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Book: Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein (March 2026)
Reviewer: Dr. Leah Rosenberg, Professor of Literature, Loyola University New Orleans, Ph.D. (Emory University); M.A. (UC Irvine); B.A. (University of Maryland)
Fagin the Thief reimagines the notorious character from Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist, presenting Jacob Fagin as a multifaceted figure shaped by his circumstances. Born to a Jewish mother in 18th-century London, Jacob's early life is marked by hardship and loss. After his mother's death, he turns to pickpocketing as a means of survival. Over time, he becomes a mentor to orphaned children, including the infamous Bill Sikes, whom he takes under his wing. As Jacob navigates the complexities of his relationships with his proteges and the challenges of living on the fringes of society, he grapples with questions of morality, loyalty, and identity. Epstein's novel offers a nuanced portrayal of a character often vilified, delving into themes of survival, compassion, and the gray areas of human nature.
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