Dickens novel Oliver Twist will be available in a number of Asian languages in order to encourage ethnic minorities in London to read classic literature.
The novel, which has been adapted on stage, cinema and television, will be translated in Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and Tamil this month with the aim to get people into libraries and reading.
The move was organised by book group Cityread London, who are intent on encouraging as many Asian groups in London to get involved with study guides so they can be used to reading groups from diverse backgrounds.
The libraries that will launch readings in the Asian languages include Houslow, Ealing Road, Willesden Green, Plumstead and Harrow Wealdstone.
City Guide are also planning to host a series of reading groups and Dickens workshops in hopes of reacquainting the community with Oliver Twist, as well as urging them to learn about British history and culture.
The project will also include online reading groups, hip-hop workshops, debates in prison libraries, Victorian dinner parties and readings in the late Queen Victoria’s bedroom in Kensington Palace.
Dickens biographer Claire Tomalin will also hold lectures.
