Book Review: Great Expectations

Charles Dickens is more present in our society that most of us realize. References to his books have been in shows and movies for years, and many of his books have been adapted into movies time and time again. You’ve likely watched at least one of his books on the big screen.

My earliest recollection of being introduced to Dickens was through A Christmas Carol–but the Mickey Mouse and Muppet versions as a child. I also easily remember seeing Oliver Twist on Wishbone, and repeatedly saying “Please, sir, I want some more,” at dinner time from then on.

As I grew older and began watching Gilmore Girls, I heard Dickens referenced over and over. But never had I ever successfully read a Dickens novel, although I did try and attempt a Tale of Two Cities as a middle schooler.

This winter, I was listening to a podcast about Dickens, and realized that I wanted to attempt his writing again. So I hopped on to my Libby app and when I found Great Expectations, I decided to tackle it.

Time, maturity, and exposure to more pre-1900 literature made this experience much more pleasant than my middle school exposure to Dickens. Dickens was easily a master wordsmith. He told this story in such a way that kept me engaged and interested, specifically by giving his characters depth that allowed me to really feel like I knew each of them.

The story follows a young man named Pip, who is in the care of his truly awful sister and her sweet-natured husband, Joe. It begins with Pip meeting an escaped convict while visiting his parents' gravesites, stealing food from his sister’s pantry, and bringing it to the convict, along with a file so he can escape his cuffs. This seems like such a strange occurrence to include, but it is the foundation for the whole story.

Soon, Pip is asked to visit Miss Havisham, a wealthy woman who is caring for an adopted daughter, Estella. Miss Havishman, having gone a bit mad when left at the altar years earlier, guides Estella to torment men with her beauty, and naturally, Pip falls in love with the young lady. He begins to regret his fate to become a blacksmith apprentice to Joe, and wishes that he could be a gentleman so that he could win over Estella.

Years later, a lawyer visits Pip and tells him that a mysterious benefactor has decided to send him to London for a proper education–Pip naturally believes it to be Miss Havisham. Pip settles into his new life, new friends, and new status, happy to be part of a world of Great Expectations.

As time passes, truth comes to light, and Pip realizes all he thought he knew was not as it seemed. As with most people, time matures Pip, and he begins to see that the things he thought were important during his youth were not, and the things he took for granted, he misses, and wishes for.

This is so incredibly relatable to me. As a college student, there were so many things that I thought I wanted out of life. But as time has passed, and I’ve experienced more life, I realize those things I thought were important just are not. Like Pip, I see the true importance in those who will always be there for you, who care for you, and who love you despite who you’ve been, or who you’ll become.

If you have never tackled a classic like this one, I implore you to try this one out. There are audiobook versions that can be found on podcast apps, or on Audible. Amazon has a Kindle version that is free and there are many very inexpensive used copies available as well! There is also always the library!

I appreciated the time enjoying this story, and I hope you will too!

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