【明報專訊】"Please sir, I want some more." Oliver Twist, a poor orphan, worked in a workhouse with other boys. One day, the desperately hungry boys decided to draw lots to see who would be the one to ask for more food. The task fell to Oliver, who plucked up the courage to beg for food with the famous request.

After he had run away from the workhouse, Oliver made his way to London. A gang of pickpockets recruited him and taught him to steal. Because of his innocence, Oliver's journey in the dark criminal world was filled with threats and mysteries. Luckily, he finally found a real home he deserved to have.

◆About the author

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a British novelist. Oliver Twist (《苦海孤雛》) is his second novel. Like Oliver, Charles had an unhappy childhood. He was sent to a shoe-polishing factory after his father had been arrested for failing to repay a debt.

■ Glossary

beg (v) 乞討

pickpocket (n) 扒手