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
The Agile Gene
How to Make Millions with Your Ideas
In the Heart of the Sea
The Hot Hand
The Anatomy of Buzz
A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Infidel and the Professor
The Bullish Case for Bitcoin
How To Turn Down A Billion Dollars
Happy Money
Beating The Street
Sea Flight
More Than Enough
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
The Great CEO Within
Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero
Taken for Granted
Bend The Curve
Superforecasting
100 Plus
Billy Martin
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
The Art of Seduction
The Neverending Story
The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All
The Attention Merchants
12 Rules For Life
The Net & The Butterfly
Endure
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Louis XIV
The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis
Something Deeply Hidden
Opportunity Knocks
The Construction of Social Reality
Trillion Dollar Triage
The Botany of Desire
The Skeptical Environmentalist
Scale
The Little Book of Bull Moves
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Einstein
Product Design for the Web
The Surrender Experiment
The Bet
Double your Profits
The Closing of the American Mind
Hidden Potential
Blue Ocean Strategy
Talent Is Overrated
Mohammed and Charlemagne
Makers
Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children
Home Work
The Fear Factor
Viral
Technofeudalism
Putin's Kleptocracy
The Alchemist
Art of the Living Dead
Natural Born Heroes
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
No Bull
Innovating Out of Crisis
Bargaining for Advantage
Paper Lion
Matthew Barney & Elizabeth Peyton
An Immense World
The True Believer
Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines
Roger Ailes: Off Camera
Nobody Wants To Read Your Sh*t
The Healing Journey
The Science of Success
A Mathematician's Lament
Chasing the Light
Mapping the Mind
Gold In The Grass
A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things
Not Fade Away
The Tao of Charlie Munger
Margin of Safety
Stress Test
My Family and Other Animals
The Inner Lives of Markets
Confidence Game
Absolute Tao
Dream Big
Origin Story
Endurance
The Man Who Fed The World
You Can Be a Stock Market Genius
Freakonomics
The Story of Civilization: The Reformation
Every Life Is On Fire
Measure What Matters
Black Elk
Traction
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
The Weather Makers
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil