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

Frank Muller!

The very first book I ever listened to was Great Expectations read by Frank Muller, that was 40 years ago when I was in the hospital recovering from surgery for ovarian cancer. My mother and sister gave me the box set. At that time recordings were on tape cassette. That voice and that story; the gentle, true Joe Gargary, the one and only Magwich! not to mention Pip, dear boy, all saved me or let me go away and heal. I remember the moment when I made one of those, only Dickens could make this happen, realizations/connections while my 15-year-old son was visiting me there in the hospital. Suddenly It was , OH you mean ...........!!! (Don't want to say too much and give anything away!) What a moment! I have listened and re-listened to Great Expectations over these 40 years, each time as satisfying as the last. I mean, what a duo! Dickens and Muller!

Since then I've listened to countless books and Frank Muller remains one of my all time favorite readers. A Tale of Two Cities; suberb. His Moby Dick; amazing. And recently I discovered his reading of I Heard the Owl Call My Name. He is SO good!

We are blessed to have this form grow and grow with more and more readings! I am a very grateful listener.

Classic

I really enjoyed the different voices used by the narrator. It was more than just read. I checked out this book from the local library but needed it in my collection. This is one reason I signed up with audible.com

Great narration!

Frank Muller's tremendous, and I think he really has a feel for Dickens. This story kept my attention, and his use of voices rounds it out without being distracting. From Recorded Books, who can be counted on for the best readings.

Charles Dickens is a true master

I absolutely loved this book. I thought the narration couldn't have been better and although at first I found myself to be a little lost, things soon started coming together. Dickens is a master at describing how a character looks, walks, thinks, and behaves as he describes these characteristics as though he was present and noticed each little intricacy. This is truly a "Great Book" and should be read/heard by all. It will definitely tweak your interest for another great book by Dickens - A Tale Of Two Cities.

Does Dickens Justice, and How

I couldn't be more delighted with the reader of this funny, ever heartbreaking, lushly written story. The opening chapter captures the terror, bafflement, and resigned victimhood that comprise being a little child among we thoughtless big folks better than any other author ever could or will. Just a gem, to dip into like listening to favorite music.

Good Voices

I never quite got through this book in the past. Listening to the story on a long trip made the trip so much shorter. The narrator did a very good job with the different voices but there was one I couldn't understand easily.

First time I really "read" Dickens. A master.

What made the experience of listening to Great Expectations the most enjoyable?

Frank Muller allowed me to direct and observe the "movie" he and Charles Dickens made with his words. I felt as if I was observing Ms. Havisham, Estella, Joe, Mr. Magwich, etc. In my mind they were so real and touchable, it was frightful at times. Thank you Charles Dickens and Mr. Muller.

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

The interception of their boat on the river.

Which scene was your favorite?

Estella and Pip in the garden, near the end.

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

The hospital scene between Mr. Magwich and Pip.

Any additional comments?

I had read this book as a child in middle school. Now, after hearing it read by Mr. Muller, it all became real. A beautiful listen.

volume too low

The audio volume level was lower then others and at times hard to hear, even at max volume through both ear buds and phone speaker.

Amazing performance for a wonderful story

Charles Dickens' classic is a fantastic story and Frank Muller does it so much justice.
The voices of Abel Magwitch, Estella, and Joe Gargery are all wonderfully performed by Frank Muller.
My only complaint is with the ending, quite a disappointing final chapter. There is an alternate ending that is much more true to the realities of the world and left me much more satisfied.
This book is meant to have its original ending. It changes the entire meaning of the story.

A true classic

This is a classic that I find easy to enjoy. I personally think that, for me, to get to most out of this particular book, I need to maybe read rather than listen to it. The reason is that the stories get quite tangled and have a lot of intricate detail that I don't catch as much if I am listening while doing other things. Either way, I recommend it!