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Great Expectations cover art

Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens, Howard Jacobson
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Howard Jacobson
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Summary

In this Audible Exclusive performance by Matt Lucas of Great Expectations, Charles Dickens demonstrates that conscience, loyalty and empathy are virtues far more valuable than intellect, wealth and social standing.

First published in Dickens’ own periodical, All the Year Round, the novel was divided into nine monthly instalments, from December 1860 to August 1861. Unsurprisingly, it was an instant success and managed to sell over 100,000 copies per week. Though written at a challenging time in Dickens’ life, when the impending breakdown of his marriage loomed over him, Great Expectations proves to be one of his most optimistic, comical and romantic novels.

This exclusive recording of Great Expectations starts with a unique introduction written and narrated by Howard Jacobson, the Booker Prize-winning author of The Finkler Question, in which he explains why Great Expectations is his favourite Dickens title.

About the book

Through a rich first-person narrative, listeners are introduced to the character of young Pip as he visits the tombstones of his beloved parents. Unexpectedly confronted by the dark and mysterious Magwitch, a convict in desperate need of food, Pip must decide whether to aid or impede the stranger standing in front of him - a decision which will shape the course of his life. Introducing some of the most iconic, Gothic and comically repulsive literary characters of all time, from the vengeful Miss Havisham, torn apart by a man she once loved, to her beautiful yet seemingly impenetrable ward, Estella, the listener is propelled through a wonderfully Dickensian world.

About the author

Much like Pip, Charles Dickens was born into poverty. In his case, it was due to the incarceration of his father, and Dickens was forced to set aside his education in order to work at a nearby factory. Amazingly, this did not deter the young Dickens from rising above his station, and he went on to publish 15 novels, various articles, five novellas and hundreds of short stories. He lectured and campaigned for fair treatment of the lower classes as well as for children’s rights and education.

About the narrator

British comedian, actor and screenwriter Matt Lucas is best known for the television show Little Britain as well as playing both Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland and his role as Nardole in the 10th series of Doctor Who. Able to embody so many characters with just his voice, Lucas is a perfect fit for Great Expectations.

Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

What listeners say about Great Expectations

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Great Story, Great Narrator, Great Expectations

Probably Dickens' greatest work, brought to life by a fabulous narrator. Great Expectations is also one of Dickens' most accessible works with a lot less of the waffle that fills his more weighty tomes.

However, if you don't know the story then I suggest you skip the introduction narrated by Howard Jacobson, because he gives away the entire plot.

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28 people found this helpful

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beware: spoilers in the introduction to this book!

this is a great, great reading of a classic novel, and Matt Lucas is a genius, on form. the introductory essay contains major spoilers, as if Howard Jacobson has assumed that everybody listening will already know the story through and through. Still comes highly recommended: just don't listen to the intro until after, if at all.

another favourite in this series of new recordings is the brilliantly nuanced reading of Little Dorrit by that other genius, Juliet Stevenson, who brings out all the subtle light, shade, and humour in that book, just as Matt Lucas does here. Both readers – and readings – are national treasures.

(amongst the slightly older recordings of other Dickens on audible, the readings by simon vance, nicholas boulton, and anton lesser are also superb, and there is an amazing video of simon callow talking about dickens at the sydney opera house in 2019, on youtube, fyi.)




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23 people found this helpful

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Worth 10 credits

I don't believe anything new can be said about "Great Expectations", buying this audio book I already loved it having read it several times previously however Matt Lucas is an incredible narrator, it is heaven to listen to, no visual interpretation could be as vivid and rich and bring the characters to life in all their colourful eccentricities as he does.
I would recommend this to anyone.....I LOVED every single minute.

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9 people found this helpful

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Perfect for the commute

As others have said, skip the introduction as it is loaded with spoilers.

Narration was spot on. Matt Lucas does a great job and doesn't resport to the ministry of silly voices at all, which I was slightly nervous about when I downloaded the book.

Story is a meander of events ranging from absorbing to improbable but the writer paints an engaging picture throughout. Perfect for whiling away a daily commute.

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6 people found this helpful

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Fantastically narrated

A classic tale superbly told. Matt does a fantastic job, thoroughly enjoyed this book. hurrah

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5 people found this helpful

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A great tale indeed

A brilliant narration by Matt Lucas, throughly enjoyed this tale from days past, highly recommended

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4 people found this helpful

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A beautiful reading of an at times dull story

I have to confess, I’ve enjoyed the performance more than the story itself. The story goes from the sublime to the predictable, back to the sublime and then down to dullness and sentimentality. The performance, however, never lets you down.

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3 people found this helpful

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Great Expectations a well known classic

This rendering of Great Expectations was a masterpiece of a fantastic book. This is one of the most well known stories that Dickens wrote. It was so well written and narrated that the highs and lows of the story had me walk along the windswept marsh, then pushing through the teeming streets of London! Listen and enjoy.

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Great Expectations delivered.

A thoroughly enjoyable story: better than the David Lean film which is my favourite adaptation. Matt Lucas performed all parts well with the exception of Magwitch; a large man who would never had the screechy voice portrayed. That said; it was well narrated.

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A pip of a book

Matt Lucas brings us his excellent vocabulary to Charles Dickens Classic novel. An excellent version read impcibally. Don't miss it .

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