Considered by many to be Charles Dickens's finest novel, Great Expectations traces the growth of the book's narrator, the orphan Philip Pirrip (Pip), from a boy of shallow dreams to a man with depth of character. From its famous dramatic opening on the bleak Kentish marshes, the story abounds with some of Dickens's most memorable characters. Among them are the kindly blacksmith Joe Gargery, the mysterious convict Abel Magwitch, the eccentric Miss Havisham and her beautiful ward Estella, Pip's good-hearted roommate Herbert Pocket, and the pompous Pumblechook. As Pip unravels the truth behind his own "great expectations" in his quest to become a gentleman, the mysteries of the past and the convolutions of fate through a series of thrilling adventures serve to steer him toward maturity and his most important discovery of all—the truth about himself.
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"I am glad that I read this book, because I know that people quote it constantly. I thought that the plot was a bit boring, but then again, I am one of those people who has a short attention span and needs constant action in books. The characters... were...okay at best. I liked how there was so much symbolism and careful planning behind what they did, but most of them were not very likable. When bad things happened to different characters, I didn't really feel bad for them. That may just be me again, in the modern age, needing really dramatic and relatable characters, but this is my review, so I can say what I want. This book was not really a page turner, and if I could I would give it 3.5 stars. Still, the history part was interesting. I really much preferred the original ending to the revised one. I think it would be more interesting if there was some mystery at the end, and less of a happy ending."
— Caroline (4 out of 5 stars)
Expertly narrated by Simon Vance, with a PDF copy of the book included on the first disc.
— Library Journal Starred Audio Review" After an exciting beginning a gem of a book. "
— Tessa, 2/20/2014" After reading a friend's review (Thanks, Alec), I realized that I had never read this book, although I have read dozens of books by Dickens. How did I miss this one? Just after reading it I watched the 2012 Masterpiece Theater film version. It was a spectacular combination. "
— Judy, 2/19/2014" Pip has just met Mr. Pocket, Jr. At the end of the chapter, when their eyes meet, they realize that they've fought before; Pip is the prowling boy and Herbert is the pale young gentleman. What will happen next? Will Herbert and Pip break out into another fight? Will their relationship stay this way, or will it change? Purchase the Charles Dickens' next installment of Great Expectations to find out! (70 words) "
— Melissa, 2/19/2014" I can say that this book is highly recommendable for all age people. There are moments of touching tragedy and sadness. Though some of the comic mood is constant throughout the book, it is certainly not the mood. In fact, the darker moods control the text, with mystery and danger always lurking beyond the next page. The unknown and the dreaded are always present, especially toward the end of the novel, when grave events and complications completely enclose the scheme. "
— Krystel, 2/18/2014" A classic. One of my favorite books. "
— K., 2/17/2014" Perhaps I had too high expectations for this book, but I found the story and characters a little too far fetched. The ending was a little too over dramatic for me. "
— Jamie, 2/17/2014" I'm just glad it's over!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Anna, 2/16/2014" There was a lot going but you got to see the life of the main character, Pip. This may not be my favorite book but I did like this and found it be a good read. "
— Annice22, 2/16/2014" Read this as a child. I loved it, my first Dickens ever. Great story, I often tried to remember the book, I could never remember the title, but the characters stuck with me. "
— Carol, 2/16/2014" I may have only read the first half of this. I don't remember it at all. I know I did at least read some of it though! "
— Gillian, 2/14/2014" Story is interesting though I kind of felt that it beyond being realistic sometimes. Love how Dickens portray the characters and the use of language with contemporary inclusions. After all it's a story about an Idiotic boy :D "
— Dishan, 2/14/2014" Ok, I didn't read this but we half read it in school and half watched the movie, it was very interesting! I know the story at least. "
— Felicia, 2/13/2014" Could be my favorite novel of all time...and due for a re-read. "
— Mary, 2/12/2014" An extremely inspiring tale of adolescence and the indecision of life. With compelling characters and interesting plot twists, it's a thrill from beginning to end and has given birth to one of the most well known characters in literatures history. "
— Tess, 2/12/2014" I had Great Expectations for this book... and although I was NOT gratified by the ending, Charles Dickens is such a GENIUS (his writing...!) and the plot = spectacular. "
