As someone who has both read 'Oliver Twist' and listened to the audiobook multiple times, I can say the experience differs in fascinating ways. The audiobook, especially when narrated by a skilled voice actor like Simon Vance, brings the characters to life in a way that static text can't. The accents, the pacing, and the emotional inflections add layers to characters like Fagin or the Artful Dodger that you might miss while reading.
However, the book allows for a more personal interpretation. You can linger on Dickens' rich descriptions of Victorian London, savoring the satire and social commentary at your own pace. The audiobook sometimes rushes past these details, depending on the narrator's style. That said, the audiobook is fantastic for commuting or multitasking, while the book offers a deeper, more immersive experience for those who want to truly dissect Dickens' masterpiece.