Overview

Who cares for Oliver Twist? If Charles Dickens was right then we all would, praying that the innocent orphan boy can overcome the depravities of nineteenth century London.There were those who wished evil on him but then evil they must be. Yet what, The Dying Art of Life argues, if Charles Dickens was not the master of his own tale? In this sequel to the classic novel, we learn that the author has unwittingly released characters who are free to act in defiance of his pen. They escape their literary destiny by the simple expedience of changing their character. Like real people. As Nancy's daughter Olivia arrives from America she finds a story in a constant state of flux. She becomes acquainted with some of Charles Dickens's characters, most notably the recently ennobled Sir Oliver Twist, who even lends her a copy of the original novel as the standard reference on his life. In its narrative she hopes to resolve the mystery of her mother's murder, only to discover a riddle hidden inside an enigma. An innocent abroad in a strange city, she has only her samurai sword Kawanegi to protect her and she knows how to use it. It is with this tool that she can divine friend from foe and cut through to the truth, the one that Charles Dickens worked so hard to keep from us.

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9781068733949

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Reviews

""The Dying Art of Life seamlessly transcends any single genre label. It's historical fiction in its meticulous portrayal of time and place, yet it reads at times like a gentle mystery novel as secrets from long ago come to light. The author's depiction of Victorian London is immersive and authentic, brimming with atmospheric details and period slang that would make Dickens proud. By the final chapter, you'll be smiling through tears, grateful to have discovered The Dying Art of Life and the timeless, beating heart at its core."" BookTrib ""Once again, shoeless conjures Dickens. For we are not done. An impressive companion to Out With Time."" Colton Lazars, author of Thirty Things To Do After You Die

Author Information

Unlike Charles Dickens, shoeless is unlikely to be mistaken for a celebrated author. Apparently unrepentant after the publication of his debut novel, Out With Time, shoeless has busied himself in his South London garret, scribbling in the shadow of the great man. He does, fortunately for him, have a loving family for support and a teaching career for sustenance.

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