— May, 2/11/2014" The quintessential coming-of-age novel. Could it have been the first? Quirky, humorous characters that are just a hair short of being over the top. Subtlety and silliness. Beautiful language. A great character development journey for Pip. A warm, fuzzy feeling when it all gets wrapped up. It had slow pacing at some points like many classics do, but after finishing it I am just in a ponderous mood and can hardly write full sentences about it. I see why it was so influential. "
— Bethany, 2/11/2014" Great book - it may be hard to get over the language at first. This book has a great way of working the story slowly and subtley building the tempo - mystery and intrigue. Dickens's descriptions really bring you into the world and immerse you in the atmosphere of the book. He takes a simple story and seemingly normal characters and makes them his own - each character is interesting and relatable and you are hooked in the story before you know it. "
— James, 2/10/2014" One of the greatest books I have read :) "
— Marianne, 2/8/2014" Good story, just a really long read. "
— Stephanie, 2/8/2014" A great character analysis from Charles Dickens. Pip is a very deep and real character and Charles Dickens did a very good job to give that to the reader. "
— Eren, 2/7/2014" I don't understand all the fuss about this book. I didn't care for it. "
— Amy, 2/5/2014" Read this book in middle school and it was the first book I ever read that actually struck a chord with me. It holds a special place in my heart for that reason. "
— Cg, 2/5/2014" Read in school - would never really make sense of it had we not studied it in detail for English A Level but having been taught what Dickens is trying to say there's a chance I'd enjoy it a second time as an adult! I've yet to find out...doesn't jump out as a 'must read now' at the moment though! "
— Hakuna212, 2/3/2014" Favorite book ever, so far. "
— Sarah, 2/3/2014" The only book I've read over and over. Definitely a well loved book! I always loved (and loved to hate) the characters in this book. I should read it again as an adult... It's been years. "
— Debi, 2/2/2014" Could not wait to get that book over with. I am sorry if it's a classic but I was bored. Not even sure what it was about. Pip's adventures were not exciting to me. "
— Katie, 2/2/2014" A classic and one of my favorites at that. It took me a while to navigate through Dickens' rich words but once you have the hang of it, you start to appreciate the beauty of his story-telling. Pip is the perfect little protagonist, the skinny boy who is treated badly at home and suddenly stumbles upon his fortune. The book has an eerie quality, lent especially by Miss Havisham and her ghostly house. The events might not represent reality and might seem a little haywire until you've reached the end but it is a special read nevertheless. "
— Devika, 2/1/2014" Written in chunks of interestingness, the plot spans 20 something odd years of "Mr. Pip"'s life, from boyhood to career. It lies out the follies and favours of having "expectations"(future money) without full disclosure and planning. There are loves, loves lost, fights, bumblers, good hearted souls, and pirates...or not pirates. In general, a solid tale about life and appreciating the people around you. "
— Marilyn, 1/31/2014" Read this again after, what, 30+ years? It was assigned for my son's English reading so I read along with him. Good - but I couldn't help thinking that the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke was better. "
— Allison, 1/31/2014" My favorite book by Dickens that I read so far. "
— Don, 1/29/2014" It took me a couple weeks, but I finally finished it. Good, for a classic, but I need a YA fix to get me back in the reading groove. "
— Jenn, 1/28/2014" One of the finest novels I've ever read if not the finest. The style of Charles is outstanding. "
— Abdalla, 1/28/2014" I had to read this book for school. I really hated it. I don't really like his writing style. I am younger, so maybe if I ever pick up this book again when i am older I would actually enjoy it. "
— Isabelle, 1/28/2014" One of Dickens' best. I was especially hooked by the relationship between Old Joe and Pip. I think the change in their relationship, due to Pip's pursuit of becoming a gentleman is the most catching theme of the book. This is why his harshest critics accuse him of too much sentimentalism and melodrama. But, you know what, none of them have ever sold 200,000,000 copies of a single novel (A Tale of Two Cities). Critics are usually critics because they know HOW NOT TO DO IT, but are unable TO DO IT. How can you slam Charles Dickens, I do believe he set the standard by which all novelists who came after him should be measured. "
— Jonathan, 1/28/2014" Great book. Dickens is an amazing writer. The story is one of innocence, arrogance, humility, and maturity...and the characters all neatly fit together nicely at the end, as only Dickens can do! "
— Ann, 1/25/2014" A book that couldn't be ruined by studying it for TEE literature ... What greater praise can you give a book? "
