Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Set in Victorian England, the story follows Oliver Twist, who is born into hardship in a workhouse and experiences a grim upbringing after his mother's death. After being apprenticed to an undertaker, he escapes to London, where he encounters Fagin, an old man leading a gang of young thieves. The narrative explores themes of poverty, crime, and the struggle for identity, showcasing Oliver's resilience amidst the grim realities of his environment.