Sunday 19 June 2022

Great Expectations

Charles Dickens is widely considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, so it's surprising that I've never read anything of his before. I've seen adaptations of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol but I don't even know what any of his other books are about.

"Pip doesn't expect much from life...His sister makes it clear that her orphaned little brother is nothing but a burden on her. But suddenly things begin to change. Pip's narrow existence is blown apart when he finds an escaped criminal, is summoned to visit a mysterious old woman and meets the icy beauty Estella. Most astoundingly of all, an anonymous person gives him money to begin a new life in London.

Are these events as random as they seem? Or does Pip's fate hang on a series of coincidences he could never have expected?"


Mick bought me this beautiful cloth-bound edition of Great Expectations for Christmas so I thought it was high time I read it. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed every word. I really enjoy the experience of reading a book when you have literally no idea of what it's about and the story is only revealed bit by bit as you read on. The plot is excellent, the characters are diverse and Dickens' descriptive writing sets the scenes so well. Having been written over one hundred and fifty years ago, it's still attracting new readers and has certainly stood the test of time. 

I would definitely recommend you read Great Expectations if you haven't already, or even reread it if you've read it before. It's whetted my appetite to read more of what Dickens has got to offer.

17 comments:

  1. Dickens is a great storyteller, isn't he? I find that some of his books I have read have a little too much of the extraneous stories, but this was due to them original being published in parts and so needed to fill a certain amount of pages. Do give A Christmas Carol a try at Christmas if you haven't read that - no dramatisation I've seen has quite matched the book. I also enjoyed Nicholas Nickleby, Bleak House and David Copperfield.
    Happy reading!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  2. It's my favorite book. I read it for 'O' levels 40 years ago and many times since. Never gets old

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  3. My mum bought me some of Dickens' books when I was in my first year at grammar school as she thought I 'ought' to read a few classics but I didn't really enjoy any of them, probably because they are set in times so long ago and I've always preferred stories more of my own era. Your books looks lovely though and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

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  4. I have read all of Charles Dickens books his writing style is magical, he really pulls you into the story and wrings you out haha. I really must revisit this and his other stories, so little time! Have a lovely Sunday. xx

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  5. I love Great Expectations, I read it for o Level English. I love the edition Mick bought you.

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  6. Like you I've only seen adaptations of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol and not read any of Charles Dickens books. It's a beautiful book and sounds a very enjoyable read.

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  7. I read his books in my teens (I was a bookworm then). Dickens is ,no doubt, a great novelist.

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  8. I'm not sure if I've read any of his books, as school was so long ago, but some of those titles ring a bell from those times. Maybe I should try to read one soon. Take care & hugs.

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  9. "is widely considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian era"
    I think many would agree with that Jo.
    He is indeed a great novelist and Great Expectations one of his best. The book Mick bought you for Christmas looks lovely.

    All the best Jan

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  10. I haven't read any Dickens either. I've seen Oliver! and many versions of A Christmas Carol but I doubt they are accurate to the books - especially the Muppets' version! LOL

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  11. I recently discovered Arnold Bennett, and absolutely loved his 'old school' style. Great story lines too.

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  12. Good to see that you enjoyed reading this book. I've always liked reading Dickens books, although I've not reread any for a very long time. xx

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  13. Lovely cover. I should really give the classics a go.

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  14. what a Beautiful book.You are so good at inspiring us to read.I have always been a Book worm as was my mum.I confess I have not read this,but just might do so now.Thanks for your lovely comment when my lil Duffy died.xx

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  15. Have to say I haven´t read any Dickens books, have to see what I can find on the kindle xcx

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  16. I love the classics and have them all on my Kindle. Dickens, Austen, Wells etc. When I downloaded them, quite a long time ago now, they were free. However, popularity means some of them are now 99p upwards. One of my favourite writers is M E Braddon, a Victorian sensationalist writer. If you can, try 'Birds of Prey' followed by 'Charlotte's Inheritance'; this is a 2 part story (both still free for Kindle) Lady Audley's Secret is another good one :)

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  17. What a beautiful copy of a wonderful book. I too loved Great Expectations like you say it is a very well written book.

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