— Laura, 1/25/2014" Following Dickens' ink to this one ; I found out that Dickens would have never changed , The same way of describing characters and incidents , The same way to start and to finish , However this one had a different curtain opening to the scenes , And a new sight at some incidents . Completely changed my mind about Dickens after reading this . "
— Marwan, 1/25/2014" Amazing personification of characters + clear tone of dickens! "
— Manaum, 1/24/2014" Required reading in high school. "
— Mo, 1/23/2014" This was better the second time around. "
— Zan, 1/23/2014" It was a good read although fell a bit flat near the end. It made me think about how people play with other people's lives, trying to improve their lot but really was it an improvement? "
— Deb, 1/22/2014" So... I had always heard the joke about the title, tried to read it myself as a teenager, but...wow. That is why my teachers wanted me to read it. Such a great story with a less fairytale, more realistic ending. Fantastic. "
— Benjamin, 1/22/2014" I decided to tackle Great Expectations this year because it was on my shelf. I liked the plot of the book and the ending. Sometimes I had a hard time understanding what was being said. I'm glad I can add this classic to my have read list but I think I liked Tale of Two Cities much better. "
— Deann, 1/20/2014" Always a great pleasure to read Dickens. Beautiful & evocative language.. "
— Dees, 1/20/2014" Loved, loved, loved this book. "
— John, 1/18/2014" Great Expectations gets three stars just for being Dickens, but I thought it was one of the weakest of his books that I've read, overall. The fact that he changed the ending after the original publication shows that it was not as passionate of a project for him as some of the others like Bleak House(still my favorite). "
— Dave, 1/18/2014" Amazing personification of characters + clear tone of dickens! "
— Manaum, 1/18/2014" Enjoyed this book so much that I downloaded the 1960s film adaptation and decided to love the movie too. "
— Kenyon, 1/16/2014" I must have seen a movie version of this, story line was familiar, but this book has enduring depth. "
— Marita, 1/15/2014" An amazing book. Yes, It's long but his characters are so well written. "
— Kathy, 1/15/2014" The characters are some of the most original and hilarious of any book ever. The middle part is very slow however. "
— Robbie, 1/15/2014" To say that this book was hard to read is an understatement. It reminded me of reading Shakespeare in school. There was quite a bit that went right over my head. The language made it tedious and painstaking. Having said that; it was a great story and all in all I enjoyed it. "
— Celia, 1/15/2014" The only book I've read over and over. Definitely a well loved book! I always loved (and loved to hate) the characters in this book. I should read it again as an adult... It's been years. "
— Debi, 1/15/2014" I re-read this every January and each year find out funnier. "
— Aliesha, 1/14/2014" One of my favorites, everyone should read it. I am waiting to see if it is in the text so I can make it book 19. :) "
— LouD, 1/13/2014" i've only read two of his books, but they both have such a brilliant cast of characters and i always fall in love with at least one. little writerly indulgences made me smile, a few scenes dropped into memory, pip and biddy and joe and estella in her cold, lovely beauty and miss skiffins in her gathered up character. "
— Wendy, 1/13/2014" i've only read two of his books, but they both have such a brilliant cast of characters and i always fall in love with at least one. little writerly indulgences made me smile, a few scenes dropped into memory, pip and biddy and joe and estella in her cold, lovely beauty and miss skiffins in her gathered up character. "
— Wendy, 1/13/2014" This was another book I read for school. It was an okay book, but I found it hard to understand, taking away from the book's plot. "
— Sabrina, 1/13/2014" This book is excellent because its everything the readers don't expect to happen. The book is a full mystery of the life of Pip. In the book he struggles and becomes rich, and then looses it all again. The book is a great story on how you never know who to trust, and what might happen at the end. "
— Amy, 1/11/2014" Perhaps I had too high expectations for this book, but I found the story and characters a little too far fetched. The ending was a little too over dramatic for me. "
— Jamie, 1/10/2014" Behavioural economics in practice, 100 years before we started to think about it. "
— Jan, 1/10/2014" Tautologically rich characters is topped with a deliciously melancholic ending (at least the original one) "
— Ed, 1/8/2014" well i like this book.. it gives us a lesson which is "dont expect too much"..... "
— Cherry, 1/7/2014" I loathed this book. To me it was boring and repetitive. I hated that we were required to read it and I will NEVER read it again. "
