Great Expectations

That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.

I believe this book has convinced me to discontinue reading books that were originally published as a serial. You get the feeling that the story is longer than needed to keep the reader hooked to its original artificially expanded publishing schedule.

Compare a 10 episode season of an HBO or Netflix show with a 22 episode Network show. Some of the story is filler due to contractually obligated demands to fill slots in a schedule, or columns on the page to keep the interest of an audience that can attract advertisers.

3.5 stars!
I'll try to keep things short. First of all, it should be known that I am not at all a fan of “old” literature. I'm more of a modern-times-fantasy/romance/humor sort of book gal. So when I first started this book...it hurt. It actually physically hurt. Things were moving so slowly. I did NOT like the main character; I found him rather annoying. I found his whole surrounding situation tiresome and frustrating, and waited ever so patiently (not) for his situation to surely change for the better. And when it finally did, I was still rather irritated with the main character: he spent money unrepentantly, he was heedlessly rude and ashamed of Joe and Biddy, and he still loved that WITCH Estella (this review shall decidedly be PG, but I have called Estella worse in my real life rants).
However, things started to become increasingly interesting around the half mark of the book (thank the heavens). Mystery was abound. Some new noteworthy comrades were made. The character himself finally seemed mildly tolerable (however, Estella and Miss Havisham...never changed).
Then things REALLY picked up towards the end. Villains were popping up. Pip was in 24/7 stress due to everything basically falling down around him. So when he eventually returns home with the intent of settling down and living a more peaceful and satisfying frugal lifestyle...what basically amounts to a literary bomb exploded in his face. It was astounding! It left me, using local vernacular, HELLA SHOOK, BRO. And just when there were only 10 pages left, and I thought things just HAD to get better for Pip...and then there were only 7 pages...and then 5...which was basically when my meltdown started. I simply could not bear for the title to deceive me so fully. However, Charles Dickens saves the day. I did a background check on Dickens prior to reading this. Perhaps it was because Dickens could relate with Pip's poor background or his despairing situation. Either way, it seems he could not bear for Pip's story to end so tragically. Dickens thus finishes on a mildly maddening note which makes the audience question whether or not Pip ever achieved his one true wish.
However, that ending just cannot make me forget about those agonizing first 270 pages where things were moving as quickly as glaciers. Yes, I suppose Dickens may have done intentionally so that everything gradually (very, VERY gradually) builds up, but...this was just too much. I'm sorry (not really).

Such a surprisingly wonderful book. I think it takes some serious talent to make a hard criminal into an endearing and deeply rich character. The transformation of all the characters was inspiring. I can't seem to make up my mind about which ending I like better. The original ending fits, but who can't help but enjoy the happier one he ended up putting in its place?
I'm very glad I took the time to read this book. :)