Fagin the Thief Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

Print PDF

For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Oliver Twist Adaptations and our BookBrowse Review of Fagin the Thief.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Have you read the inspiration for this novel, Charles Dickens's classic Oliver Twist? If so, how did this expansion and revision of Jacob's character affect your opinion of Oliver's story? If not, were you inspired to read it (or experience any of its many adaptations)? Consider Epstein's author's note, especially her reminder that "no demographic is a reliable shorthand for what a person believes. The only way to find out is if you ask and listen" (p. 321).
2. How does Jacob engage with various aspects of his Jewish faith and culture throughout his life? Discuss the prejudices imposed on him by his contemporaries, as well as the belief system he develops during his life that's illustrated through his actions. What might his mother say in response to Leftwich's theory that "we're living on borrowed time ... [so] steal as much more as we can" (p. 51)?
3. Discuss Jacob's relationship with his mother, and how their differing opinions of what it means to support and raise a family shape Jacob's ongoing work as a thief and caretaker.

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Vintage. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.