How metal is a retelling of Oliver Twist from the point of view of one of literature’s most harmfully stereotypical villains? Find out as we discuss Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein. We’ll give you all the spoilers you need, then delve into:

• Why do authors retell stories?
• The most impactful additions/changes Epstein makes
• Epstein’s portrayal of Jacob Fagin’s Jewish roots
• The Fagin/Sikes relationship dynamic
• Father figures
• The setting
• Most relatable characters
• Jacob’s future
• Bullseye: bad dog or certified good boi?

You can find our Spotify profile with our Fagin the Thief playlist at https://open.spotify.com/user/31kosaxlm6j56e44766ijo4ndzjq?si=cdd4a1a247c646e1

Special Features:

1. Victorian Pawn Stars
2. Dating Simulator, Victorian Era Edition
3. Rules of the (Sesame) Street

Music Mentions:

Wayfarer by Kerrigan

The Skies Turn Black by Vried

Trolddom by Lysbaerer

Reading Recommendations:

1. Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
2. Drood by Dan Simmons
3. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

October’s Book: Get ready to tempt fate as we read Arcana Academy by Elise Kova. We talk tropes, Nate reveals his tarot skills, and we all find out whether this romantasy is metal.

Playlist Contents:

Hello from the Gutter - Overkill

Life is a Losing Game - Slow Fall, Inkar

And My Father Left Forever - My Dying Bride

London Town - Miracle Of Sound

Aggression Incarnate - Phosgore

Neverlasting - Sentenced

Inequality Street - Skyclad

Old as Wise - Sam Gorski

They Will Let You Down - Witherfall

Misery - The Eden House

Patron Saint O' Thieves - The Rumjacks

Hurt - Between The Buried And Me

A Laugh In a Sea of Sorrow - Sylvaine

Criminals - Rivers of Nihil

Let There Be Dark - TOWER

Rude Awakening - Prong

Love Is A Dog From Hell - THE ANSWER LIES IN THE BLACK VOID

Betrayal - Shatterheart

The Dungeons Are Calling - BEHÖLDER

The Bells - Blazing Eternity