Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Audie Award, Classic, 2009

Considered by many to be Charles Dickens's finest novel, Great Expectations traces the growth of the book's narrator, the orphan Philip Pirrip (Pip), from a boy of shallow dreams to a man with depth of character.

From its famous dramatic opening on the bleak Kentish marshes, the story abounds with some of Dickens's most memorable characters. Among them are the kindly blacksmith Joe Gargery, the mysterious convict Abel Magwitch, the eccentric Miss Havisham and her beautiful ward Estella, Pip's good-hearted roommate Herbert Pocket, and the pompous Pumblechook.

As Pip unravels the truth behind his own "great expectations" in his quest to become a gentleman, the mysteries of the past and the convolutions of fate through a series of thrilling adventures serve to steer him toward maturity and his most important discovery of all - the truth about himself.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The most perfectly constructed and perfectly written of all Dickens's works." (Edgar H. Johnson, Dickens' biographer)

Great time of reading

I didn't remember much of this from high school; however, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narration was fantastic and the change of voice for each character made it very easy to follow the story line.

Moving narration of a wonderful tale

I was so engaged by Simon Vance’s narration, that the minute I I finished this Audible, I began again immediately!

Different times but common problems

If you are a Simon Vance narration fan this book won't disappoint. He does a great job and brings an old tail to life. The book is a tail of rags to riches and the morrel and social issues that are encountered along the way. It is an interesting exploration of the trials of friendship and loyalty. I'm sure that I'll return to this book on rainy weekends.

Classic

Simon Did an excellent job. of course Dickens will present the classic. The story is timeless and brings the bitter sweet remembrances of Youthful truth, to this old man's heart.

Great narration and easy to listen to.

I chose this book based on all the high recommendations. It wasn't bad. The narrator was great, and the story was easy to follow. The author is famous for a reason. The storytelling paints a vivid picture and the drama is captivating.