Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Eddie Izzard

Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The classic Charles Dickens novel, performed by one of Britain's greatest comedians

Widely considered to be Charles Dickens' greatest and best-loved work, Great Expectations was first published as a serial between December 1860 - August 1861 and has been in print ever since. The story of a young boy from humble origins who dares to dream of becoming a gentleman, it is one of Dickens' most enduring and widely adapted novels.

In this new unabridged production, star comedian and polymath Eddie Izzard infuses the story of Pip with her trademark wit and flair, and breathes new life into some of Dickens' most memorable characters, while staying completely faithful to the novel.

A unique performer and storyteller, Eddie has long held a fascination for Dickens and his work. Whether you're already well-acquainted with the story or you've never read a Charles Dickens novel, this is a must-listen.

Public Domain (P)2018 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critic reviews

'[A] captivating and colourfully calibrated performance' Wall Street Journal

'She's got this story by the reins, and we're lucky to travel along.' New York Stage Review

What a classic work.

Different and better than my first reading years ago. Well worth the time. Fifteen words from me to you.

Izzard IS Pip!

Izzard is the perfect reader for this novel: poignant, witty, arrogant, naive, generous, wistful. Pitch perfect with every character.

A time honored story

Eddie Izzard brought this well known story to an elevated narrative. He is amazing! You will see these characters in a new light. Please do more Dickens!

Eddy Izzard breathes new life into this classic.

Eddy Izzard breathes new life into this classic. I’m so glad I found his version before I thought I had to settle with one of the others. More Izzard for more of the classics, please!

I am CRUSHED...

...that Eddie Izzard’s narration of Great Expectations has ended for me. What a masterful and lovingly told story. What have I now to accompany me during my quiet daily toil? I can only thank Mr. Izzard for his inspired rendering.

Amazing reading

Great Expectations is a beautiful book and Eddie Izzard’s masterful performance does it justice. This is the best audio book I’ve listened to. Izzard brings the characters to life and the rendition is funny, sad, poignant and very moving. Highly recommended.

Tremendous

Mr Izzard’s performance is transcendent. He renders each character with such insight and tenderness which is fully in concert with Dickens’ handling of them himself. Izzard’s intelligence and ability to relate to the humanity in the tale beyond the eccentricities of an older dialect allow him to inflect antiquated phraseology in a completely modern and relatable tone. He makes the tome which in other hands might be read with the gravitas of a formidable, unrelatable great-grandfather open up and blossom, as if told you by your best friend over tea in the kitchen. Truly a magnificent reading and-I forgot to mention - also an equally worthy and wonderful book.

Izzard is terrific.

Best read book I have ever listened to. Izzard and Dickens are a perfect match.

Amazing Performance

I have listened to over a hundred Audiobooks in English. At the risk of over-inflating your, um, expectations, let me say that this is an extraordinary performance, well worth twenty hours of anyone’s life. As for the book itself, well, if you don’t know how, er, great it is, you’re in for a double surprise.

loved it

I could listen to Eddie Izzard read Dickens forever. wish he read more of his work.