Field Lane

Field Lane offers an interesting riff on Oliver Twist—the novel, not the character, although the character does make appearances. As the novel opens we see Charley Bates, son of a Thames riverman, meeting the Artful Dodger, following Dodger, and gradually spending less time on the river with his father and more time with Fagin's gang.

The novel is a bit of a "Trina Tale": a term from my youth used to describe stories told by a friend (Trina, of course) that never really seemed to get anywhere, but never bored. The bulk of the novel's characters are sinking into increasingly risky business. Some of this business is theivery; some is the less-than-ethical trade in highly addictive quack remedies.

When Charley's father is murdered and Charley uncovers a connection to one of Fagin's "business associates," he determines to set things to rights by any means necessary. This involves significant changes in location and the introduction of a broad cast of characters, including some who seem to be inspired by the work of Mark Twain.

This is the sort of novel one reads for the pleasure of being situated in it, accompanying the characters on their twisting paths—and trying to spot the ways the author plays with well-known classics. It's a bit of a ramble, but a very fine ramble, indeed.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Blending Charles Dicken's classic masterpiece, Oliver Twist, with the dark politics and underbelly of London society that no one wants to acknowledge, John Sodeau creates the perfect blend of the environment of the past seen through the eyes of the present, highlighting the darkness at the corners slowly consuming the whole London society. Told through the perspective of multiple characters (some from Oliver Twist and others Sodeau masterfully creates), the London in Field Lane is brought to life in a booming, industrial explosion as Sodeau exposes the darkest parts of London some may wish never came to light.

If you love Dicken's classic and want to read a brilliant retelling/reimagining or are a historical fiction fan who wants to dive into a London that doesn't hide its dark and dangerous side then John Sodeau's Field Lane is the perfect book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Troubador for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cleverly developing a plot based on a lesser known Dickens character while also expanding on what we already know about the major cast of Oliver Twist, this book takes one a little closer to the darker side of 19th century London and beyond, to New Orleans and its environs. In doing so the reader is able to immediately draw parallels not only with the world created and described in what might be termed more wholesome ways by Dickens but also that which features in the novels of Mark Twain.
The story essentially revolves around sex drugs and money but also draws heavily on aspects of slavery which were prevalent at the time. This said, these issues are not described in a salacious manner- but their role in the plot development are paramount. The reader is cleverly introduced to new concepts in the form of potentially addictive beverages based on morphine and caffeine, all interspersed with highly plausible science. In this regard the Chemistry Professor background of the author is clearly visible as he describes purification by crystallization and other separation and extraction methods while often citing established scientists of that era. Some of the ‘science’ involved is referred to in explanatory ‘interval’ chapters where the author seems to don his natural ‘lecturer’ persona in order to inform and educate the reader! Coming in the middle of a series of first-person chapters each introducing a particular character or set of characters these intervals are quite entertaining.
This is a not a ‘who done it’ novel- it is clear from quite early on who the villain actually is. However, the main character and his companions have to go to great lengths in order to even get close to the villain often encountering other difficult and equally villainous characters before the final conclusion is reached. For a first novel the plot development with its historical references and attention to scientific detail is very good indeed such that one is easily able to be drawn in to the world that the author has created- albeit with the help of the other more-famous authors! I am greatly looking forward to reading the next ‘chapter’ in the story, in due course.

This is an interesting historical fiction story and unlike most that I've read. Fictional characters mingle with real-life historical figures, for an entertaining journey that address many different social topics.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this e-ARC.

Mr. Sodeau’s evocative account of the adventures of Charley Bates transported me to the underbelly of 19th century London where familiar literary and historical figures commingle with his artfully created cast. Like it or not, the reader is dragged into the murky streets of London where all manner of corruption exists. The role of the apothecary and the origins of Tanquery Gin are just two topics that are effectively woven into this tale. You will be disgusted by child prostitution, and appalled by the ingredients in Royal Caribbean Cream. The novel is not without humor as Charley and the gang run scams, including their crude take on Shakespearian performances. Although distant from our current society, parallel themes of addiction and social injustice are explored both in London and New Orleans. The rescue of Oliver Twist, and Charley’s pursuit of Monks brought light into otherwise bleak surroundings. This is a realistic depiction of a world where Oliver Twist emerged, and it both entertains and enlightens. Looking forward to the next installment!

Fascinating blend of characters from Oliver Twist mixed with famous real life characters, all caught in a seedy tale that stretches from London to New Orleans. It’s dark and absorbing and the historic details are eye opening. This is quite the imaginative book.

What a pleasant surprise to find myself reunited with some favourite characters from Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. The author skilfully moulds old with new without ever descending into pastiche.
Dickens and Twain both had a social conscience and used their writing as a platform to expose some of the hardships and wrongdoings of the nineteenth century. John Sodeau has continued that tradition here allowing the prejudices and attitudes of the period to be part of his text rather than accepting a sanitised approach.
There's plenty of fun to be had with well-loved characters but there's also realism and a dark, gritty plot, with the violence and racism of the era faithfully reproduced; the terrible injustice of the slave trade; child prostitution; drug and alcohol addiction, and murder.
The author brings the streets of London and the steamboats on the Mississippi to life with evocative panache. I eagerly await the next book in this series.