Great Expectations

Great Expectations is the story of the orphan Pip, writing about his life from his early childhood until adulthood. The novel can also be considered semi-autobiographical of Dickens. The main plot takes place between Christmas Eve 1812, when the protagonist is about seven years old, and the winter of 1840.

An absorbing mystery as well as a morality tale, the story of Pip, a poor village lad, and his expectations of wealth is Dickens at his most deliciously readable. The cast of characters includes kindly Joe Gargery, the loyal convict Abel Magwitch and the haunting Miss Havisham. If you have heartstrings, count on them being tugged.