Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Book Synopsis

When Pip is young, he helps a convict on the moors, shortly before being summoned to mysterious Miss Havisham’s house and meeting the beautiful, but cold-hearted, Estella. A gift of money leads him away from the blacksmith life he has known into London to learn to become a gentleman. But, as Pip becomes a man, Estella is still in his mind, as is the secret of who is his unnamed benefactor.

Angel's Rating

Angel's Review

Once one adapts themselves to the classical nature of the novel, this is a very enjoyable book. It portrays well the changes of time and life; it's good to see how Pip's perspective changes as the boy grows into a man, and as his world changes drastically over the course of the book's three parts. That’s the same with most of Dickens’ characters; they are a good depiction of human nature over time, and how it can change under circumstances. I found that all the characters were realistic, and, although set in a completely different era, I felt I could relate to a couple.

Whilst the size of the book can prove quite daunting at first (as it spans more than ten years of Pip’s life), the small chapter sizes provide convenient points to stop or continue. A chapter a day and you're on your way!

I also found that, although serious, Great Expectations had many instances of humour from various characters and their actions. It has a bit of something for everyone and is a good mix of genres: there’s romance and unrequited love between various characters, and also suspense and mystery right from the beginning to the end.

With many plot twists and turns, most that are not obvious unless the reader knows of the plot already, it's no surprise that Charles Dickens had a hit with this book.

Disclaimer: May not be appropriate for young children due to a mature theme and a slight presence of alcohol.