⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
What happens when a classic villain gets a second shot at telling his side of the story? In Fagin the Thief, Allison Epstein breathes fresh life into the teeming streets of Dickensian London and reclaims one of literature’s most misunderstood characters. This is not the Fagin of Oliver Twist fame—at least, not entirely. Epstein’s version is still a thief, a liar, and a rogue, but he’s also a survivor, shaped by loss, poverty, and prejudice.
The story takes us back to Fagin’s childhood in a Jewish enclave, where he lives with his mother and eventually falls under the spell of a charismatic pickpocket. From there, we’re swept into the dark underbelly of 18th-century London, where Epstein’s prose brings alleys, cellars, and smoky pubs to gritty, vibrant life. The bravado and vulnerability of Jacob’s gang of orphans shine through, making even the roughest characters deeply human.
It’s a thrilling reimagining, filled with vivid characters and emotional punch. Yes, the pacing drags a bit in places, and not every subplot hits its mark, but overall, it’s a riveting read. If you love literary retellings, morally gray heroes, or anything set in fog-drenched London, this one’s for you.
Would Fagin approve? Probably not. But you just might.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for a comp of this title. The opinions are my own.