Born in 1812 in Portsmouth Charles DiCkens was one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He created some of the most intriguing fictional characters in literature. The author’s success began with the 1836 publication of The Pickwick Papers following which he became an international celebrity. Known for his humour satire and incisive representation of society through his characters his literary triumphs include A Tale of Two Cities David Copperfield Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. A literary colossus of his time he wrote 15 novels 5 novellas hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles. He even performed for Queen Victoria in 1851. Such was the charisma of the author that the term ‘Dickensian’ is still used to describe situations reminiscent of his narratives. Literary stalwarts like Leo Tolstoy George Orwell and G.K. Chesterton admired him for his comedy prose style and realism. The quintessential Victorian author died in 1870 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
<p>Orphaned at a young age Pip lives with his strict sister and kind brother-in-law in Kent. But two fateful meetings?one with a scary convict in a cemetery and another with the eccentric and wealthy Miss Havisham and her cold daughter Estella?changes everything for the young boy. These encounters spark Pip?s aspirations. Helped by a secret benefactor Pip leaves behind his simple life and goes off to the bustling city of London. But will Pip finally get to fulfil his great expectations?</p>
