Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 16 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

When the young orphan called Pip encounters the escaped convict Magwitch, the child's life is altered forever - in ways he cannot even imagine. In the course of his story, Pip encounters such memorable characters as the eccentric Miss Havisham and her beautiful ward Estella - and a mysterious benefactor. This recording includes both of the endings Dickens wrote for this classic novel.

Public Domain (P)1987 Recorded Books

Charming Pip takes on a life of Great Expectatons

Where does Great Expectations rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Sincere, sweet, charming, in Dickens quality; very straightforward in style as the narrator explains how he is destined for Great Expectations. The first time this is spoken in the audio Pip's world expands beyond all worldly possessions [happy sigh!]. This audio was suberb in quality, the reading was wonderful-thank you. Among other rankings in my library, this is high up on the list of most valuable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Great Expectations?

I won't ruin the end because it was so great, but the funny moments in between when Pip's sister's husband Joe interacts with Pip. Joe is so simplistic in nature. Every time he enters the story you are sure to get a laugh.

Have you listened to any of Frank Muller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, they are all equally superb!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Estella......their interaction was particularly touching. From the moment the two met, each time they'd meet again and most certainly the ending. Unexpected....

Well worth the listen.

Any additional comments?

Not much can be added to what has been said over the years about Dickens' vast and incredibly deep stories. The only thing new I can add is that until you've heard it narrated by Frank Muller, you haven't heard the whole story. Do an Audible search for Frank Muller and see what other great stories he can bring to life.

A wonderful story of love and family devotion

The performance is brilliant! Charles Dickens has a way with descriptions that are poetic, imaginitive, and engaging. There are many characters and a very rich plot, but not difficult to understand or follow. Dickens brought together all the characters in a very unexpected unfolding of events. A classic tale well worth listening to.

Dickens is better heard than read

Was Great Expectations worth the listening time?

I do not love Dickens. In my grandmother's words he never used one word when a thousand would do. Serial stories and being paid by the word did not improve his writing. Listening to it made that fact less onerous. And the last half is better than the beginning. I will never read it again, but I am glad that I know the whole story, now.

Amazing narration!

Great Expectations is one of my favorite Dickens novel and the narration pairs beautifully with the masterpiece of this work.

Got far more than I expected from this book!

An amazing book that really touches on issues one wouldn't expect and life in general.

Compelling listen.

What did you love best about Great Expectations?

Its a classic everyone should read. Audio made it easy!

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are strong and you get a real sense of life in London in a different era.

Which character – as performed by Frank Muller – was your favorite?

Pip was undeniably good, as you follow him through the years. From the trigger event at the beginning of the story, to his maturity at the end, you cant help to sympathise with Pip.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme. Just a good, solid, entertaining read.

Classic novel read too fast

Would you listen to Great Expectations again? Why?

Yes, but by a different reader. I had listened to it before, and thought I was ordering the same reader, but I apparently did not order what I was expecting.

What did you like best about this story?

The language, wonderfully developed characters, convoluted plot. It is Dickens at his best.

How could the performance have been better?

The reader reads much too fast; he does a nice job with the accents, but the pace is so rapid that Dickens' delicious language is lost in the rush.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Often made me laugh--and the relationship between Pip and Joe is very touching.

Great performance and story

Where does Great Expectations rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top

What other book might you compare Great Expectations to and why?

None

Have you listened to any of Frank Muller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I am 64 and read Dickens for HS or college but did not appreciate his ability to describe a situation in humorous or a "tongue in cheek" manner. It's almost as if he playing with his reading public thinking "let's see if they get this".

Any additional comments?

Frank Muller"s performance is superb .....he has a wide range of vocal personalities and does not irritate the listener when impersonating the female gender as many readers do.

A classic

I wanted to read this but I ended up listening to it during an illness. Definitely worth hearing. Nothing blows up no more, no murders, but very satisfying!
Excellent narrator. Both endings are provided just really helpful.