Reviews provided by Syndetics
Library Journal Review
Starred Review. Expertly narrated by Simon Vance, with a PDF copy of the book included on the first disc. Great Expectations also won an Audie in 2010 for classic and solo narration male (Audio Connoisseur, narrated by Charlton Griffin), but that edition will likely be more difficult for libraries to acquire. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publishers Weekly Review
This beloved classic from Dickens follows the life and adventures of a six-year-old orphan named Pip as he makes his way and comes of age in 19th-century England. Simon Prebble turns in a solid performance in this audio edition, offering up a lush and resolutely dramatic reading and creating a panoply of unique voices and accents for the book's many characters. But while Prebble's performance is lavish, it fails to distinguish itself from the scores of previous audio productions of Dickens's novels. Still, his reading remains a pleasure and a well-orchestrated introduction to the world of Dickens-one that could serve as a wonderful opportunity for both fans and those new to the author's work. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up-Great Expectations is the better told of these two classics, but breaking down a 500-page work of literary fiction into 48 pages of graphic text is a much simpler task than retelling the nearly 1000 pages of David Copperfield in the same amount of space, and Morley relies heavily on captions, rather than dialogue, to summarize Copperfield's complicated life story. She does, however, do an able job of summarizing the major plot points, and this could make a big difference for struggling readers. In both books, Gelev's artwork fits the time period, with detailed costumes, houses, and other background scenery. The neutral tones suit Dickens's dank world, and Miss Havisham's ramshackle home and crumbling wedding feast are drawn as readers might picture them. It is doubtful, though, that they would return to these books as particular favorites. They are more useful as classroom resources for readers struggling with Dickens's prose than for a general graphic-novel readership.-Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Many baby boomers got their first taste of great literature from a Classics Illustrated comic. This volume in the relaunched line introduces readers to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the story of a young man's search for acceptance after receiving riches from a mysterious benefactor. With a book as long as Dickens' classic, it's natural that the comic is text heavy, but even so, it's astonishing how well adaptor and illustrator Geary hits the high points of the serpentine story. The art captures the drama (and don't miss the beautiful endpapers), though for those who know the story, Miss Havisham is drawn more coarsely than one might wish. Use this as a gateway to the classic; it may also be the only chance some kids get to meet Dickens' fascinating characters. Either way, readers will come away understanding why the story has endured. An updated profile of Geary, and a note from the editor of the original series complete the new harcover package.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2008 Booklist
Horn Book Review
While this attractive abridged version of the sprawling Dickens novel about Pip, an orphan-turned-aristocrat, retains some of the spirit of the original, some characters are completely absent. Pip's reversal of fortune, too, lacks punch, as the story's brevity dilutes his tribulations. Still, this may be useful as an introduction to the classic. Black-and-white and color illustrations realistically capture both the setting and character. From HORN BOOK Spring 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.