While many things happen, at its core this is the most straightforward plot that Dickens has mustered since the Curiosity Shop. Young Pip is destined for a lowly life as a blacksmith's apprentice, until he is introduced to Miss Havisham and her ward. Shortly afterward he comes into a bit of property and takes up the life of a gentleman, as if this were the story of Little Dorrit again. Dickens loves to repurpose ideas from former novels in new clothes, but there's some fun (eventual) twists to this one that make it unique.

It never does to have too great expectations before reading any novel, and mine were relatively low after Two Cities didn't live up to its billing. Plus I had spoilers this time, vague memories of when I ripped through this novel as a teen reading every third or fourth word after it felt like treacle. Thirty-some years later it has none of those problems and proves to be one of my favourites among all of Dickens' work, although I wonder how much my opinion is influenced by having enjoyed the dramatic irony. A couple of minor quirks stand out. I don't like how Orlick enters the story out of nowhere in Chapter 15 as if he'd been there all along, and I couldn't shake thoughts of Dickens' poor reputation as a father that drained the fun from his depicting the Pockets' hopeless parenting. The coincidences nearly choked me this time and the conclusion feels too prolonged. I also can't help wondering (perhaps am meant to wonder) if Pip's original destiny he was steered from wouldn't have been the happiest outcome.

This is a textbook study of the reckless ways one can get up to when coming into money without guidance; note to self, if I ever win the lottery. It's most true-to-life aspect is Pip's self-awareness, and yet he continues to do it, demonstrating how pernicious it can be. He has a similar challenge in the romance department, where again he knows his object is a poor choice but he's unable to direct the stirrings of his heart. Saying 'no' to yourself can be a difficult thing to do. Continually saying 'yes' to every temptation is the root of more evil than all the money and batting eyelashes in the world. ( )

By 1860, Charles Dickens was a national celebrity and a sort of "elder statesman", now devoting much of his life to speeches, essays, social work, and generally not writing so many novels. Great Expectations is his 21st major work and 13th novel (of 15), and is - I would argue - his third masterpiece, following on from Bleak House and Little Dorrit, although in a very different way to either of them.

The psychological development of Pip Pirrip is perhaps unequalled in Dickens' canon, and it feels as if this is a breakthrough in terms of character. I've not yet read Our Mutual Friend, which I'm told takes this further, but it's certainly a good feeling. Estella herself is an interesting figure but ultimately more of a paper moth than a full human, although that is in some ways deliberate. More to the point, Great Expectations achieves its targets by applying characterisation to numerous supporting characters, such as Orlick and Magwitch, and in the rich history of Miss Havisham, a character who has so haunted Western culture ever since.

It is also perhaps the most challenging of Dickens' novels in its more complicated moral message. Pip's "Great Expectations" in many ways don't seem so bad: success! comfort! Dickens' arguments against them, along the lines of a younger generation coming of age and staying steadfast to moral development, seem admirable, although I can't help seeing him as a man growing older and more disconnected from the younger members of his society.

There's plenty of comedy sandwiched amongst the Gothic here, but what stands out most - as often with Dickens - is the beauty, from the ruined Satis house to the thriving metropolis and back to the rural marshes of Pip's youth. A truly poetic novel, that should cater to even the most Flaubertian of Dickens critics. (I hope!) ( )

What a ride. Although a bit slow in pacing at first, during the latter half it really starts pick up greatly. I was quite engrossed by the last third and could barely put the book down. Lots of lessons to ponder over. Lots of reflections. The prose can be a bit tough, and you may need to re-read certain passages (or not, merely registering the core idea and move on) but it is largely worth it. ( )

I've read several Dickens novels before and enjoyed them thoroughly, but this one was a total slog from the start. I had real issues with all the characters, and especially with Pip. I found him so irritating and dislikable, a bit of a problem as he's the narrator! But I persisted and it paid off because halfway through the book the magic happened and I got totally into the story. I think my issues with the characters was mainly because they are really quite 'out there'. Dickens'writing... well, what can I say? Simply brilliant and so evocative. The story still resounds today especially in our materialistic age. It's quite a masterpiece but I can only give it 4 star because it was so long and it was so hard to get into. ( )

My favorite book ever. I could read this a thousand times. ( )