Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Lloyd Jones' Mister Pip is a modern tragedy set on a tiny copper-rich tropical island emabattled by internal strife. Thirteen-year-old Matilda watches as all the foreigners flee her homeland-all but one, the white man Mr. Watts. Amidst the ruins of the town schoolhouse, Watts reads Dickens' Great Expectations to the children, thus sparking their imaginations and giving them hope in a chaotic world.
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"Read by Susan Lyons. I'm not sure if I would have read this, but the audiobook was fantastic...I have to admit I was listening while driving, and caught myself not paying as much attention to the last third...the first parts were very well crafted, but then I lost the thread. Loved the reader. "
— Meredith (4 out of 5 stars)
" This reminded me constantly of 'The Book Thief' by Marcus Zusak in terms of its reverence for the written word, but in the end it's a highly original novel in its own right. Looking very much like a children's book, its simplistic viewpoint can sometimes make it feel like one too, but the horrific atrocities that take place on the small tropical island where it is set, all seen through the eyes of a child, make it very much a grown up book. Not one that I would go as far as to say I wholeheartedly 'enjoyed', but I learned a great deal from it and won't forget it in a hurry. "
— Jayne, 2/12/2014" I finished reading it - please do not make me do it again "
— Andrea, 2/11/2014" This wasn't a BAD book, but it wasn't terrific either. Not really a must-read. I liked the voice of the main character and the book itself is skillfully written. I suppose that the climax of the story felt out of place to me. It was as if you were lulled into a surreal since of security, only to have it dashed out from under you abruptly. After that, the "inspirational" part starts... and just falls a little flat to me. Also, I am slightly tired of book-themed literature. It has become increasingly pervasive and feels a little like you are watching an episode of Reading Rainbow while you are reading a book. I like Charles Dickens and I appreciate the role that "Pip" takes in the characters lives. I am ALREADY reading though. I do not really need to learn about how awesome reading is and how it can transport you to another world and characters can become your friends. While this wasn't the main point of the story, it was a strong theme in the book. Frankly, I find that theme slightly condescending, a little annoying, and very over-done. "
— Grafovna, 2/8/2014" I liked the idea the whole book is a a story itself, that relates to Charles Dickens story, or not necessarily relates to it but makes it fit into the story. A classic with a newly wrote book. "
— Tania, 2/4/2014" Year 13 Novel "
— Sumanth, 1/31/2014" This book is really good, but it's kind of short for its story, if that makes any sense. The writing is good and there's lots of suspense. It's a New Guinea coming-of-age novel just the way Great Expectations was, except 1/10th as long. "
— Trina, 1/26/2014" Michelle loaned me this one-- thanks, Michelle! It was really good! "
— Miriam, 1/19/2014" I well crafted little tale of how story-making is an inherent and lifesaving part of human nature. "
— Benito, 1/18/2014" Compelling reading. Got a little bit away with the fairies sometimes when people were recounting their personal stories and beliefs, but a great book nonetheless, from a place a world away from the West. "
— Martine, 1/16/2014" A short, intense, graphic, emotional story told with an element of detachment. "
— Mama, 1/15/2014" This is a wonderful book.... it is heartbreaking... excellent read. "
— Andrea, 1/15/2014" I read this book because two friends told me how AWESOME it was. I think this might have ruined it a bit for me - perhaps I was expecting too much. However, it was very emotional and the story and the characters kept me interested right until the end. "
— Victoria, 1/10/2014" Probably a 3.5. I got into it pretty well but I'm not sure I totally got the book. "
— Eliana, 12/30/2013" Everyone in my neighborhood is now reading this book. In fact, a group of five knitters are knitting and the sixth is reading the book aloud. This book wants taught in senior lit classes. Girls right of passage. The impact of education. Charles Dickens and Great Expectations. Fabulous! "
— Judyth, 11/27/2013" I had mixed feelings about the book. It was a weird combination of lyrical and ghastly. "
— Trish, 9/29/2013" Great story, really makes you want to read Charles Dickens. Sad story too that breaks your heart a few times. "
— Laurie, 8/24/2013" A brilliant story, set against the background of secessionist trouble in Bouganville. Funny and sad, it has something to say about the power of fiction vs fact. "
— Roslyn, 6/28/2013" Good Book so far! This book really made you think about how people impact each others lives... "
— Rosie, 4/14/2013" A novel of war, of the meaning of literature, of morality, of coming of age.... Uncategorizable, but a beautiful, sad, and hope-filled novel. "
— Kim, 4/9/2013" Really, a 2.5 would suffice.. "
— Krystle, 9/24/2012" I read this book before I went to New Zealand as it was recommended as a NZ read. I almost wish I would have saved it for a book club book for the discussion that would have come from it. Not a long book but definitely packed with emotion. "
— Cathy, 9/10/2012" Matilda is growing up on a tropical island beset by civil war. The one white person left on the island becomes the teacher and reads Dickens' Great Expectations aloud. Horrible things ensue and yet it's redemptive overall. Made me want to read Pip's story. "
— S., 4/24/2012" Great Expectations read to island children. Heroine inspired. "
— Avi, 2/19/2012" Other than the over the top violence towards the end of the book I really liked it. "
— Effie, 4/28/2011" I found it slow to get going, and then all of the important information was kind smushed together towards the end. I think the author could have evened out the pace of the book better. "
— Janet, 4/19/2011" on the jr hi adv reading list - not appropriate <br/>some swearing <br/>talk of sodomy <br/>rape <br/> <br/>also, line of genius. an intriguing story. "
— T, 4/15/2011" I enjoyed this book about island people. It was hard to figure out when this book was set. Some things never change. "
— Kara, 3/25/2011" This is a wonderful, at times horrific, read. If you have ever read and loved Great Expectations, this novel will tug at your heartstrings. An insight into experiences few of us could ever imagine.<br/> "
— Sa, 3/24/2011" <br/>very good, very solid voice. There is a point about 4/5ths through when the book seems over, and yet then the end seems important after all. Many wonderful moments. "
— Christine, 3/22/2011Susan Lyons has appeared on numerous television shows, including A Country Practice, Police Rescue, Something in the Air, and All Saints. Among her film credits are Winds of Jarrah and In a Savage Land. She is married to Tony Award–winning actor Jefferson Mays.