"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

My opinion of Charles Dickens has officially been changed! A good friend of mine recommended Great Expectations, but I did not think I would really like it. I read part of Oliver Twist in high school and barely made it through Hard Times in college, so for the last few years I've been anti-Dickens. My friend was right, though. Great Expectations definitely exceeded my expectations!

I tried really hard to predict how the novel would end. Overall, I'm pleased to say that it took me by surprise. It's a coming-of-age story with a bit of a twist. And after reading so many novels that have an unrealistically happy ending, Dickens gives us something more true to life. His characters have to face the consequences of their choices, whether good or bad. My favorite characters are Joe and Herbert (I always have to pick a couple of favorites) and now I finally know what people are talking about when they allude to Miss Havisham. If you're up for a bit of a heavy read, I think this one is well worth a try! I think I'm going to read Nicholas Nickleby next!