Great Expectations

“Great Expectations” Book Review
By: Christie S.

Charles Dickens wrote “Great Expectations” as his last book. Many believe it to be the best of all his books. Charles Dickens weaves a very compelling and intriguing story line. He uses surprising conflict, colorful characters, and a fast paced plot. He also inserts surprising twists and turns. Mr. Dickens really takes us on a journey. People say that a good story is like a roller coaster. It starts out big and then in between all the tricks it gives us breathing time and at the end there is a big finale. “Great Expectations” is just such a roller coaster.
It starts out as sort of a narrative. Pip is older and more mature and is looking back upon his youth. One of the major themes of this book is growing up. This is a book about coming of age. “Great Expectations” has so many complex themes. Dickens really sets about to examine all the intricacies of the human heart and mind. He examines in depth the complications of having human relationships.
The characters really make this book a timeless classic. Dickens portrays his characters as flawed which makes them all the more real. He really hits on issues that are prevalent even in the twenty-first century. We have our protagonist an ambitious Pip. There is the beautiful, but scornful Estella who has experienced a horrible childhood. There is the bitter Miss Havisham who is looking for love but doesn’t know what it looks like in the first place. We see a mysterious convict, Magwitch, who is somehow a vital part of the plot. We have an oppressive dictator in Pip’s older sister Mrs. Joe. There is a kind hearted brother-in-law in Joe and a sweetheart in his tutor Biddy. Herbert, Pip’s friend from London, is a simple fellow with character that surpasses everyone. All of these characters and many more make this book rich and worthwhile. You can learn so much from them.
The book starts out in a very gloomy and dark graveyard. This first scene sets a mood of foreboding. Great Expectations then proceeds to tell the story of Pip’s life. It chronicles from the time he meets the convict, Magwitch to when he goes to meet Miss Havisham and Estella. And from that time on Pip is discontent to be an apprentice to his good friend Joe. Pip begins to dream and to want to be in a higher station. He even dreams of one day marrying the conceited; cold Estella. In a sense this is where he starts forming his “great expectations.” Pip begins to change. He starts being unhappy with his circumstances even though he has much to be grateful for. Pip begins to treat people with disrespect and he begins to devalue the good people around him, even his loyal friend Joe. So when the news comes that he has a secret benefactor that wishes to support him and make him into a gentleman he moves to London leaving his childhood home behind him. In a sense he also leaves behind his innocence. The last half of the book is filled with action and shocking secrets. We find out who Pip’s benefactor is, what happens to Miss Havisham, who Estella’s parents are, and many more secrets. It takes you on a wild roller coaster ride that leaves you breathless but semi dissatisfied at the end. Usually Dickens wraps up his characters very nicely but in Great Expectations he leaves certain things unresolved.
Overall this is a fabulous book that will remain a timeless classic for many years to come. We get to grow with Pip. Great Expectations is a very worthwhile read. It gives you insight on youth and the effect that choices have on you. It really makes you think especially about the consequences of being foolish. There are many universal themes that you will be able to pick out and learn from. This truly is a classic in its own right. Bravo, Charles Dickens!