Great Expectations

Charles Dickens

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Richard Branson's top books to read in a lifetime.

Book Synopsis

"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is a compelling tale that follows the life of young orphan Pip as he navigates the complexities of Victorian society and explores his own aspirations and desires.

At the beginning of the novel, Pip encounters a mysterious escaped convict in a cemetery and, out of fear, helps him by stealing food and a file. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that will shape Pip's future.

Soon after, Pip is taken to the eccentric and wealthy Miss Havisham's decaying mansion, where he meets the captivating Estella. He becomes infatuated with her, and aspires to become a gentleman in order to win her heart.

Pip's life takes an unexpected turn when he unexpectedly receives a financial windfall from an anonymous benefactor. This sudden wealth propels him into London's high society, where he is mentored by the enigmatic lawyer, Mr. Jaggers.

As Pip continues to navigate the intricate web of relationships and encounters, he discovers that his expectations may not align with reality. His choices and actions impact not only his own future but also the lives of those around him.

Dickens expertly explores themes of ambition, social class, love, and the consequences of one's choices. Through his richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, he paints a detailed portrait of Victorian society and raises poignant questions about the pursuit of dreams and the nature of true happiness.

"Great Expectations" is a timeless classic that captivates readers with its masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking themes. It has remained an enduring work of literature, resonating with readers of all ages and leaving a lasting impact on the literary canon.

Explore More Books

See All
History Has Begun
The God Proof
Buffett
An Elegant Defense
Competition Demystified
Diaminds
The Inevitable
The Checklist Manifesto
Thai Stick
Live Free or Die
Leonardo Da Vinci
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
Total Freedom
Shook One
The Light Of Other Days
The Tyrrany of Guilt
The Warren Buffett Way
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953
Off The Record
Physics from Finance
Everything Happens For a Reason
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
Ghost Fleet
Conspiracy of Fools
How to Teach Your Baby to Read
The Future Is Faster Than You Think
Startups
We Are The Nerds
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Tribe
The Alchemy of Air
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
A Confederacy of Dunces
The Spy and The Traitor
Born to Run
Million Dollar Weekend
The 10,000 Year Explosion
A Life
One Simple Idea
The Obstacle Is the Way
In Pursuit of the Common Good
Zen in the Art of Archery
The Ones We Have Been Waiting For
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
What It Takes
The Song of the Cell
Scaling People
Accidental Presidents
I am Anne Frank
Deng Xiaoping and The Transformation of China
I Think, Therefore I Laugh
A Bold Return to Giving a Damn
The Art of Living and Dying
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
The Spider Network
The Tartar Steppe
Technopoly
In Defense of a Liberal Education
The River War
The Dream Machine
The Story of Design
Leaders
Why Information Grows
The Price of Tomorrow
Virtual Economies
Adaptive Markets
Grit
The Infidel and the Professor
Virtual Society
Foundation and Earth
The Robotics Primer
The Black Dahlia
Payoff
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics
King Lear
Remote: Office Not Required
Game of Thorns
The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity
Complexity
Leonardo Da Vinci
The 4 Hour Body
The Gospel of Wealth
Winning
Dune Messiah
More Heat Than Light
An Inconvenient Truth
The Utopia of Rules
Out of Mao's Shadow
The Three Body Problem
The Science of Success
How To Win at the Sport of Business
Hell Yeah or No
The Oz Principle
The Great Rupture
The Promise of a Pencil
The Great Illusion
The Venture Mindset
The Age of Entitlement
The World