Great Expectations

I have recently decided (having failed to read classics as a kid) to listen to them by audio book. This was brilliantly read and I'll now continue my objective by purchasing a second classic read by Martin Jarvis. He has brought the characters to life brilliantly.

Having heard the abridged version and seen Dickens adaptations on TV I couldn't understand why people said his writing was funny until I heard this. Martin Jarvis is so much more interesting than I can generate in my own mind. His intonation and accents bring this alive. The character observations are terrific and this is so much richer than the narrative of the story.

I recently watched this on the television and i couldn't stop thinking about it , i got this title with my first credit with audible and i enjoyed it so much , the language wasn't hard to understand and i found myself laughing and crying in parts of the listen . for my first ever Charles Dickens book it really was very enjoyable and accessible.

I loved the whole of this book. Read by a man we could call a master. A wonderful book that blends the spices of human emotion and character into a delicious banquet. It was my first Dickens novel, it will not be my last. The characters became acquaintainces, friends and enemies. The story is complex yet understandable. The characters very human. What a clever Dickens!

I love this reading of Great Expectations. Martin Jarvis' wonderful narration brings it to life and the story which I have long loved once again hooked me in.

Really enjoyed this recording. Jarvis is an excellent narrator

The audio book for Great Expectations by any other actor would be dull. Martin Jarvis, brings Dickens' masterpiece to life!



Funny, well narrated and Great Expectation is my all time favourite in my library.

I had tried reading a paper copy of "Great Expectations" a few years ago, but disliked the accents and patois of Joe the Blacksmith; but in this audio version of the book he is my favourite character thanks to the narration of Martin Jarvis, who does a great job throughout the book.

Brilliantly narrated by Martin Jarvis and very much enjoyed. I know it's a Dickens classic, but I've never read it or watched a dramatisation past the very opening grave yard scene, I didn't think it would appeal. There's a massive advantage for me in having the Dickens novels narrated. I could never bring the characters to life in the same way. The beauty of having the book narrated rather than a dramatised version is that you get to hear all the wonderful prose and don't miss out on any of the story.

What can I say that hasn't already been said in any English Lit. GCSE essay? I got a C so this review probably won't be great!
Every now and then I pick up a classic just to see what all the fuss is about. If you want a snapshot of Victorian life, then this is your book. I think it's about class struggle, tragic love, loss, friendship and the grass being greener. All good themes really.
The beginning was gripping, the middle somewhat confusing and the ending left everything wrapped up.
Definitely better than Jane Eyre!
Martin Jarvis does an excellent narration job, bringing what would have a been a heavy and dull read alive in spoken word. This is a great example of how audio books can make some large tomes more accessible.
Here endeth my review.