The Impact of 'Oliver Twist' on a Young Reader: A Personal Journey

It was 1972 or early 1973, and I was around 11 years old when I first delved into the wonders of literature. The journey began with the beloved musical Oliver! which captivated me and my family. We purchased the soundtrack album, and I played it so often that my paternal grandfather found it mildly irritating. Yet, instead of scolding me, he decided to gift me a paperback copy of the book, Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens.

Though my grandfather was a no-nonsense man who inscribed the book, the gesture left an indelible mark. The inside page read, 'To Debbie from Grandpa Mendel.' This was more than a name; it was a tribute to the influence that literature had on my life. To this day, that book remains one of the best gifts I have ever received.

My grandfather's love for books was profound, and it became a beacon for me. Growing up, I was known for my voracious reading habits, often consuming over a dozen books a week. Every place my grandparents lived featured a study/library filled with an extensive collection of books, a key influence for my own home library later in life. When I stayed with them during my teenage years, their library was my sanctuary, my bedroom, and I cherished every moment spent snuggled in the corner, amongst the stacks of books.

Grandpa Mendel's library played a significant role in shaping my appreciation for books and the construction of my own home library. Eventually, my ex-partner and I accumulated a collection of around 14,000 volumes, and my children were raised in an environment where books were always present. Even after his passing, the books given to me by my grandfather, particularly his complete collection of Charles Dickens, remain cherished. Some of these books, nearing a century old, still carry the faint whiff of his pipe tobacco, a tangible connection to his memory.

Reading Oliver Twist at 11 was a challenging but enlightening experience. The detailed scenes and the depiction of poverty resonated with me, stirring fundamental social and class justice sensibilities. This influenced my later development into a deeply committed leftist, and even today, Oliver Twist remains one of my favorite Dickens novels, followed closely by A Christmas Carol.

Reflections and Legacy

While my name may not be "Debbie" anymore, a name that hasn't been used in over 40 years, I ask that you respect my personal history and avoid using it in comments or discussions. No matter how insightful or clever your comment might be, its value is diminished if it includes a name that carries such significance to me. Thank you for understanding.