This story revolves around Pip. He starts out as a young boy raised by his
older sister and her blacksmith husband in early 19th century England. As you can well imagine they are quite poor but generally happy - well as happy as one can be being raised by an abusive tyrant of an older sister.
As Pip grows up he finds himself in a situation where he makes the a.cquaintance of a wealthy, unstable and miserable spinster. The spinster has an equally miserable adopted daughter. Through these two Pip learns what it is to be upper class and realizes just how low class he and his family are. From that day forward Pip is quite unhappy with his lot in life and longs for a much higher station.
In a rags to riches twist Pip is sponsored by a wealthy and unknown benefactor to enter the life of a gentleman. All of this is taken care of through a lawyer that becomes Pip's guardian until Pip comes of age. Pip spends a good deal of time learning what it's like to live "the good life" with all of it's new pressures and challenges.
By the end of the story Pip is left realizing that there's more to life than money and station and that he had it pretty good all those years ago.
Yes I've left out a lot of the story - this is on purpose. I don't want to give everything away and spoil the book for you.
Great expectations is a fantastic read. There are a number of surprising plot twists, colourful imagery and action scenes. Yes there are a few moments where things are generally pretty bleak but I'm thinking that this is due to the reality of the times.
Enjoy.