Great Expectations

Written by Charles Dickens

Narrated by Martin Jarvis

A story of love and broken dreams, Great Expectations is regarded by many as Dickens' finest achievement. He combines a gripping, melodramatic plot with a rich and memorable cast of characters, some comic, some tragic, some eccentric and some exemplary, like the generous-spirited Joe Gargery. The tale is told by Pip, an orphan of humble origins, who rises to be a gentleman through a mysterious benefactor. But his world is turned upside-down by a revelation, the nature of which he could never have guessed. This audiobook is read for you by Martin Jarvis.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Copyright Group
• Release date: Jan 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781780000688

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic. Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Dickens had a prolific collection of works including fifteen novels, five novellas, and hundreds of short stories and articles. The term “cliffhanger endings” was created because of his practice of ending his serial short stories with drama and suspense. Dickens’ political and social beliefs heavily shaped his literary work. He argued against capitalist beliefs, and advocated for children’s rights, education, and other social reforms. Dickens advocacy for such causes is apparent in his empathetic portrayal of lower classes in his famous works, such as The Christmas Carol and Hard Times.

Reviews for Great Expectations

[ganeshaka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My uncle sat me down one Christmas eve past - me, a restless pre-teen brat - and made me take turns with him, reading this book aloud. "Kinda BO-ring and hokey," I thought, "It's Christmas time, I get it." But my uncle had been a sailor. He knew about messages in bottles thrown from ships at sea. Fifty years later, I recall this incident with tears. And somewhere, adrift in The Ether, Dickens nudges my uncle, points at me and winks.

[bibleblaster · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

First time I've actually read the story. Well worth it, if only for those little details the movies might miss...And replete with messages for the current debt crisis :-)

[jasonlf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This feels more like a book Dickens discovered than one that he wrote. Worth re-reading every few years.

[tina1969_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Christmas Carol is Decembers book club choice so ive left it to read over the Christmas period. However also over Christmas on the tv there has been several versions of the classic, from Alistar Simm to The Muppets. My husband I think has watched every one.So sitting down to read the book I felt I had already read it. I have read Charles Dickens twice before and both times have enjoyed but found hard going. This book I found easier. The story is timeless and is the Christmas story that everyone knows.The book is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit when read. I give the story five stars quite easily, I just wished I could have read it before the many versions on tv appeared.

[scott_hercher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Arguably my favorite book. It is a friendship that is renewed every year at Christmas time, like putting a cherished sentimental ornament on a Christmas tree, or having lunch with an old friend you only see once a year.

[kassilem · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a short easy book to read, or in my case listen (narrated by Jim Dale). I've known of the story for years and years and have seen many renditions of it in film but had never actually read the book. Having known the story beforehand there was nothing here that was new or exciting but it is nice to have got through it. And it's such a classic, that if you haven't read it, I highly suggest getting a copy while the season is right.

[michael8xolotl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Four stars on its own; five because I read it with Shannon. I like the ghost story part, which was handled better than I thought it would be, but I hate poor Tiny Tim and I don't believe in Total Abstinence. Also, I enjoy as much intercourse as possible with Spirits of any sort or kind.

Dickens was a cheeseball.

[erika.d · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love A Christmas Carol. I've read it over and over. It is one of those stories that I will never grow tired of.

[virago77 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this story, but hated the book.I have always loved the story of Scrooge. I enjoy the movie/play versions of the story--watching the various versions is one of the handful of things I enjoy about this time of year. Having finally read the book a few years ago, I was disappointed. I did not like the written version of the story and I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is because some stories are best when acted? Who knows?With Sir Patrick Stewart as a narrator, I couldn't say no to giving the the book version another try. The story comes to life again in this version and I definitely enjoyed it. It is abridged, but the book isn't very long to being with, so I don't know that it makes much difference in the grand scheme. Maybe one day I will give the written version another read, but for now I'll stick to the movies and this narration.

[Ann Rosenthal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narration for this book was wonderful and brought the characters and places to life. Dickens is a master storyteller and his tale is full of intrigue, romance, and redemption. A must read classic.

[randystafford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you live in the English speaking world and have spent any time around a tv during the month of December, you know the plot.Is the story worth reading and not just watching? Very much. It preserves the poignancy of lost time and redemption that is at the heart of Scrooge's story - even more than a religious message. Dickens addresses the reader directly, and there is more humor than most adaptations show.This edition has an interesting account of the first time Dickens read the story to a general audience - the beginning of Dickens' career in performing his work which proved almost as lucrative as the mere writing of it.

