As I read this book, I felt angry, upset, cheerful, shocked, and horrified. I had no idea how entertaining Charles Dickens can be. He has such deep issues that he talks about, yet this book made me laugh several times. This book was challenging, but very interesting.
     The characters in this book are extremely diverse. Pip was a great character. I liked the way he was always trying to do the right thing.  Herbert, Pip’s friend, was very optimistic. I loved the way he always had something cheerful or encouraging to say. The Aged, in my opinion, is the funniest character in this whole book. He is absolutely hysterical because of his impairment. On the other hand, there are some sneaky and crafty characters. Estella is a spoiled and self-centered belle who is an awesome villain. She is excellent at being mean, rude, and snotty. Miss Havisham is Estella’s teacher who holds a grudge against all men. She is very mysterious and obsessive. All the characters in this book are different from each other, and that makes the story even more intriguing.
     The setting of this book makes sense considering the author. Charles Dickens was born in England, and he moved to London when he was 2 years old. This book takes place in a small town in England. Later in the story, Pip moves to London to become a gentleman. Dickens does a magnanimous job describing London and all the people in it. The settings in this story are very realistic, and make you feel like you’re really there.
     The plot in this book starts out slow, but the more you read, the thicker the plot gets. Pip is a young boy from a impoverished family. As he grows up, he is always wishing to become a gentleman. He meets the beautiful Estella and is whisked into Miss Havisham’s evil plot for revenge. An anonymous person gives Pip lots of money so he can become a gentleman. When the person shows up, Pip is surprised and confused. Read this book to find out the ending. It’s an amazing ending!
     I would recommend this book for advanced readers only. Charles Dickens composes at a very high level. Some say his books are tedious because there is too much description. I say there’s no such thing as “too much description”. Also, much of Dickens’ vocabulary is quite advanced. If you do decide to read any of his works, have a dictionary next to you for looking up words!
     Great Expectations is a wonderful book. It has suspense, mystery, and loads of description so you feel like you’re there. The characters each have something different to offer, and the setting is extremely realistic. I think just about anyone would enjoy this book. I did!