Pratchett, Terry. 2012. DODGER. New York: HARPER, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062009494.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Dodger is a tosher, a scavenger of the London underground. He is a sharp young man whose skill and charm were well-known throughout the city. To begin this tale, Dodger comes to the rescue of a young lady in peril, but in order to keep her safe, he must employ all his wits and connections. Known as Simplicity, the young woman’s identity remains somewhat ambiguous, but she attracts the attention of the powerful because of her ties to international relations. Dodger will become her champion, and at the same time, become a champion of London for subduing the infamous, and perhaps misunderstood, Sweeney Todd.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I learned so much from this little book! It is classified as Fantasy, but I found it to be more Historical Fiction. Pratchett’s use of colloquial language and period references are both entertaining and a little confusing. I had to look up several of the words and phrases to understand the meanings, but I enjoyed learning the new words, like firkytoodle, and historical allusions. One of the most provocative references was the Cross Bones Graveyard of the Winchester Geese. Another subculture of poverty in London, these ‘geese’ were prostitutes that were taxed by the Winchester Bishop and later buried in the pauper’s grave. This is just one of the many examples of heartbreaking, but historical references in the book.
Pratchett does an excellent job of constructing the settings of this book, most interestingly, the mysterious underground world of London’s sewers. Through the eyes and thoughts of Dodger, the reader develops a fondness for this nasty netherworld. Even with the rats and the human waste, the tunnels provide a comfortable background for the lives and work of the toshers. The slums were described in the same way, dangerous, yet hospitable.
There are many colorful characters in this story, some fictional and some historical. Charles Dickens and Henry Mayhew are two of the most historically significant figures that are intertwined in Dodger’s story. Both of whom were real-life advocates for the poor of London. Solomon, a wise, older Jewish friend, provides Dodger with the guidance and caretaking of a father-figure. However, there is a vast network of characters that provide Dodger with the help and assistance he needs to save his damsel in distress.
I believe that Pratchett offers some subtle social commentary on poverty, and I think the desperation it induces is as true today as it was in Victorian London. The story offers an entertaining plot, with fantastical subplots included, but the exceptional quality of this book shines through the captivating dialogue and endearing characterization.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, October 2012
Horn Book Magazine starred, November 2012: “His original take on the world and his deft way with language make him a wonderful guide through sewers, morgues, theaters, drawing rooms, pea-soup fogs, and barbershops and a story of espionage, romance, action, skullduggery, double-dealing, and heroism.”
Kirkus Reviews, August 2012
Michael L. Printz Honor, 2013
Publishers Weekly starred, August 2012
School Library Journal starred, November 2012: “Pratchett does a bang-up job of recreating Old London for today's audience, complete with pathos, humor, and truly nasty descriptions of the filth, stench, and danger, all narrated in Dodger's unique voice.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This book would be a great addition to a study of Victorian London, along with other books like Constable & Toop by Gareth P Jones, How to Catch a Bogle series by Katherine Jinks, or the Agency book series, by Y.S. Lee.
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