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
Infinite Powers
Becoming
Subliminal
She Has Her Mother's Laugh
Facing Love Addiction
What is Life?
Nature Via Nurture
Bet With the Best
The Messy Middle
The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty
The Power of Positive Thinking
The Parasitic Mind
The Upanishads
As A Man Thinketh
Focus
Pebbles of Perception
Payoff
The Persian Expedition
The Farming Ladder
To Sell is Human
Expert Political Judgement
The Box
The Mathematics of Politics
A Higher Loyalty
The Omnivore's Dilemma
One Monster After Another
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
At Home in the Universe
Energy Transitions
Growth
Distress
Influence
Inside Trump's White House
Sperm Wars
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
A Time for New Dreams
The Way of Kings
The Gun Seller
The Cost Of Hope
The Sun Also Rises
The Bias That Divides Us
Built To Last
The Inevitable
Pale Rider
On Writing Well
Technically Food
Understanding Comics
The Search
The 4 Hour Body
The Long Tail
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Barbarian Days
Have Space Suit - Will Travel
Game of Thorns
Peak
The Culture Code
Reboot
The Tartar Steppe
Pasture Perfect
XKCD
How The West Grew Rich
The Bed of Procrustes
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
The Compleat Strategyst
The PayPal Wars
Elvis Cole Series
Human Action
Money: Master The Game
Snow Crash
A Peace to End All Peace
Changes in the Land
Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish
Why Buy Bitcoin
Kingpin
Eisenhower
100 Best-Loved Poems
Heaven on Earth
The Araboolies of Liberty Street
Good Profit
Tao Te Ching
Being Wrong
Who's In Charge
Dance to the Tune of Life
Don't Feed the Monkey Mind
The Sleepwalkers
Immortality
Direct Truth
Cryptonomicon
The Courage To Be Disliked
Physics of the Impossible
Against The Gods
Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha
The Book of Nothing
No Easy Day
Inside the Rise of HBO
Discovering Your Personality Type
The Lean Startup
Something Like an Autobiography
The Purple Cow
Wild Swans