Great Expectations

The Audible Dickens Collection

De: Charles Dickens, Howard Jacobson

Narrado por: Matt Lucas, Howard Jacobson

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

Not as good as expected

This is a classic I had not read. The performance of the reader was fantastic, but I found the story hard to believe.

Skip the Intro

Has hella spoilers i don’t know how someone could write and intro which spoils so much about a book. Read it after the book

Great narration

I have a preference for a different narrator of Dickens novels, but took a chance on Matt Lucas. I tried a couple of chapters with my old favorite, and returned to Mr Lucas for the rest of the book. His animated style, excellent voice characterizations, and pleasant tone made this book-which I hated in high school-a delight.

The narrator was perfect for this classic

Beautiful, classic tale by Dickens, painting a picture of life in Victorian England. Tragedy mixed with often hilarious dialogue, life lessons, love, forgiveness and redemption.

A Slow Start That Truly Pays Off

Great Expectations took some patience for me at the beginning. The early chapters felt dense and slow-moving, and it took time to fully settle into Dickens’s world and voice. But once the story found its footing, I became completely invested.

By the time I reached the latter half of the novel, I was genuinely swept up in Pip’s journey. His growth, his mistakes, and the quiet lessons about ambition, loyalty, and what it really means to become a “gentleman.” The characters grew richer as the story unfolded, and the emotional payoff in the final sections made the slow build feel worthwhile.

While it didn’t immediately grab me, the ending left me deeply satisfied and reflective. A classic that demands patience, but rewards it generously.