Great Expectations
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4.2 • 1.6K Ratings
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Publisher Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
Charles Dickens’ classic explores potent themes like good versus evil, crime, repentance, love and betrayal. At the center of the story is Pip, an impoverished orphan who dreams of a better life. When a mysterious benefactor gifts Pip a substantial fortune, he’s rescued from a life of deprivation and abuse-and introduced to a memorable host of characters: the bizarre Miss Havisham, a wealthy heiress who was spurned at the altar; her cold, austere ward Estella, who eventually breaks Pip’s heart; and an escaped convict who teaches Pip that people aren’t always what they seem.
Dickens’ novel-which was originally serialized in a weekly newspaper-contains major plot twists at every turn, which accounts for its enduring popularity. It’s a gripping read and a thrilling portrait of Victorian England.
Customer Reviews
Good read but not 5 star
Something was missing
Satisfying ending
Dickens crafts this story so we can delve into the innermost thoughts of the protagonist, Pip. We journey with him through his desires: from marrying Estella, to becoming a great gentleman. Once he becomes this gentlemen, he perceives it to be an opportunity of a lifetime and he casts his life of poverty into a metaphorical abyss. However, Pip soon realises that great expectations do not fulfil the satisfaction that is derived from a loving marriage, friends and honest trade - even if that means being poor.
Dickens constructs Pip to subtly teach us to value the most important virtues in life; it was written in Victorian England where the divide between the poor and rich was great, and so stemmed avarice and jealousy.
Memorable and thought provoking
I discovered this book in secondary school and it’s remained a firm favourite ever since. The characters are fascinating and unique, and the book has a gripping plot with several dramatic plot twists and Dickens’ distinctive, whimsical prose. He movingly explores timeless issues such as crime and punishment, the corrupting influence of money and ambition, nature vs nurture etc. As other reviewers have pointed out, the book is quite long, but it’s worth the effort!