— Amber, 1/5/2014" I loved every bit of it. Half of the time I was reading it I was convinced it was a comedy. That being said...I do have a slightly dark sense of humor. Pip's sister wasn't the nicest woman but some of the things she said made me giggle. The spat between her and Orlick had me cracking up. I was sad to see her go, but Joe needed to be free of her. I enjoyed Pip's progression from boy, to adolescent, to young man. I'm glad I waited to read this until I was a bit older...I don't know that I would've sat through it in my younger days. This classic has earned a permanent place upon my shelves and I will most definitely read it again one day. "
— Heather, 1/2/2014" It was a good book- though a little ponderous at times. I liked the second, happier ending to Dicken's first sadder ending for the story. "
— Paul, 1/1/2014" Reread this after about 15 years and just loved it. If it's not Dickens' best it's right up there. "
— Peter, 1/1/2014" what detestable in pig more so in boy or girl, lies come from father of lies, must be common scholar to be uncommon cannot get there by being crooked, tears rain up on blinding dust of earth, no varnish can hide the grain of the wood, Estella deceive and entrap. "
— Don, 12/31/2013" I just don't like dickens' style of writing. "
— Rhonda, 12/30/2013" Read this again after, what, 30+ years? It was assigned for my son's English reading so I read along with him. Good - but I couldn't help thinking that the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke was better. "
— Allison, 12/29/2013" I have no doubts that this book was genius, and I really do like Dickens's style. However, I did not like Pip as a character. This is probably since I can't really relate to him. Therefore, 4 stars! "
— L, 12/27/2013" Love it! Great satire. Wonderful descriptions of characters. Love Dickens anyway. "
— Mary, 12/20/2013" This is really a great novel. The moral of the story seems to morph at every stage and resonates differently with the reader at each phase of Pip's life. As a third party looking in on Pip the reader wants to root for him and hopes that his aspirations come true but as Pip ages and he becomes more separated from the humble, caring boy he began as the reader finds herself hoping that Pip sees the error of his ways. It is truly enlightening when in the end the story come full circle and Pip reverts back to his true nature. "
— Kristy, 12/20/2013" Slightly depressing if you're a dreamer. :P "
— Michelle, 12/19/2013" a long journey, but well worth the time spent. "
— Jim, 12/19/2013" It was amazing, it captured my attention I loved every chapter of it. "
— Ique, 12/15/2013" If i could give it less than one star, i would. "
— Thalia, 12/13/2013" English classic. Read this at school and the story still remains clear. Vivid imagery and emotions captured perfectly by the master of literature. A must have in the book collection. "
— Alison, 12/11/2013" I don't understand all the fuss about this book. I didn't care for it. "
— Amy, 12/10/2013" I loved this beautiful story or redemption and love. "
— Jeri, 12/9/2013" It was great. Just as I expected. "
— Duncan, 12/8/2013" Very intriguing characters and a very interesting storyline. The plot and writing, however, are not as monumentally awe-inspiring as "A Tale of Two Cities," but a fantastic read nonetheless. "
— Kate, 12/6/2013" one of the most interesting books I've ever read. "
— Unna, 12/6/2013" What can one say about Dickens? His brilliant use of prose is almost poetry. "
— Deanna, 12/5/2013" If not all the Victorian language... "
— Ðлина, 12/5/2013" How can you miss with Dickens? "
— Toni, 12/4/2013" Completed Wuthering Heights just before reading this and found it a bit of a disappointment. Valuable for it's historical detail and depiction of London life, but found it shallow dealing with most of the character's thoughts and feelings. "
— Shirley, 12/3/2013" At times quite unexpectedly hilarious, and at others a very revealing mirror of the human condition, as great novels are wont to be. A bit lengthy at times in suspense by description of random scenery (as seems to be popular at that period), but an enjoyable read. "
— Ronald, 12/3/2013" Great Expectations is Dickens most mature work, but also his most disillusioned. The style is marvelous as always. Some clame Great Expectations as his greatest work. I can't say. But it is worth reading for sure! "
— Martha, 12/2/2013" Tautologically rich characters is topped with a deliciously melancholic ending (at least the original one) "
— Ed, 11/30/2013" Behavioural economics in practice, 100 years before we started to think about it. "
— Jan, 11/21/2013" I'm just glad it's over!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Anna, 11/19/2013" its amazing....i simply like stories based on those old victorian eras....simply awesum... "
— Sharmistha, 11/17/2013" Amazing personification of characters + clear tone of dickens! "
— Manaum, 11/16/2013" Read a million times and I still cry. LOVE LOVE LOVE. "
— Malea, 11/16/2013" Oh. My. Gosh. This is the worst book ever. We had to read this for my Classical Literature class and it was so boring! I'm so happy I'm through with it! If I could give it a zero I really would. "
— Madelyn, 11/16/2013" Official rating of just under 5 stars because i admitedly wasn't immediately gripped by this book. But i truly loved it by the end, wholeheartedly, and plan on reading more od Dickens work in the near future! "
