Great Expectations (Revised)

It was interesting to hear the variety of reactions to this book in our book group. I would say about half really found the writing and plot really fun and interesting, while the other half, myself included, just felt like this book dragged - what I call a book in search of an editor. One of the group opined that maybe this is because it was done as a serial, so Dickens, being paid by the word, really dragged out this novel. The basic premise is that an orphaned child, living with his older sister, suddenly comes into money from an unknown benefactor, becoming a gentleman, with complicated results and relationships to follow.

A Christmas Carol has long been my all-time favorite book, but with Great Expectations, I finally and properly met Charles Dickens. And what an introduction it was.We've probably all heard about Pip and his "great expectations," but what this really is is a rags-to-riches-to-somewhere-in-between story. Pip is an orphan, being raised by his horrible older sister and his caring brother-in-law. When he comes into money from a generous, yet unknown, benefactor, his life is changed. In this novel, Dickens masterfully weaves themes of ambition, class, love, and forgiveness through Pip's journey from the marshes to the heart of London society.There is a lot to love about this book. First, I always imagined this would be a "difficult" read - you know the kind: old-timey, Victorian language that describes each wrinkle on a person's face. However, I found Great Expectations surprisingly approachable and readable. Yes, Dickens is vivid in his characterizations and settings, but never to the point of being overwhelming.In fact, the character of Pip is so well done that he even feels older by the end of the book. His growth and complexity throughout this novel are second to none. I've never read a child character, who acts and speaks like a child, grow up before my eyes into a well-formed, thinking adult.Other characters are just as vivid, like Joe, Miss Havisham, Herbert, Magwitch, and all the others. And the locations are spectacularly visualized, from Joe and Mrs. Joe's home, to Joe's shop, to Miss Havisham's decaying rooms, and especially Wemmick's "castle," the clerk's quirky and fortified home.Dickens's balance of humor, tragedy, and heart shows just what kind of author he was. That a story could hold up so well after over 160 years is a true testament to his vision. And the ending was at the same time bittersweet, thoughtful, and open to interpretation.By the end, I was struck by how Dickens manages to portray real humanity - the flaws, regrets, and capacity for change - so vividly. Pip's journey is one I'll be thinking about for a long time.Overall, this book deserves 5 stars and its place in history. There is no other rating I could give this book. It is a true masterpiece. To be so involved in a character's journey was a privilege. I was frustrated, saddened, and delighted at multiple points throughout and that, to me, is what books are supposed to do. I cannot wait to get into more of the works of Charles Dickens.

You should know before buying that this edition has smaller print and narrower line spacing than usual. That may not be a problem for you. The advantage is this edition of the book is smaller in size, lighter and half the price of other editions which have more customary font size and spacing. If you are a student reader and want room for notes/annotations, buy a different edition.

In middle school I was required to read this; I did so with considerable misery. As an adult I would like it better, but I didn't. I think the writing is excellent, the plot is coherent and that it is surely a great book but I still do not find it particularly interesting. To me, it reads like a soap opera. I was also required to read Moby Dick which I read with some misery. However on rereading Moby Dick as an adult I found it quite engaging.In my opinion, Great Expectations is not at the level of Moby Dick. I am not certain which was the more prolific writer but I am certain that Melville was "il miglior fabbro". Perhaps Melville benefited from his friendship with Hawthorne. In that case, it is arguable that Hawthorne's most important contribution to literature was Herman Melville (which is what Faraday said of Maxwell).

Unbelieve price for what you obtained!. Bought Great Expectations as a gift so was very impressed with all aspects of the quality of this book. Quality paper stock, book marker ribbon and beautiful cover. Additionally is one of Penguin's "Classic Books" collection so if you plan of building a library the books will match. No negatives.