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Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens, Howard Jacobson
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Howard Jacobson
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Publisher's 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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Matt is amazing

The lightly enjoyed reading this with Matt. He is such a great narrator and made me feel like it was Pip actually telling the story.

Great all round read.

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Now that’s how you narrate a story

So expertly read by Matt Lucas and Howard Jacobson. This really is how you should narrate a book with various characters, wonderfully read..Each character brought to life, if you closed your eyes you could imagine yourself actually in the scene.
Another Dickens masterpiece, if you’ve never heard or read Dickens this would be quite a place to start.

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Super performance

Loved the way Matt performed this story. A new revelation on the characters. Thank you.

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A beautiful telling of a great classic

This was such a pleasure to listen to! Wonderful, engaging interpretation with great accents. And Dickens - a master of character and description.

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Fabulous tale, beautifully read by Matt Lucas

To quote the actress Miriam Margolyes , "Dickens is best read aloud". If you have ever struggled with reading Dickens in print form, rest assured that having the same novel read to you by someone of the caliber of Matt Lucas is a totally different and entirely wonderful experience. Highly recommended.

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A Classic worth revisiting. Enhanced by the reader

Expert reader, great morality story full of surprises. Deserves be so well known around the world

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Either I am blind or I cannot find a way to return

Hi. I would like to refund this book because I have purchased the same title read by Eddy Izzard. I have tried to go to Audible website but after I have signed in something weird happened. After I put the sign details in, I was shown a web page that wants me to become a member and do a free trail. No mention of say I put a wrong detail, it just showed me the page for a non member and no other menu to even try to navigate. Now I am in Amazon website, I cannot find the refund option. I am enjoying the Eddy Izzard version and I would really like this version to be returned. Please fix this issue.

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