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 Varieties of Religious Experience
Artemis
Only the Paranoid Survive
In Over Our Heads
How The Internet Happened
Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The Story of the Human Body
King Lear
The Song of the Cell
Lost Ocean
Brave New Words
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
As One Is
The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership
Q.E.D.
Where are the Customers Yachts
Evolving Ourselves
Scaling People
The Little Liar
The Humanure Handbook
Where Mountains Roar
The Enchiridion
The Singularity Is Near
Radical Candor
Freedom from the Known
I Wrote This Book Because I Love You
State of the Art
The Method Method
When To Jump
The Art of Memoir
Crucial Conversations
Maps of Meaning
David Bowie
The Odyssey
The Devil’s Financial Dictionary
How to Teach Your Baby to Read
The Essays of Schopenhauer
The Demon Under The Microscope
I Want To Be A Mathematician
Philosophy and Scientific Realism
Heretics of Dune
Savage Son
Modelling Extremal Events
Proof of Corruption
Peter Pan
Determined
More From Less
Superhuman
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
The Meaning of It All
The Giving Tree
Lincoln
Linchpin
The Evolution of Everything
The Design of Everyday Things
My Forty Years with Ford
Survival to Thrival
The Origin of Species
Friday Forward
An Elegant Defense
Permaculture: A Designer's Manual
Anything You Want
Relentless
How Will You Measure Your Life?
American Crusade
Screw Business As Usual
The Quest
The Law
Forged in Crisis
Range
On The Move
Call Me by Your Name
QED
Seveneves
Just Kids
The Holy Bible
Secret Sauce
The Plot Against the President
Liberal Privelege
Toussaint Louverture
The Museum of Other People
Winners Take All
The Tipping Point
Portraits of Interiors
Winning The Loser's Game
Days of Rage
Treasure Island
Financial Derivatives
Creative Selection
When Reason Goes on Holiday
Great Short Poems
The Fatal Conceit
World War 3.0
The Art of Possibility
Getting It Done
Road to Wigan Pier
I am Benjamin Franklin
Kill Decision
Very Classy