— Danielle, 11/14/2013" books that are classic are classic for a reason. this one is an example. wonderful characters fill the pages. Dickens got paid by the word which may make it hard for people to like him. but oh the characters! he does tell a good story. "
— Barbara, 11/10/2013" Love it! Great satire. Wonderful descriptions of characters. Love Dickens anyway. "
— Mary, 11/10/2013" Hard work but glad I read it "
— Juliet, 11/2/2013" On my TO READ list for years, I am patting myself on the back for finally getting through it. Excellent plot and characters, symbolism, and all those things that truly make it a classic. The language was difficult. Thank goodness for Sparks notes. I really needed them. "
— Terrie, 10/31/2013" Read for GCSE English literature and loved it. "
— Peter, 10/30/2013" I am one of those who consider this old Dicken's greatest work. A beautiful book. "
— Walter, 10/28/2013" Why I hadn't read Great Expectations before now, I don't know. What a wonderful story, full of characters with so much depth and a little bit of all of us in them. I can see why this is considered a classic. "
— Kat, 10/26/2013" I hated it the first time I read it, but I read it again last year for a college class and I really liked it. Close reading offers a lot of cool insight about the notion of identity and how social class predetermines that identity. It's also cool to look at the actual setting in relation to some of the themes of the book. Pay attention to description and time, especially. "
— Ginger, 10/26/2013" Good. Not Les Mis good, but still a great book. Colorful characters. "
— Jimmy, 10/24/2013" After reading a friend's review (Thanks, Alec), I realized that I had never read this book, although I have read dozens of books by Dickens. How did I miss this one? Just after reading it I watched the 2012 Masterpiece Theater film version. It was a spectacular combination. "
— Judy, 10/23/2013" I actually loved this book. I love that the entire book was written in first person and was such a breeze to read through. Highly recommended! "
— Cara, 10/13/2013" Enjoyed this book so much that I downloaded the 1960s film adaptation and decided to love the movie too. "
— Kenyon, 10/12/2013" Can't believe I only read this just now. "
— Tom, 10/11/2013" By far my favorite book. "
— Mindy, 10/10/2013" Still my favourite Dickens book. "
— Kimmi, 10/6/2013" my all time favorite book. "
— Margey, 10/5/2013" well i like this book.. it gives us a lesson which is "dont expect too much"..... "
— Cherry, 10/4/2013" This book was very annoying and dragged out. In addition, it wasn't very clear and it composed mostly of old English. "
— Daniel, 10/1/2013" one of Dickens best works "
— Hasan, 9/30/2013" Charles Dickens at his best. "
— Yvonne, 8/31/2013" A great book which led to a wonderful discussion at my Book Club. "
— Linda, 8/15/2013" Although this book left me in distress about my feelings toward Pip and Estella - the fact that neither character is particularly likeable - I found it to be very interesting. The story of the way Miss Havisham became to be the way she was intrigued me. "
— Lizzie, 8/5/2013" Ok, I didn't read this but we half read it in school and half watched the movie, it was very interesting! I know the story at least. "
— Felicia, 7/30/2013" Brilliant piece of literature! The prose was so beautiful, full of pathos and subtle ironic humor. To really understand the motivations driving people, the ugliness and beauty of human relationships and the all-consuming prison imagery, read Great Expectations. "
— Samar, 7/30/2013" A great book which led to a wonderful discussion at my Book Club. "
— Linda, 7/27/2013" Reading this book is like being shown all the extraordinary quirks and vices and virtues within the human heart in the form of meeting unique and unforgettable characters that exist long after the last page is turned. "
— Raven, 7/21/2013" Amazing personification of characters + clear tone of dickens! "
— Manaum, 7/16/2013" I thought I had read before but it was all new to me (other than the Miss H image). Great story, lots of twists, lovely imagery and wonderfully woven together. "
— Marsha, 7/5/2013" My favorite. Some others are pretty fair too! "
— Sands, 6/28/2013" I just ate this book up. The characters seemed so real and charles really knows how to place his characters in your heart and soul. "
— Lorelei, 6/16/2013" Still good; I enjoy Dickens, even though he's a downer "
— Cindy, 6/11/2013" What can I say? It's a classic. Charming. With vivid characters, poignant relationships, captivating journeys. "
— Bill, 6/8/2013" It took me a little while to get into it, but after a while I looked forward to going to work so that I could find out what was going to happen to Pip next. "
— Emily, 6/1/2013" The 1998 movie with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke is a good modern adaptation. "
— Alexander, 5/28/2013" An all-time favorite of mine from when I was growing up! I bought it to keep re-reading! "
— Amanda, 5/24/2013" Most overrated book ever. That is all. "
— CatherineMorland, 5/14/2013" It was a good book- though a little ponderous at times. I liked the second, happier ending to Dicken's first sadder ending for the story. "
— Paul, 5/12/2013" Of the Dickens I've read, this is the only book I think is excellent and fascinating. I listened to it on long drives and it is perfect for that. "
— Kate, 5/8/2013" My all time favourite classic "
— Gina, 5/7/2013" Favorite of Dickens. Reread every year "
— Bill, 5/1/2013" Ms. Havisham and cake will forever be in mind. "
— Featherly245uo4, 4/9/2013" Filled with mystery and romance. Pip is a likeable young hero who you'll want to get to know. He faces many unusual unexpected adventures in his life. "
— LaGrange, 3/24/2013" No doubt one of my favourite book. I read the book in 2003 for the first time for my High School English Literature class. "
— Dhammapala, 3/10/2013" I had Great Expectations for this book... and although I was NOT gratified by the ending, Charles Dickens is such a GENIUS (his writing...!) and the plot = spectacular. "
— May, 3/7/2013" I loved this book!! It's a well-written and insightful novel with universal themes and authentic, quirky and loveable characters. Easy to read, hard to put down and laugh-out-loud funny! A timeless classic: Dickens is a master. "
— Zen, 3/2/2013" Completed Wuthering Heights just before reading this and found it a bit of a disappointment. Valuable for it's historical detail and depiction of London life, but found it shallow dealing with most of the character's thoughts and feelings. "
— Shirley, 2/24/2013" This is the first time I have used sparknotes for any book. That's how bad it was. "
— Zoe, 2/13/2013" An all-time favorite of mine from when I was growing up! I bought it to keep re-reading! "
— Amanda, 2/5/2013" OMG it sucked. I'm only giving it one star because I can't give it zero. "
— Jessica, 1/21/2013" Absolutely fantastic book, can never beat old classics especially Charles Dickens! A book that can be re read a thousand times and never get bored of!! "
— Laura, 1/16/2013" riveting.. has to be my favourite Dickens "
— Abhinav, 12/23/2012" Not one of the better Dickens stories I read it has some draggy parts to it that I had to burrow through. However, I did found this a okay read overall. "
— Id_ego_superego, 11/23/2012" To say that this book was hard to read is an understatement. It reminded me of reading Shakespeare in school. There was quite a bit that went right over my head. The language made it tedious and painstaking. Having said that; it was a great story and all in all I enjoyed it. "
— Celia, 11/17/2012" The characters are interesting and so is the English setting but it tends to drag on. I remember learning in class that books were sort of like sitcoms... They were released her in small segments and made more money for more content! "
— Tim, 11/7/2012" Most difficult book to continue reading. I almost didn't finish it. "
— Jennifer, 10/28/2012" Vaguely slow at times, but the writing was beyond a doubt excellent. I adored the transitions that Pip faced, and his approach to different situations. There is such a simple beauty about Dickens's words that is magical and very insightful if one wants to observe the era in depth. "
— Claire, 10/21/2012" One of the best Dickens books. The tale of the loveable Pip & how his fortunes change thanks to a secret benefactor. "
— Kerry, 10/12/2012" It stinks but hey it's Charles Dickens "
— Tyler, 10/7/2012" A favorite book. I read it in 8th grade and most everyone else hated it, but I was enthralled! "
— Keith, 10/2/2012" I wanted them to get together in the end! I can't believe it ended so abruptly! "
— Donna, 9/11/2012" This was a great book. It presents a wonderful view of life and the way we tend to approach it. It made me question a lot of things and was just generally a great book! "
— Rebecca, 9/5/2012" A favorite book. I read it in 8th grade and most everyone else hated it, but I was enthralled! "
— Keith, 8/11/2012" I was most impacted by the protagonist's response to a gift received from a convict, and the change that slowly occurred as he learned more of the convict's story. "
— Dabeyta, 7/27/2012" I know this is a classic but I really had a hard time with how strange all the characters are. "
— Tina, 7/16/2012" Suffice it to say, Dickens is now my favourite writer. "
— Ana, 7/1/2012" Story is interesting though I kind of felt that it beyond being realistic sometimes. Love how Dickens portray the characters and the use of language with contemporary inclusions. After all it's a story about an Idiotic boy :D "
— Dishan, 6/26/2012" I'm far from considering this book boring and dull like some people here do. For me Pip's growing process was full of life lessons, it was an inspiration to me. Maybe's just me, but it was amazing. I've read it with a lot of pleasure and i learned a lot from it. "
— Craciun, 6/17/2012" The best book of Dickens. Characters are interwoven. "
— Maryann, 6/15/2012" This is the first time I have used sparknotes for any book. That's how bad it was. "
