Great Expectations (Penguin Classics) by Charles Dickens

by Charles Dickens

Genres: Classics, Fiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1864

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Joey Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read. I found the characters mostly engaging and enjoyed reading the experience of quarter life angst. Without getting into any spoilers for this classic book, the third part is exciting and the twists and turns are so engaging to read. 5/5

[Jan Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently decided I wanted to read more classical literature and decided to start with this popular Dickens' novel, the coming-of-age story of Pip. Originally, it was published as a serial over a period of about 9 months. In October 1861, it was published as a novel in three volumes. Initially, I found the book quite difficult to read because of the long, complex sentences, the Victorian language, and the slow pace. I began to enjoy the book more as I became comfortable with the vernacular, and the story became more interesting. Volume III was the best, filled with action as well as surprises. I hope to read more Dickens in the future.

[Martí · Rating 3 out of 5]

bons personatges connectats de formes molt sorprenents. el comentari sociopolític i econòmic molt fi, també

[Mathew Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesus some bits were right slow but it was very good

[Benjamin Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since finishing this book yesterday I have struggled between rating it 4 or 5 stars. Definitely if the book didn't include the final chapters I would have kept it as a 4. However, Dickens does marvelous job of subverting not just Pip's but also the readers expectations in this work. I also love the themes of "low" characters being made "high" and then "low" again and in so doing coming to realization that when they were "low" they really had everything they ever needed. It's also all done about in ways I didn't expect, many of the characters being neatly tied in to different aspects of the plot that I wouldn't have supposed. Dickens prose is masterful and at times I actually felt like I WAS Pip walking through the fens or the streets of London. Certainly a great work and entertaining book. Definitely one I want to re-read.

[Ryan Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very strong start and a well executed ending but unfortunately surrounded centrally by a flat middle section, despite that you can see why this book has stood the test of time and become a classic.

i learned Dickens actually changed the ending because of public outcry to an apparent unsatisfactory ending, thankfully he did because this way we had a consummate conclusion to pip’s expectations though the second to last chapter worried me for a moment that all the work was about to unravel with Biddy. fortunately it wasn’t the case and pip’s character arc remained intact and allowed for a fulfilling resolution with Estella.

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book in an airport in Atlanta on my way back home from New York. I watched 'The Outsiders' on Broadway, and if you've seen the show, you know why I was insistent to pick it up as soon as I could. Shame to say I didn't read it sooner. Dickens is always a pleasure to read, and this book met my (great) expectations. Everyone should read not only this book, but all his works.

[Annabelle Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the love for Magwitch

[cece bache 🪷❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

masterpiece.

[r00ney · Rating 3 out of 5]

reading this during the decisions of my expected colleges going to shit; every thing will turn out fine

[Jackie Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book so deeply I had a dream about encounterings happening over and over again like Trabb's Boy and Pip had ;-;