Dodger

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Stephen Briggs

Dodger is a tosher – a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of Dickensian London.

Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is anybody doesn’t.

But when he rescues a young girl from a beating, suddenly everybody wants to know him.

And Dodger’s tale of skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins . . .

Critic reviews

Here, once again, is the mark of a great writer . . . we are captivated by ingenious word-building on every page . . . As Dodger's triumphant path ultimately brings him honour from the very highest rank of society, we cannot help but cheer not only for his success, but also for the success of this ebullient, funny and delightful novel.

Wonderful.

Dodger feels fresh, vibrant and full of energy, a triumph that should be celebrated as yet another glorious gift from Narrativia.

[A] superb novel . . . full of eccentric characters and carefully detailed London scenes, the tale embodies both Dickens's love for the common man and a fierce desire for social justice.

It's a masterwork from a treasure and hero of a writer, and it will delight you. (Cory Doctorow)

Historical fiction in the hands of the inimitable Sir Terry brings the sights and the smells (most certainly the smells) of Old London wonderfully to life . . . Unexpected, drily funny and full of the pathos and wonder of life: Don't miss it.

Interwoven with historical figures such as Charles Dickens, Robert Peel and Disraeli, Dodger is convincing proof of [Pratchett's] still galloping imagination.

Masterly and entertaining (Nicolette Jones)

Dodger is a book filled with kindness and wisdom. The reason I feel the need to point this out is that it is so rare. The story practically oozes kindness. (Ann Giles)

Dodger is a hero who Dickens would love . . . You can't help loving Dodger as he ducks, dives, falls in love and rises in the Victorian world. This is a hero I can't wait to meet again. (Amanda Craig)

Pratchett charms again.

Would you listen to Dodger again? Why?

It is a brilliant and compelling story. The character is so strong - but it's all so well-written. I really want to know what happens to him and his lady.

What did you like best about this story?

I just loved the treatment of real people, like Disraeli, or Bazalgette.

Have you listened to any of Steven Briggs’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not heard it before but liked it very much.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sometimes the best people are found in the darkest of places.

Any additional comments?

Hope it gets to the actor that I loved the book but really thought the voice performance was great.

You will never get sacked for buying a Pratchett

What did you love best about Dodger?

I feels as if Pratchett was having fun writing Dodger.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dodger?

Dodger takes us on a Toshing Tour of London. Brilliant.

What does Steven Briggs bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Pace, Energy and Comic Timing

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh out loud while in the car in heavy traffic... not cool

Differently brilliant, clever and enchanting

Would you listen to Dodger again? Why?

Most definitely. There is so much I might have missed. Also it was such a delight to listen
to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dodger?

Too many to choose from

What does Steven Briggs bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He made every character come alive in their own special way. What a magnificent reader he is. Would like to hear more of him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His encounter with his dying 'grandfather'.

Any additional comments?

It must be one of the most wonderful books that I have read in many years and I am of 'many years'! Well done to all concerned.

yet again

Where does Dodger rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

hard to say, how can you really choose among Prathcetts books??
i for one can't rank them meaning i have about 40 books sharing first place :)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dodger, because of his innocence and how it is used to further the storyline

What about Steven Briggs’s performance did you like?

i've always been a fan of Steven Briggs and he doesn't let me down this time either...
he is just a overall amazing reader

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, though i doubt i have the time to do so...

Terry Pratchett is just too good!

I had to listen to this book a second time before I could write this review. First - this book isn't a discworld novel. Second - this book IS NOT a discworld novel. Okay, I sure you can see where I'm going. No wizards, no witches, no magic, no AM City Watch, and no Librarian. And this book has a character Charles Dickens running around who meets a "kid" called Dodger.
Terry Pratchett can't write a bad book. Just having his name on the cover counts for four stars. But those of us who have been fans for years expect certain things. Dodger has those things, but not in their usual place. Once you gets over that, relax and let the Pratchett magic take you over. It will take you into another world. A world that will be loved and enjoyed for as long as the pages last.
Another character that stars in this book is the city of London. Below and above the streets. I don't know if London was really like this, but one can hope so. Pratchett can bring a place alive in just a few words.
I also love the end of Dodger, the book that is, not the character. There are no questions left. Those who are happy are happy, those who aren't are given a good reason not to be. While it is possible for these characters to turn up again, that would be a new story. I love that when a Pratchett book is finished, it is finished. (except for The Long Earth which I will not go into here.)
If you love Terry Pratchett's writing you will love this book. If you haven't read any Terry Pratchett -- WHY NOT. Use a credit and get this book now. Then save up and get every other Terry Pratchett book you can get your hands on. (except for The Long Earth - which I won't mention here.) Dodger is not the best Pratchett novel, but in the top ten.