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Great Expectations (book)

novel by Charles Dickens

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Great Satisfaction

Jun 12, 2010

by cortazar4
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

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Generally when approaching a classic work of fiction, one feels compelled to enjoy it. That has always been the assumed case with Sir Charles Dickens. It didn't matter that so many of his stories were contrived for financial gain. All that mattered was that he was a man looking for something through the written word and his journey had led him through A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, Bleak House and so on. For this matter, when I met myself thumbing Great Expectations, I fully intended to be overwhelmed, or even more likely, disheartened to finish halfway through. What emerged from the story, from the common paradoxes, was the tale of a boy named Pip, an anti-scoundrel everyone either has something in common with, or wants to. The shape of this character redefines the way we look at class and the way class does, but shouldn't play such an unforgiving role in our society. Pip is an estranged wonder to even Dickens, though. If we interpret Edwin Drood or Oliver Twist, we slowly see characters who are hyperbolic representations of Dickens, or a likened self. But Pip is someone who doesn't appear like Charles in any way, but somehow finds a way to reach us. That's the wondrous success of Great Expectations. It will open you up, but it won't tell you how it managed to do so.

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StevenMarie June 23, 2010

This is a great review because you approach it from a simple yet different approach. I read it a long time ago and remember not necessarily liking it. When you compare it to Dickens and his work as a whole, it does stand out. I feel like my view of the book is less critical.

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cpw1952 June 12, 2010

This year, I've given myself the personal challenge to read more of the classics and I've even gone so far as to prepare a list of the ones I'd like to read. "Great Expectations" was on the list but I just haven't got to it yet. Your review prompts me to put it higher on the list. Thanks.

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More Great Expectations (book) reviews

review by TStocksl. August 23, 2008

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A work of lasting skill, value, and impact, truly a classic

It is astonishing to read literature this good, such that within the first few pages you know that no matter what the author does to the characters or how he concludes the story, and whether it suits my tastes in any specific direction, you realize that here is a work of lasting skill, value, and impact, truly a classic. Now I came to this book with perhaps reduced expectations, not great ones, having only remembered reading The Christmas Carol by Dickens, a story so well … more

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review by brosterncom. August 01, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A story of kindness and hatred

When I first read this book many years ago, it was for a piece of english coursework, the books tell the story of Pip who helps a stranger by giving him a pork pie and some wine, the stranger had just escaped prison. Pip has a love affection who he describes as an 'unattainable dream', this is because her boss, Miss Havisham who is a recluse surrounded by memories of being jilted, this made her into a cruel women who hated the male gender. Pip visited Miss Havisham on several occasions whilst … more

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review by RichardG. June 23, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

Expect A Great Book

The story of Great Expectations written by Charles Dickens is one of my favorite books of all time. I remember the first time reading this in high school and I was intrigued by the story. It is a book that should definitely be read by each and all. It is a coming of age story which involves Phillip Pirrip and his quest to become a gentleman. His attempt to become a gentleman takes an interesting start in his young age. He encounters a convict and he helps him and this would have a profound effect … more

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review by zoeosity. July 14, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

Frustrating read.

Warning: this review contains spoilers. When I read this for school in 9th grade I was pretty solidly convinced that Charles Dickens was paid by the word. I heard this was the case, and this book doesn't make it surprising. One thing he does well is tying up loose ends. Every character, however minor he or she may seem, ends up being important to Pip untangling the web of intrigue in the novel. What's frustrating about this book is … more

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Quick Tip by wordlover. July 17, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A Quick Tip by wordlover

If you are new to the world of Dickens, DO NOT begin with this book. While insightful at points, every character is unlikeable and anger provoking.

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review by bhall0903. July 16, 2010

Great Book!

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Quick Tip by StAlia. July 13, 2010

A Quick Tip by StAlia

Dickens writing literally transported me to this timeframe and the lives of these characters. Great read!

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Quick Tip by shandianxia. July 11, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A Quick Tip by shandianxia

This is a very nice story, and I really enjoyed it, but the plot sometimes moves a bit slow.

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Quick Tip by RemembranceRock. July 09, 2010

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A Quick Tip by RemembranceRock

I was assigned, as are many, this book to read in a ninth grade English class. The creative use of plots and story in herein cemented my desire to be a writer.

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