Great Expectations

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Anton Lesser

In this, perhaps Dickens' most profound and personal novel, we are invited to share in the sentimental education of Pip, the poor boy from the village forge who risks losing himself in snobbery and selfishness when he mysteriously inherits a fortune. The story moves from the bleak Kentish marshes of Pip's childhood to a thrilling climax that mingles tragedy and triumph.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)1996 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

"We take great joy in recording our conviction that Great Expectations is a masterpiece." (The Atlantic Monthly)

One of the best performances Audible has to offer

If you’re a lover of classics, this version of Great Expectations is one of the best I’ve heard. I had read this book many times and loved it most of my life, but Anton Lesser’s superb performance brought it to life and immersed me in a well-loved story in a way I did not expect. His renditions of the voices of the many characters is utterly realistic and never sounded silly or false. The first person character of Pip is warm and endearingly human for all his foibles and mistakes. This book is one of my top audible titles (out of 100+) due to this absolutely amazing performance.

Lesser & Dickens = SUPERB!!!

The great Anton Lesser’s extraordinarily performance of this novel is a marvel…and we’ve come to expect no less. What a treasure.

Superb narration of a great novel

I can't believe it took me so long to discover the glories of Charles Dickens! This novel deserves its place in the canon -- and the reading by Anton Lesser is outstanding. I listened to several samples of different narrations before choosing one and thought the lightness of Lesser's voice seemed appropriate for what I knew of the character of Pip. I didn't realise quite how versatile a performer he is and my expectations were massively exceeded. This was a beautifully paced, engaged, sensitive reading with just enough dramatic touches and accents to make the characters come alive, without ever becoming distracting, overdone or annoying. One of the most pleasing narrations I've encountered in all my years as an Audible listener.

Amazing Storyteller

What made the experience of listening to Great Expectations the most enjoyable?

This narrator was awesome. He really knows how to bring the story and characters alive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pip and so many of the other characters. They all brought out the frailties and foibles, nobility and character of all of us.

Have you listened to any of Anton Lesser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but plan on listening to others.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is an excellent story which causes reflection of self and others through all spectrums of emotion.

The definitive reading

Anton Lesser brings Dickens' masterpiece to life with his virtuoso performance. Each character's voice, whether from the Kentish marshes, or the London streets and boroughs, whether nobly born or commoner, is recognizable and distinct. The pace of his reading is perfect, too: never rushed, but always appropriate to the action. Finally, Lesser manages to convey the vast humanity and open-heartedness that is the hallmark of Dickens' writing. Worth many a chuckle and also a tear or two. You will not be disappointed!

Audible Is Amazing!!

I loved listening to the audible reading. The narrator read in a British accident to set the scene and he used many different accents and tones when portaying different characters. I probably would not have made it through this book without audible. Another reason I likw audible so much is that it tells you how long the chapter is that aay you know how long it will take you. If you are struggling with Great Expectations, just stick with audible and you will make it through so easily.

What a Performance by Anton Lesser!

Any additional comments?

All I'll say about the book is that it deserves every bit of its reputation. But Anton Lesser's performance is in my Top Five. Listening to the sample doesn't do him justice, at least I don't remember being blown away by it; I usually like male readers with deeper voices with more gravitas. But Lesser's middle-range voice is full of nuance and unsentimental friendliness. His voices for the characters are vivid without being hammy, and he makes such intelligent choices of where to emphasize (not often) and where to emote (even rarer), the result being a calm performance that is never flat. I was never fatigued by his attack, but also never lost interest. It was brilliant and perfect. If you lean towards dry performances that are nevertheless animated and confident whenever it is called for (the word "effortless" comes to mind), you will likely appreciate this one.

Best Audible Book Yet

Take one of the greatest novels written in the English language and combine it with the voice talent of the incomparable Anton Lesser, and you have an audiobook for the ages. I will listen to this one over and over again.

Loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Great Expectations to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but hearing the characters SO well read, I can't imagine that the book could be better!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe - such a wonderful character, overlooking so much that would normally be criticised in another, for love's sake. I'd love to have had him for a friend/brother whatever...

What about Anton Lesser’s performance did you like?

He never once mixed up his characters, and I could tell immediately nearly every time which character was speaking before the 'narrator' gave the show away. His voices matched the character of each person wonderfully! I loved the softness and grufness and 'high-brow' and desperate etc... all beautifully crafted.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Towards the end, I found myself quite emotional to think that despite all the 'Great Expectations' Pip once had, and despite his wandering off the path of faithfulness etc and his pride etc, he still learned how to show love and grace in his life towards people like 'Mr Pocket' (Herbert), and eventually towards his benefactor. So it was wonderful that there is the suggestion at the very end that he may finally get some reward for all that he had been through - so much of it not of his own making.

Any additional comments?

The only reason I'd like to have the written version is to more easily check facts etc - easier to flick through a book. But after a hard day at the computer, I'm MORE than happy to have a story told to me, rather than have to hold a heavy book whilst tiring my eyes... :)

Anton Lesser's narration is amazing

Would you consider the audio edition of Great Expectations to be better than the print version?

Yes... the narration is that good.

What about Anton Lesser’s performance did you like?

His talent for various voices and accents makes the story come alive.