Great Expectations: Abridged for Young Readers

by Charles Dickens, A.L. Kennedy

A beloved classic adult novel skilfully abridged to inspire and engage a new generation of middle-grade readers, from a multi-award-winning author.

Young orphan Pip, downtrodden and mistreated by his guardian sister, has a terrifying meeting with an escaped convict. Soon afterwards he is invited to play at the gloomy, cobwebbed house of unhappy Miss Havisham, where he is humiliated by her beautiful ward, Estella. Pip falls in love with the girl, despite her disdain for his ignorance and rough appearance, and begins his apprenticeship to his blacksmith brother-in-law feeling ashamed of his lowly home.

Then Pip is told he is to be brought up as a wealthy gentleman, and he delightedly assumes his secret benefactor to be Miss Havisham, planning him as a match him for Estella. When he discovers this is not the case, his heart is broken and his loyalties torn.

What is the connection between Miss Havisham and the mysterious convict? And will Pip ever win Estella’s heart?

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Cassie Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the original and this is such an amazing abridged version. Making a classic accessible to younger readers without taking anything away from the original style and words. (well a little but you get abridged NOT rewritten!)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Charles Dickens, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive going into this. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This new abridged children’s edition is well worth a read if you’re a fan of Charles Dickens or are looking to familiarise yourself with the classics. As a diehard fan of the original author though, I would plead with you to read the original first!

I’ve read the original Great Expectations twice, and whereas A. L. Kennedy’s abridged version does a great job, it still doesn’t really do the original classic justice. I don’t think much has been left out, but the writing style dumbs the language down just a little bit too much. However, this is still a great book, and it is well worth a read.

The illustrations in the book are superb. The illustrations stay true to the book and they really add something to it. My favourite illustration was the Marshes section cover page. I could look at it all day.

It was great to lose myself in Pip’s world again. Great book!

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abridged versions of books tend to have people split into two groups, those who think that watered-down classics don’t have the same feel as the original and those who think they are an amazing way to get younger or less confident readers into classic stories.

While I fully appreciate where both are coming from I have to say I am in the latter group as I think abridged versions open up a person’s library to those books they might never have felt comfortable reading or like me have tried numerous classic books only to get a few chapters in and give up. Many years ago I tried reading Great Expectations and never got pass the third chapter, this book I flew through.

I won’t go over the plot as I am sure most people know the story, especially given how old it is and how many movies, plays, etc adaptions there have been.

This latest version by A. L. Kennedy will draw the reader in with its colourful artwork on the front and black and white artwork within. The plot is also as relevant today as it was in the 1860s. Children will feel for young Pip and his hard life. They will be engrossed by the harshness of the story and life back in the 1800s. This is a fabulous book and I hope it brings the classic of Great Expectations to the next generation.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not harbour great expectations on this abridged version since I had so much fondness for the original.

So I was most surprised when this re-telling by A.L. Kennedy moved me to a torrent of tears! (At the juncture when Pip bid Joe and Biddy farewell for the first time.) It is testament to Dickens’ brilliance in crafting the touching sequence of events, dialogue and sudden plot twists, as well as Kennedy’s succinct and age-appropriate prose.

This is such a tale of profound kindness in those who might seem common, of the cruelty which comes as a result of wanting so badly to rise in one’s station in life, of generosity from unexpected quarters, and how bitterness and revenge is a poison that kills its owner.

I loved how Wemmick and the Aged Parent and the Castle with its drawbridge and moat were still included in this shorter version. This certainly provided some levity in an otherwise sombre story with heavy themes of grasping evil and greed.

Happy with this ARC.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s fabulous book, about Charles Dickens Great Expectations is a fantastic way of introducing children and middle grade readers into the work of Charles Dickens. This story is so easy to follow and splendidly written. I absolutely adore this bright, colourful, new, updated, front and back cover. Sadly Pip, never got to see his father or mother, as they both died, where Pip, visits where his parents have been buried in the graveyard. While Pip, is at the graveyard, he meets a shivering, convict, who wants Pip, to bring him food. The only way how Pip, can find food for this convict, is to steal some food for him. This is a splendid story, that follows Pip, who meets, the rather rude, Estella. Children and Middle grade readers can follow Pip’s life, who comes into some money, and vows to become a gentleman. This book is a simply must have for all school libraries!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had mixed feelings about abridged classics. Classics become classics partly because of the plot, partly because of the way language is used. Abridged versions will not be the same.

This one certainly has a very different feel to it, but it is written very well. It will be a great option to introduce younger children to Dickens' world.