— Zoe, 6/14/2012" Story expressing basic human instinct, which is the cause of all sorrows "
— Deepak, 5/31/2012" Although this book left me in distress about my feelings toward Pip and Estella - the fact that neither character is particularly likeable - I found it to be very interesting. The story of the way Miss Havisham became to be the way she was intrigued me. "
— Lizzie, 5/29/2012" I did not enjoy this book at all. It is clear from the pandering and never-ending complaining by Pip about how bitterly unfair his life is that Dickens was paid by the word for this work. "
— Katie, 5/21/2012" Forced to read this in Senior High, I think I was the only one who would admit to liking the book (same story with Silas Marner, by the way), and it started my love of Dickens. Not my favorite of his works, but I liked it well enough to read more and that is the real measure, after all, isn't it? "
— Louise, 5/20/2012" My favorite book by Dickens that I read so far. "
— Don, 4/29/2012" Great ending! Still I'm not sure that it was worth reading the first 370 pages to get to the last 100... "
— Justin, 4/25/2012" Story expressing basic human instinct, which is the cause of all sorrows "
— Deepak, 4/21/2012" I know this a great classic, but I didn't like this story at all. The characters were all horrid, the plot was dull and unlikely. In short, I hated it. "
— StrangeBedfellows, 3/20/2012" Still a classic worth reading. "
— Joel, 2/15/2012" I have never not enjoyed Dickens - even in High School when assigned David Copperfield. Listening to this audio version of Great Expectations was no exception to the rule. The reading by Michael Page is also quite good and very entertaining. Looking forward to another with him if I can find it. "
— Kent, 12/25/2011" For old style writing... It still had historical value in my eyes. I love learning how they lived back then. "
— Heavenlyharpstringsgmail.com, 12/22/2011" Absolute masterpiece - what can you say about it that hasn't already been said? "
— Robert, 12/1/2011" I thoroughly enjoyed this classic. I can't believe they make young people read this. So many references may be list without "life experience". The dialect and old country way of speaking took some time to get used to but after the halfway mark it moved fairly quickly. So glad I read this. "
— Angie, 11/24/2011" I read this book as literature in high school. Enjoyed it very much at that time. May reread it "
— Sheila, 11/23/2011" Just re-read this. I think it might be my favorite Dickens book. Abel Magwitch is by far my favorite Dickens character, and who doesn't hope that one day an "anonymous benefactor" will leave you a fortune?? "
— Stacy, 11/13/2011" Why did it take me so long to read Dickens??? "
— Robert, 11/11/2011" this book was a hard read. it took me a while to actually start liking it, I did end up liking it but it was a slow go. "
— Courtney, 11/2/2011" Read in school - would never really make sense of it had we not studied it in detail for English A Level but having been taught what Dickens is trying to say there's a chance I'd enjoy it a second time as an adult! I've yet to find out...doesn't jump out as a 'must read now' at the moment though! "
— Hakuna212, 10/21/2011" While lengthy, this book will guide you through the life and heart of young "Pip" a boy who inherits a large sum of money from an unknown source. Pip is a lovable little boy that you'll quickly fall in love with. This book is a classic that any serious reader should own. "
— Drew, 10/20/2011" He is my favorite author. His words flow like water to my ears. I loved the story and sometimes felt like I was there (or wished I were). "
— Shelly, 10/18/2011" I know I read this in jr high and hated it. I enjoyed it much more as an adult. "
— Maureen, 9/18/2011" Not a fan of this Dicken's classic. "
— Kerry, 9/14/2011" One of the finest novels I've ever read if not the finest. The style of Charles is outstanding. "
— Abdalla, 8/21/2011" Still a classic worth reading. "
— Joel, 8/17/2011" Dickens, a master of characterization and social commentary. Always good. "
— Sylvie, 7/15/2011" There is not a writer, alive or dead, that I can think of that creates characters, settings and plots as brilliantly as Dickens. The story of a chance meeting on a wind-swept graveyard changes many lives. It was a mix of humor, sadness, and atmosphere. Everything a great novel should be. "
— Alan, 7/5/2011" Still a classic worth reading. "
— Joel, 7/5/2011" This is truly my favorite of all Dickens. Swift-moving, heartbreaking, tighter than his other books and indelible. "
— Rick, 5/28/2011" Despite the ridiculously, laughably contrived plot, the book overflows with characters & scenes that engaged my emotions, & caused me to laugh. On the whole, delightful. "
— Jed, 5/1/2011" This was a long listen, but very worth the time. There are reasons why some books are called "classics." "
— Kim, 3/27/2011" OMG it sucked. I'm only giving it one star because I can't give it zero. "
— Jessica, 3/19/2011" My first Dickens in ten years. Pacy, funny and an utter delight to read which is precisely the opposite opinion of my last Dickens experience. Successful rehabilitation complete. "
