Fagin, Dodger, and the Legacy of Oliver Twist in Alan…
Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is one of the most enduring novels in literary history. Yet, while we all know the story of the orphaned boy…
An author who reimagines classic characters with fresh perspectives. In The Further Adventures of Gentleman Jack and Mister Twist, he delves into the untold stories of Fagin and the Artful Dodger, offering a new take on Dickens’ beloved world.
The characters in Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens have become well known. Yet, many of them are known only as they relate to Liver. In this novel, Alan Montgomery takes the characters and gives them a background before the Dickens novel, and follows that with changes for the future, including growing up, marrying and dealing with a few people who are trying to do away with the legacy of Fagin. …
This series of fifteen stories began as a group of ten. Those ten were in a different order and have each been improved in the editing process. Two of those were eliminated entirely – they didn’t “fit” the general plan of the book. Only one of the stories is based on a previously known story – and that was an opera. I hope that in adapting that story for this series, I have been able to give it new meaning and charm. …
“A Brilliant Reimagining of Classic Characters!”
"Alan Montgomery's take on the beloved characters from Oliver Twist is nothing short of amazing. By providing a rich backstory to Fagin, Dodger, and the others, Montgomery breathes new life into them and creates a compelling continuation of their journeys. The transition from England to the USA adds a unique twist, and the themes of love, social class, and personal growth are both poignant and powerful. I couldn’t put this book down!"
“A Fresh Perspective on Dickens’ Characters”
"I’ve always loved Oliver Twist, but Montgomery’s interpretation takes these familiar characters to new heights. The mix of historical events like slavery and the personal struggles of the characters made this a fascinating read. The dynamic between Oliver and his love interest was particularly moving. I highly recommend this book to fans of Dickens who are looking for something fresh and thought-provoking."
“An Unexpected Journey with Familiar Faces”
“Montgomery’s narrative is a beautiful expansion of the Oliver Twist universe. By focusing on the characters' futures and how they deal with the challenges of growing up, love, and family, the story feels both nostalgic and new. I especially enjoyed the incorporation of social issues like slavery and the clash of old world values with new world challenges.”
“A Collection of Heartfelt Stories”
“Alan Montgomery’s collection of fifteen stories takes readers on a journey through various emotional and thematic landscapes. Each story is a unique gem, and the way Montgomery adapts and transforms old tales into something new is truly remarkable. The story based on the opera is a highlight – it’s full of charm and depth. I found myself drawn into each narrative, and the joy Montgomery had in writing these tales shines through every page.”
“Creative, Thoughtful, and Engaging”
“I love how each story feels personal and full of heart. The revisions Montgomery made for this edition have made the stories even better, with more nuance and warmth. His ability to take familiar tales and give them new meaning is truly impressive. This collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates storytelling at its finest.”
“A Delightful Collection”
“From start to finish, The Stories of Alan Montgomery kept me hooked. I could tell how much joy the author found in writing these stories, and that passion is evident in every page. It was especially exciting to see how Montgomery adapted the opera story – it added a beautiful, unexpected twist to the collection. Highly recommend to fans of creative, well-written short stories.”
Alan Montgomery was born in Liberty, Indiana, and has lived the last 30+ years in Oberlin, Ohio. He was originally an opera coach and conductor, but in recent years has turned to writing.
His passions include musicals – he has written two and conducted many – and operas. The range of operas in his repertoire range from Monteverdi to Britten, and embrace standard and substandard repertoire.
Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is one of the most enduring novels in literary history. Yet, while we all know the story of the orphaned boy…
Alan Montgomery is known for his ability to breathe new life into classic literature. His latest collection, The Stories of Alan Montgomery, is a beautiful…
When we think of Oliver Twist, we often think of the iconic characters created by Charles Dickens: the innocent orphan Oliver, the cunning Artful Dodger,…
“Welcome to my corner of storytelling, where familiar characters find new life and timeless tales take on fresh meanings. Writing these books has been a journey of discovery, and I’m thrilled to share them with you. If you’ve ever wondered what happens beyond the pages of Oliver Twist or have a love for reimagined classics, I invite you to dive into these adventures. Every story is crafted with heart, and I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me. Thank you for visiting, and I encourage you to explore my books – I’m confident they’ll take you on an unforgettable journey.”
Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any thoughts or questions about my work – I’d love to hear from you!
– Alan Montgomery