Great Expectations
4
(2.2K)
Charles Dickens
General Press
Written in the last decade of Dickens' life, 'Great Expectations' was praised widely and universally admired. It was his last great novel, and many critics believe it to be his finest. Readers and critics alike praised it for its masterful plot, which rises above the melodrama of some of his earlier works, and for its three-dimensional, psychologically realistic characters—characters much deeper and more interesting than the one-note caricatures of earlier novels.It depicts the growth and personal development of an orphan named Pip. The novel was first published in serial form in Dickens's weekly periodical 'All the Year Round', from 1 December 1860 to August 1861. It is set among the marshes of Kent and in London in the early to mid-1800s. The Great Expectations contains some of Dickens most memorable scenes, including its opening, in a graveyard, when the young orphan Pip is accosted by the escaped convict, Abel Magwitch. It is full of extreme imagery, poverty, prison ships, barriers and chains, and fights to the death. Upon its release, Thomas Carlyle spoke of "All that Pip's nonsense". Later, George Bernard Shaw praised the novel as "All of one piece and consistently truthfull". Dickens felt Great Expectations was his best work, calling it "a very fine idea".Throughout the narrative, typical Dickensian themes emerge: wealth and poverty, love and rejection, and the eventual triumph of good over evil. This book has become very popular and is now taught as a classic in many English classes. It has been translated into many languages and adapted many times in film and other media.Publisher : General Press
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Community ReviewsSee all
"Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a long, talked around, twisty book that I was lost in the language of for most of but when I began to understand the comings and goings of and the twists within the narrative were known to me I speculated and was wholly wrong in my mind on every count. Great classic. "
Sarah
"I also read A Tale of Two Cities and knew I’d like anything by Dickens, which is still true. At first this book mostly bored me, but there would be little flashes of greatness that made me want to keep reading. As I kept reading, Great Expectations began to express deep feelings within its writing that are hard to see at first. Reading Dickens,for me, is like starting a conversation with a stranger who seems dull, but ends up one of your closest friends. 9/10"
Lucas S
"I don’t read Dickens anymore. He was my favorite author until I found out that he was an extreme racist especially for his time. "
Gabby
"I will reread and reread this book. Aren't we all searching for our little green light? "
Stephanie
"It’s a long book, but it’s one that I can read over and over again. Such memorable characters, exquisite writing … such an influential work of fiction by one of literature’s giants. A must-read!"
Maja Furlong
"Absolutely loved this book. The Victorian Literature is so beautiful and how Dickens described his surroundings, made me feel like I was in the room with him. A definite must read 🤍"
Jillianne Sweeney
"One of my favorite Classics and Charles Dickens books. Estella is one of my favorite book characters of all times because she’s realistic and full of flaws yet hope and growth is possible for anyone. This quote has stuck with me.. “I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”"
Kaitlin D
"A classic. Charles Dickens should be in everyone’s library."
Martha lumatete
"Total banger"
Zak Price
"While the narrative of this particular story didn't quite meet my expectations, the quality of Dickens' prose certainly did. His descriptions are downright delightful, and the charm with which he crafts characters is singular. I particularly loved the scenes at Wermmick's Castle and the instance in which Pip and Herbert feel much better after writing down a list of all their affairs. The Castle is one of my new all-time favourite fictional locations, and the debt-writing activities of the young gentlemen remind me of feeling more fit after merely signing up for a gym membership. Dickens' literary power is not over-rated."
Jacob Longini