— Suzammah, 3/7/2011" I struggled through the one - really lull in the middle but I'm glad I've read it "
— Kat, 2/23/2011" books that are classic are classic for a reason. this one is an example. wonderful characters fill the pages. Dickens got paid by the word which may make it hard for people to like him. but oh the characters! he does tell a good story. "
— Barbara, 1/13/2011" I might pick this book back up again and finish it. But that day is not today, sorry Charles. "
— Beckie, 12/28/2010" I must have seen a movie version of this, story line was familiar, but this book has enduring depth. "
— Marita, 11/13/2010" Great Expectations is a classic book by Charles Dickens. It took me awhile to finish because of its length and it took me awhile to engage in the story, but overall it was a good book and I liked the characters of Pip and Estella. "
— Alex, 11/2/2010" Let me be the millionth person to say this did not live up to my expectations. I like a Tale of Two Cities a lot better. Pip is a tool. "
— Dana, 10/2/2010" Most amazing thing about this book is the narration and characters. A very beautiful book! "
— Divya, 9/30/2010" great book, surprised by the ending. would read again. "
— David, 9/11/2010" Again, Dickens was written to be fun to read and it's still fun to read. "
— Terry, 8/20/2010" Huh, I enjoy Charles Dickens. Who knew? Wish I hadn't avoided all Dickens for soooo long. "
— Marisa, 8/6/2010" Vaguely slow at times, but the writing was beyond a doubt excellent. I adored the transitions that Pip faced, and his approach to different situations. There is such a simple beauty about Dickens's words that is magical and very insightful if one wants to observe the era in depth. "
— Claire, 7/31/2010" A good read...not the happiest ending, but a realistic one. "
— Sydney, 7/25/2010" God this story has served as inspiration for so many books and movies that even though I never read it until now I feel I know it. Sad, and wordy but definitely worth it. "
— Andi, 7/21/2010" OMG it sucked. I'm only giving it one star because I can't give it zero. "
— Jessica, 6/24/2010" Am I the only one who hated this book? "
— Pat, 6/12/2010" I just don't like dickens' style of writing. "
— Rhonda, 6/12/2010" My first Dickens in ten years. Pacy, funny and an utter delight to read which is precisely the opposite opinion of my last Dickens experience. Successful rehabilitation complete. "
— Suzammah, 6/4/2010" It wasn't what I'd hoped for. "
— Patrick, 5/15/2010" A great book which led to a wonderful discussion at my Book Club. "
— Linda, 5/3/2010" It was good. I think the novel illustrated "great" expectations in life often are not what we need or receive. The action started out strong and really picked up but some parts of the novel seem like a family off of Maurrey. The length becomes...difficult to persevere through. "
— Jessica, 3/15/2010" I enjoyed this a great deal. The writing was funny and clever throughout, often surprisingly so. Good plot twists and interesting characters, as well. My favorite Dickens so far. "
— Diana, 3/11/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" Charles Dickens is one of the finest authors from England. Read these books in school. Timeless classics "
— Nivas, 2/18/2010" A complicated story, sometimes too far-fetched, but almost heartbreaking at the end "
— Ksenia, 12/20/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" I read David Copperfield and found it delightful. I had no idea I would like it so much. I'm taking a break from Mr. Dickens but can't wait to read some of his other stuff. "
— Melinda, 3/7/2009" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" Though I didn't read this exact version, I have read these all unabridged and these are probably my top five favorite Dickens works. "
— Tyrene, 8/21/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008" This was my first post-high school Dickens and it is incredible! - That guy could write - Highly recommend<br/> "
— Mike, 2/19/2008Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was born in Landport, Portsmouth, England, the second of eight children in a family continually plagued by debt. A legacy brought release from the nightmare of debtors’ prison and child labor and afforded him a few years of formal schooling. He worked as an attorney’s clerk and newspaper reporter until his early writings brought him the amazing success that was to be his for the remainder of his life. He was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and he remains popular, responsible for some of English literature’s most iconic characters.
Simon Vance (a.k.a. Robert Whitfield) is an award-winning actor and narrator. He has earned more than fifty Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration thirteen times. He was named Booklist’s very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. He has narrated more than eight hundred audiobooks over almost thirty years, beginning when he was a radio newsreader for the BBC in London. He is also an actor who has appeared on both stage and television.