Jon Michael Varese (Books)

Jon Michael Varese Books

Jon Michael Varese's work delves into the evolution of the 19th-century British novel, demonstrating a keen understanding of the stylistic and thematic currents shaping early Victorian literature. His debut novel draws inspiration from his research into 19th-century American history, weaving together historical insights with fictional narratives. Varese bridges scholarly analysis with compelling storytelling, offering readers a unique perspective on the past. His approach invites readers to explore the intricate connections between historical events and the enduring power of the human imagination.

Great expectations

510 pages
18 hours of reading

3.9(277)Add rating

Great Expectations (first published in 1860/61) is one of the most mature and serious of Dickens's novels. As Angus Calder points out in his introduction, it re- sembles a detective story — but in the sense in which Oedipus Rex also resembles one. From the first shock of the early pages, when Pip encounters the convict Magwitch, the mystery grips our attention and its psychological and moral truth holds us until the end. For, in discovering the secret of his •great expecta- tions'. Pip also begins to discover the truth about himself. The cover shows a detail from 'A Country Blacksmith Disputing the Price of Iron' by J. M. W. Turner (photo: Rodney Todd-White) The portrait of Charles Dickens inside the front cover is taken from an engraving after a painting by W. P. Frith, by permission of the Trustees of the Dickens House