Great Expectations

Charles Dickens

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Richard Branson's top books to read in a lifetime.

Book Synopsis

"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is a compelling tale that follows the life of young orphan Pip as he navigates the complexities of Victorian society and explores his own aspirations and desires.

At the beginning of the novel, Pip encounters a mysterious escaped convict in a cemetery and, out of fear, helps him by stealing food and a file. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that will shape Pip's future.

Soon after, Pip is taken to the eccentric and wealthy Miss Havisham's decaying mansion, where he meets the captivating Estella. He becomes infatuated with her, and aspires to become a gentleman in order to win her heart.

Pip's life takes an unexpected turn when he unexpectedly receives a financial windfall from an anonymous benefactor. This sudden wealth propels him into London's high society, where he is mentored by the enigmatic lawyer, Mr. Jaggers.

As Pip continues to navigate the intricate web of relationships and encounters, he discovers that his expectations may not align with reality. His choices and actions impact not only his own future but also the lives of those around him.

Dickens expertly explores themes of ambition, social class, love, and the consequences of one's choices. Through his richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, he paints a detailed portrait of Victorian society and raises poignant questions about the pursuit of dreams and the nature of true happiness.

"Great Expectations" is a timeless classic that captivates readers with its masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking themes. It has remained an enduring work of literature, resonating with readers of all ages and leaving a lasting impact on the literary canon.

Explore More Books

See All
Euclid's Elements
The Captive Mind
Fables
Flowers for Algernon
For The Love Of Physics
The Humane Economy
Memoirs
The Great Influenza
Think Like
History of the World
The Story of Civilization: Rousseau and Revolution
The Social Animal
The Worlds I See
Mission
The Dream of Reason
Children of Dune
Lateral Thinking
The World is Flat
A Bright Future
Jack
Predictably Irrational
The Art of Spirited Away
What You Do Is Who You Are
Maverick
Letters to a Young Scientist
You
Bitcoin is Venice
Being Aware of Being Aware
The Bitcoin Standard
In Praise of Slowness
Decrypting Money
Economics in One Lesson
Money Changes Everything
Decoded
The Dream Machine
Why Minsky Matters
Everything All At Once
Gay Like Me
Benjamin Franklin
Why Information Grows
The Sympathizer
Home Work
Dance to the Tune of Life
Go To
The Water Dancer
The Myth of the Strong Leader
Where Good Ideas Come From
Social Cognition
One Monster After Another
Benjamin Franklin
The Spy and The Traitor
Gang Leader for a Day
Grit
Take Back The Game
Who Am I
Shortcut
Letters of Note
Albert Einstein
The Psychology of Money
The Quest for El Cid
This Explains Everything
Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln
Nine Pints
Anything You Want
Bitcoin
Lucky Me
The Great Mental Models
Unstoppable Prosperity
A New History of Greek Mathematics
Reinventing American Health Care
Collected Fictions
The Book of Five Rings
Life Ascending
Who Is Michael Ovitz
On Intelligence
An Agricultural Testament
Letters To A Young Athlete
The End of History and the Last Man
Secrets of Power Negotiating
Little Brother
Changing Minds
Well
How to Get Lucky
Days of Rage
What Works on Wall Street
A Timeless Way of Building
Fall of Constantinople
Sit Like a Buddha
The New Jim Crow
A Universe From Nothing
New Power
Holistic Management
Born to Run
Devil's Harbor
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
The War of Art
Replay
Radical Uncertainty
How To Buy Stocks
On Grief and Grieving