Just finished reading Dodger by Terry Pratchett and enjoyed it immensely. Pratchett creates a mystery worthy of Dickens that includes Dickens, Disraeli, and other actual historical figures in the story line.
In his "Author's acknowledgements, embarrassments, and excuses with, at no extra cost, some bits of vocabulary and usage," Pratchett explains that aside from Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli, Henry Mayhew, and Angela Burdett-Coutts were also important members of English society at that time. He dedicated the novel to Mayhew and recommends his London Labour and the London Poor as an important primary resource that is also very readable. Pratchett apologizes for the character of Sir Robert Peel having a part in the novel as historically he came a bit later. The young character of Joseph Bazalgette would, after the time of this novel, do much to change the "the face, and more importantly the smell, of London" (251). Pratchett explains: "This is a historical fantasy--and certainly not a historical novel--simply for the fun of it, and also too, if possible, to get people interested in that era so wonderfully cataloged by Henry Mayhew and his fellows" (254).
Did he get me interested? Truthfully, I already was; however, I will be on the lookout for Mayhew's book. Having read other historical novels focusing on the impact of the London sewer system on the health of the people at that time, I am interested in reading historical non-fiction on the subject.
Is this great literature? No, but is it a wonderful historical fantasy? Yes! And I feel it is more than that...beyond honoring Henry Mayhew, I believe Terry Pratchett has honored Charles Dickens.
Pratchett, Terry. Dodger. EPub Edition: Harper Collins. 2012
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