From Goodreads: “In what may be Dickens’s best novel, humble, orphaned Pip is apprenticed to the dirty work of the forge but dares to dream of becoming a gentleman — and one day, under sudden and enigmatic circumstances, he finds himself in possession of “great expectations.” In this gripping tale of crime and guilt, revenge and reward, the compelling characters include Magwitch, the fearful and fearsome convict; Estella, whose beauty is excelled only by her haughtiness; and the embittered Miss Havisham, an eccentric jilted bride.”
My Review
Well what a surprise this turned out to be and a really good one at that!
I’ve said on the blog before that I’m not a fan of classic books, having been put off by having to read them at school for O’Level English Literature. However this book has definitely changed my mind about them, and with Dickens in particular.
I knew the bare bones of this story, having seen the old black and white film staring John Mills and Alec Guinness. What I didn’t know was some of the smaller twists near to the end, and what brilliant twists they were. It made me appreciate Dickens for the brilliant writer that he is, and not the old stuffy writer I thought he was.
I felt for Pip all the way through the story, although I must admit I was quite disappointed in his snobby attitude at times. His character development was just wonderful, from innocent young boy, to man about town. Joe was wonderful, such a lovely character who cared so much about Pip, even when Pip didn’t care so much for him. Estella and Miss Havisham were such awful women, that it was nice to have Biddy as a kind counterbalance throughout the tale.
I realised last year that I prefer my Dickens as an audiobook rather than in the written form, and I love Martin Jarvis as my narrator. He was so good as all the different characters, and put his heart and soul into the telling of the story. I loved his portrayal of Pip the main character, Joe Gargery his brother-in-law cum father, Miss Havisham, Herbert Pocket his room mate in London, Wemmick and his father “The Aged Parent”.
One thing that did surprise me about this story, was that that those impossibly long descriptions that Dickens is famous for, were not so obvious in this book. Now, whether that’s because I was enjoying the story so much, or because they’re weren’t so many of them, I’m not sure, but I definitely didn’t find my mind wandering as I was listening as I did with A Tale of Two Cities.
This is definitely one of my favourite audiobooks this year, and I thoroughly recommend it if you want to try Dickens, but aren’t too sure where to start.
I love reading a classic occasionally! Good to hear this was good on audio!
It was excellent and Martin Jarvis is a fantastic narrator.
Might check Borrowbox Nicki. I’m not great with audio…but your reviews are so encouraging. Maybe one for my hols!!
Thanks that’s really nice of you to say xx
Might check this one out!
Thanks that’s brilliant! 🙂
Great review! I also watched Great Expectations as a movie, but never read the book. I just finished re-reading Oliver Twist though. Classics do appeal to me, I don’t like all of them, but after all, there is a reason why they became classics.
Thanks! I think Oliver Twist will be my next Dickens audiobook as I loved the old Oliver! musical and have never read the book.
Martin Jarvis narrating the Just William stories is the best thing ever so I imagine he’s perfect here as you say!
Oh he’s brilliant at those!
What a great way to enjoy the classics! will watch out for Dickens audiobooks on Borrowbox – fab review!!
Thanks it’s definitely the way for me 😀
I started reading this about a year ago and put it down for a while just because I was in the mood for something else for a while. I had been working my way through all of Dickens slowly. I need to pick it back up. A Tale of Two Cities is my favorite with David Copperfield coming in second.
A Tale of Two Cities wa my favourite until I listened to this.
I had never thought about listening to Dickens, I have read 3 maybe 4 of his books and while I do enjoy them I think I like the idea of listening to them. Great review!
Thanks I love as audiobooks!
I’m planning on listening to more classics this year so will definitely make a note to get this version of the audio book. It sounds like it was a great listening experience. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much.
What a great endorsement Nicki – This is one of my favourite of all Dickens’ tales and I agree the descriptions aren’t quite as lengthy in this one as some of his other novels.
Thanks 😊
Okay, okay. I’m on the library wishlist for the audiobook💜 Excellent, excellent review, Nicki🥰
Wow that’s fantastic thanks so much! 💖
Fab review! I actually gave up on this classic years ago when I started and failed to read past the first couple of pages multiple times… I’m wondering if I should try the audiobook and see if it does its magic instead. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks! Audiobooks definitely work for me and I can’t imagine actually reading a classic now. 😀
I tried Wuthering Heights in audiobook last year and I definitely wouldn’t have finished it otherwise. 😉
I bought that last year on audio but as usual haven’t got around to listening yet.
You’re right about the wandering descriptions – there aren’t so many of them in this book… which might explain why it’s my favourite Dickens!
Could be! This definitely felt like he was a more experienced writer, if I can dare say something like that about Dickens? 😀
I think I would say this is one of my all time favourite stories. I loved the book, have seen every tv and film adaptation and seen it so many times at the theatre. I absolutely loved it! So glad you did too! X
Thanks x
Not a classics fan and I’ve put down this one a few times… I should try the audiobook! Wonderful review!
Thanks 😁 I really like the way a great narrator brings tge characters to life, which makes a classic book so much better.