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

Not my favorite Dickens

Don't get me wrong. This is classic Dickens, with incredible characterization and a masterfully woven plot. Plus, the narration absolutely could not be better. There are other good narrations of this story, but Frank Muller tops them all. I just don't care for the principal character. A number of times he knows the right thing to do but fails to do it. He suffers the consequences, but he doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. Also it lacks a happy ending (in my opinion.) Both of these are unusual for Dickens. I find it unfortunate that many students are offered this as their introduction to Dickens, when it is so uncharacteristic in these ways. So if you are a Dickens fan, you definitely don't want to miss this one, and this by all means is the narrator to choose. It's just not one of my favorites that I listen to time and again.

recording is not very good

The recording repeats itself and the volume and sound cut in and out. Still a good story and worth a listen. The reader does a pretty good job with the different voices but I think at times he forgot who was supposed to sound a particular way and would get mixed up.

Really enjoyed this book!

I was forced to read this book as a seventh grader. I HATED it!! I cannot emphasize this enough.

Fro some totally crazy reason, I ordered it expecting not to like it again. But, I wanted to expand my horizons and besides, I love Frank Muller's narration!

So I must admit,though being forced to read it, I could not remember anything at all except Miss Haversham and that obnoxious wedding table of her. So, clearly,, seventh grade was a long , LONG time ago!

I absolutely LOVED this book! No kidding! I have not previously been a Dickens fan, but now I'd have to say I am, of at least some of his works.

This is a great story, a bit of a cautionary tale and even a romance and story of enduring love between friends and family.

I was totally amazed at how much I loved this book.

And of course, the great Frank makes it even better! He does his usual job of excellent narration.

So, the moral of the story is... even if you hated it in junior high, try it again in twenty or MORE years!:)

Classic Read

Here Charles Dickens takes his view of society where so many people had Great Expectations for the world they were building only to have those expectation taken away. Here we follow Pip who is a simple kid that is suddenly taken under someone's wing to be nurtured and raised in an environment above what he's used too. We see how he has all these expectation of the world just to have them dashed by the world developing around him. Charles develops each character as the story progresses giving us a deep understanding of the English culture. We also see that a lot of what happened back then is still happening today. Where someone says something is good and people jump on it without really looking at it. I haven't read this book since I was in school and it was well worth the read again.

The Genius of Dickens

If you have the patience to wade through the thick language and slow- at some points- story line, you will discover the genius of Dickens. The story is smart and wholly original while submitting a message that translates many generations over.

Beautiful.

DeHumpty

The narrator did a most wonderful job of this book, with his perfect capture of the tones and voices of each character, and the twists and turns of the plot. I regret to say that A Tale of Two Cities is a better work of Dickens than this one, although the unique subtlety of Dickens' style is shared in both. Perhaps it is the comedic and melodramatic ending that hindered this books greatness.

Another One Out Of The Park

Dickens, you continue to amaze me. Muller, couldn't do better. So glad I walked there with both of you.

Great Expectations

As Read by Frank Muller

I have been listening to Books On Tape/Recorded Books, for many years, being a prisoner of my car.

Frank Muller is, (or was,) the best reader ever.

If you don't like this reading, you should give this genre up.

I love this book, and love this reader.

Why a classic is a classic

This is a spectacular book and clearly demonstrates why Dickens should still be read.

I greatly enjoyed the recording. The narrator made it come alive and, considering the 19th century syntax and the voices of the characters, it was quite accessible.

Great combination

Having listened to a number of audiobooks, this one has been my favorite. Dickens is a master of the written word and Muller does a wonderful job of narrating it. The narrator made the story easy to follow by the different intonations given to each character.