important for Olivia to fight for what she believes is right? Have you ever had to stand up for something you believe in?
Olivia meets many different characters throughout her journey. Which character did you find most interesting, and why?
What lessons can we learn from how Olivia overcomes her challenges? How can you apply these lessons in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set aside a special time to discuss the book, perhaps after dinner or during a weekend morning. Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment.
Show genuine interest in their opinions about the story and characters. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their ability to connect with the narrative and learn from it.
Use expressions and voices for different characters when discussing the book. This makes the conversation lively and captures your child's interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Olivia Twist showcases the protagonist's journey from a difficult childhood in an orphanage to a more hopeful, self-sufficient life. Her ability to maintain hope and determination throughout her trials is a pivotal part of the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay positive and persistent even when faced with challenges, understanding that hardships are a part of life that can be overcome with resilience.
Example Lesson: Equality and Social Justice
Explanation: The book highlights issues of social class and gender inequality. Olivia defies societal expectations by disguising herself as a boy to escape poverty, which underscores themes of equality and fighting for one's rights.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to recognize and question inequalities in society and reinforces the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or gender.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Olivia exhibits kindness to others, even when she herself has very little. This empathy is demonstrated in how she interacts with other characters who are also struggling.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards the feelings and situations of others and understand that kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance and independence
Explanation: Olivia displays significant self-reliance, using her wits and skills to navigate a male-dominated society and provide for herself.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of relying on their abilities and judgment, fostering independence and confidence in their skills.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: The story also touches on the theme of forgiveness, as Olivia learns to forgive those from her past who have wronged her, finding peace in letting go of resentment.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of forgiveness, not just for others but also for their peace of mind, helping them to move forward without bitterness.