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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I was told by a few sources that this is Dickens' best novel. I didn't really care much for Dickens before reading this, but now I understand why people like him so much.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Too good as a classic. Enjoyed it. Character development of protagonist feels too good.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found it too dense (and definitely tried to read it too young)
challenging
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With all other options available, I never particularly thought of myself as someone who would turn to Charles Dickens—in fact, aside from a longstanding fondness for A Christmas Carol (Muppets included), I’ve been avoiding his novels for as long as I can remember. But after tearing through Great Expectations with a speed I thought I’d left behind with my 20/20 vision, I’m beginning to reconsider my reluctance. It turns out there are many reasons why the story of Pip Pirrip has endured as a bona fide classic for nearly two centuries and I’m not about to argue otherwise.
Dickens exposes the injustices and corruption of Victorian society using emotionally charged storytelling, and unforgettable characters who navigate the brutal machinery of class with dignity and desperation. From the morally bankrupt aristocrats of Miss Havisham and Bentley Drummle to humble, morally grounded figures like Joe Gargery (Oh Joe!), Dickens shows that virtue and vice were not confined to social rank but that the system itself was often stacked against the good.
Having Pip narrate the story in retrospect is a simple yet powerful device that opens the door for self-critique and deepens the perspective on his coming-of-age, and the construction and deconstruction of his identity. It allows Pip to reflect on his youthful illusions with a clarity that invites us to feel both the sting of his mistakes and the wisdom gained from them in the same instance.
But forget all this analysis—enough has already been written. The simple takeaway is this: if, like me, you've been avoiding Dickens for whatever reason, please reconsider. Great Expectations is such a beautiful novel, with a tenderness and a beating heart that transcends the formality of its era; reaching across time to remind us that great writing captures the essence of human nature and continues to teach us important lessons, no matter how unrecognisable society and culture may become.
Dickens exposes the injustices and corruption of Victorian society using emotionally charged storytelling, and unforgettable characters who navigate the brutal machinery of class with dignity and desperation. From the morally bankrupt aristocrats of Miss Havisham and Bentley Drummle to humble, morally grounded figures like Joe Gargery (Oh Joe!), Dickens shows that virtue and vice were not confined to social rank but that the system itself was often stacked against the good.
Having Pip narrate the story in retrospect is a simple yet powerful device that opens the door for self-critique and deepens the perspective on his coming-of-age, and the construction and deconstruction of his identity. It allows Pip to reflect on his youthful illusions with a clarity that invites us to feel both the sting of his mistakes and the wisdom gained from them in the same instance.
But forget all this analysis—enough has already been written. The simple takeaway is this: if, like me, you've been avoiding Dickens for whatever reason, please reconsider. Great Expectations is such a beautiful novel, with a tenderness and a beating heart that transcends the formality of its era; reaching across time to remind us that great writing captures the essence of human nature and continues to teach us important lessons, no matter how unrecognisable society and culture may become.
boooooooooring, but left me feeling empty + it’s a good book about classism
This classic novel is engrossing, complex, suspenseful & funny! I especially liked the audio by @NaxosAudioBooks (sample at the link). My full review:
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2018/07/fiction-review-great-expectations.html
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2018/07/fiction-review-great-expectations.html