Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Eddie Izzard

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.

Great Expectations finally understood

Many, many years ago this book was just a high school assignment which I found extremely difficult to read and understand. Thank goodness for Audible books for presenting this wonderful version. The narrator brought this tale to life and made even the old English text enjoyable and exciting. The story of a young lad with a dark secret has many twists and turns. It has all the features of high drama and suspense that modern writers attempt to achieve. Dickens was truly ahead of his time. And there is no better narrator then Eddie Izzard who is also a man ahead of his time. His talent is obvious here, On completion of listening to this book, I looked for a movie version and found the 1947 film starring John Mills as Pip and Alec Guinness as Herbert Pocket. It is equally enjoyable but of course much abbreviated. I really can not recommend this audible version enough. I know I will listen to it again and again over the years.

Magnificent

Far and away the best reading of any book l have ever heard. Eddie Izzard's perfect, yet effortless and inspired change of voice or accent with each character was wonderful. He was beautifully expressive of Dickens' superbly crafted, but lengthy sentences. His droll delivery of Dickens' humor...perfect. "Portable property." The monotone drone of the typical audiobook going forward will be extremely frustrating, as Izzard has shown me how this should be done. I have loved Izzard for years. I dearly hope he will spoil us with more Dickens. Or Hugo. Or Herriot. JK Rowling chose Dickens as the author she would most like to have dinner with. Izzard's nuanced reading brought me to full understanding of her choice. Thank You!! Please do more!!!

Great expectations fulfilled

Exemplary performance, and a clear love for the source material. Izzard brings out both the comedy and tragedy in this piece.

Remarkable performance

Izzard does a wonderful job of capturing the humor and subtlety of the book. I’m not that much of a Dickens fan but loved this reading.