[therebelprince · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The 8th of Dickens' 24 major works, and the 1st of his 5 "Christmas novellas".... well, this is just wonderful, isn't it? Next to the characters of Oliver Twist, Scrooge and his ghosts - not to mention that little brat Tim - must be the most well-known Dickensians of our cultural consciousness. This is just first-class stuff, showcasing Dickens' skill for shorter fiction. Scrooge is perhaps Dickens' first real character. No, he's no Emma Bovary, I'll admit. But the short bursts we get of his life, combined with the ultimate causes of his change, give more insight than we saw in Oliver, Nicholas, Nell, and Barnaby. I think every person in the Western world has read this novella but, if you haven't, what are you waiting for? (The other four Christmas novellas... yeah, not so much.)

[nosajeel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This feels more like a book Dickens discovered than one that he wrote. Worth re-reading every few years.

[tvnerd95 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the way to enjoy this story – having Tim Curry read it to you. He does an absolutely fabulous job and it was just a total delight.

For the story – I love how creepy yet still uplifting the author was able to keep the story. He has really had you feeling for past Ebenezer. I would have liked more about Bob Cratchit because he always seems so much more developed as a character in the cinematic versions of the story. I kind of missed that.

Tim Curry gives this story a fabulous feel and it keeps you listening to very end. He gives each character a distinct voice and really does the creepy justice. Great way to enjoy a classic.

[andy5185 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Never gets old for me.

[leann-362203 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tim Curry is BRILLIANT!!! That.is.all!

[books9n9pickles · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm amazed how much of the Muppet movie came directly from the book, including scenes I thought were too ridiculous to be real! There are also a few Symbolic and Allegorical scenes that just wouldn't float in a modern adaptation. Still, good fun, and I'm glad I finally read the original.

[bcrowl399 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've read this book a few times. I always like to read it at Christmas.

[weateallthepi-681576 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read this one every year though I don’t tend to add books I know I’ve read plenty.

This time round it was the audiobook read by Tim Curry which I’d give a four star I think. Remarkably understated performance for Tim Curry which is probably why I enjoyed it. Still looking for the perfect audio version but this is pretty good and thankfully the character voices weren’t ridiculously over the top.

[bookappeal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every time I read it, I discover something new. Beyond its inspiring message, it’s just darn funny.

[amcheri-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story and great narration! A Christmas Carol has been on my TBR list for more years than I can remember but I just never got around to it. I've seen various productions on TV or in movies but never read the actual story.

Audible gave away the version with Tim Curry doing the narration, last year I believe, but still I didn't listen. It took a good friend mentioning that she was listening to it yesterday to get me going. Well, that and the fact that I still need five books for my annual challenge and this was short.

I loved it. Tim Curry did a fantastic job and I even found myself tearing up three times. Yes, I'm PMSing but still...

[wanderlustlover_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

2013, January -- No entry


2015 -- Audio Book Reading by Neil Gaiman

A favorite habit of mine is to read this book every year at Christmas. I got lucky this year and Neil Gaiman read it to me, flush with all of Dicken's own personal notes for how the piece was best performed to audiences.

[iudita_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It isn't Christmas without a bit of Dickens and this audio edition narrated by Hugh Grant was just excellent.

[sheila1957 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My annual reading of A Christmas Carol. I always enjoy watching Scrooge change his ways. This time I picked up some new things that Scrooge says and does. Didn't expect that after all these years of reading it. Worth reading. The Christmas season would not be complete without reading this.

[lycomayflower · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An annual reread, these past two years done out loud with the husbeast. One of my most favoritest Christmas traditions and one of my most favorite of favoritest books, actually. Never, ever grows old, and always brings a smile. Some of the best descriptions of food, crowds, the city, and parties I've ever read here. And, of course, brilliant on Christmas. A delight.

[booknookretreat7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a classic Christmas story!

It has been a very long time since I read the book and I wish I had re-read it before now. I am sure everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, so I will not go into a long drawn out review. However, I will say this: it is better to be a giving spirit than to be a "scrooge" as having the spirit of Christmas makes you feel better as a person.

Loved this book once again and I will have to make it a Christmas tradition to read it every year from now on. Five "Christmas" stars!

[rosands-494665 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the book. Wonderful story.

[a.godhelm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For something that's had a thousand adaptations, the original holds up very well. Short and sweet and sentimental.

[caseybp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The classic book presented as it originally was. The story of deep humanity is my annual favorite read.

[comfypants · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A wealthy, uncaring man is haunted by Christmas spirits.3/4 (Good)It's become kind of redundant. The Muppet version is extremely faithful to the book, while the book does not, technically, have any Muppets in it.