Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey sits down with novelist Alison Epstein to discuss her bold reimagining of Oliver Twist in her new book Fagan and the Thief. Epstein offers a compelling retelling from the perspective of Jacob Fagan, Dickens’ infamous pickpocket, giving him a first name, a backstory, and—most importantly—humanity. They explore the novel’s reclamation of a deeply antisemitic character, delve into Epstein’s research process for recreating Victorian London, and unpack themes of identity, mentorship, toxic relationships, and moral ambiguity. The conversation is an insightful look at how historical fiction can be both entertaining and powerfully subversive.