Great Expectations

by Gill Tavner (Adapter), Charles Dickens, Karen Donnelly (Illustrator)

An escaped convict threatens to eat young Pip’s heart for breakfast. The ghostly Miss Havisham invites Pip to her eerie home. A mysterious benefactor makes him suddenly wealthy. Pip’s life will never be the same again. Pride, humility, love, loyalty and shame compete for Pip’s emotions. Will his quest to become a gentleman enable him to melt the cold heart of the beautiful Estella, or will it destroy his happiness? Pip’s tale is full of mystery and surprises. What is the nature of Miss Havisham’s interest in him? Why does Estella want to break his heart? Why does the dangerous convict return? Most importantly, who has given Pip his great expectations?

Real Reads are accessible texts designed to support the literacy development of primary and lower secondary age children while introducing them to the riches of our international literary heritage. Each book is a retelling of a work of great literature from one of the world’s greatest cultures, fitted into a 64-page book, making classic stories, dramas and histories available to intelligent young readers as a bridge to the full texts, to language students wanting access to other cultures, and to adult readers who are unlikely ever to read the original versions.

Genres: Classics

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Julien von Lieres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an abridged children's version of the classic Charles Dickens' novel. Written in the third person narrative, the story recounts Pip's quest for becoming a gentleman and winning the heart of the icy hearted Estella. The story omits some plot points, which is understandable considering over 500 pages have been whittled down to 54. This being the case, the book is still very successful at retelling the story, developing the characters and creating mystery, whilst also retaining some interesting and new vocabulary aimed at children.

The book is very well suited for educational purposes. I would say that it would be best used in a year 3 or year 4 classroom, given the length of the text, the complexity of vocabulary and the content. The book begins by introducing each of the characters with a picture and a few character traits along with some questions, which can be used in group discussions prior to reading the text. A lesson could be spent on character building whereby children imagine why the characters are the way they are (Why might Miss Havisham be a bitter old lady for example?)

Another great aspect of the book that it contains a 'taking things further' sections at the end with teaching suggestions and resource links. It suggests that the story ties in well with Victorian Britain for example and this could be used in a history lesson.

This version of Great Expectations is a great way of familiarising yourself with the classic novel and other Charles Dickens' stories are also available in the series.

[Karolina Knosała · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skrócona wersja oryginału, ale uważam ją za całkiem porządną lekturę z racji tego, że czytałam ją po angielsku¡ dobra książka na rozpoczęcie czytania w j.angielskim, gdyż język był dla mnie w dużej większości zrozumiały ☺️

[Στεφη Λουλη · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2,5/5

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this was adapted for a younger audience but there were some important themes I believe got missed in this adaptation. It was a quick introduction which might be good to get the basics but there are better adaptations.

[Chaotic Cheesecake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that got me into reading in first place in 3rd grade. Well written and illustrated for younger audience.