Review of 'Great Expectations'

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations follows the story of Philip Pirrip (or “Pip” as he is known throughout) as he begins his life adopted by his sister and her husband, Jo, his best friend. Pip's adventures only begin when he helps an escaped convict then is called to “play” with the adopted child of a local eccentric (and weathy lady) all of this is then followed by him mysteriously falling into “Great Expectations” by a unknown benefactor. The money he is given causes him to move away from his home to London where he is indoctrinated into the society of the gentleman. His troubles begin when he finds out the nature of his expectations. An interesting morality tale about the evils of money quite common to Dicken's work, I found this story hard to read though the characters, as is also typical, are vividly drawn and brought to life throughout. The ending is quite interesting and mildly suprising (as is indicated in this edition's appendices).

Rating: “A bit better than average”


Genre: Classic


Other reviewed books by Charles Dickens: