Note: I received a digital review copy through NetGalley. ( )

I have always been a big fan of Dickens. In fact, my favorite book is A Christmas Carol. But, his larger works can be quite dark and depressing. Dickens lived through some rough times in his childhood and it certainly colored his writing. The first time I read Great Expectations, I remember thinking to myself about how absolutely F'd up every single character is.....there isn't a single character that doesn't have some darkness or flaw that puts a damper on their entire life. Even if they are just fictional creations, it's difficult to read through a story that shows so clearly how harsh human nature, the world, and society can be. I had to read Great Expectations twice during my school years....and never touched the book again. Too depressing. Too real.

But then I saw this manga version of the classic story. I decided to give Pip another visit. I'm glad I did. This manga classic follows the basics of the story closely enough, but it seemed somehow less depressing accompanied by manga-style artwork. I liked how the manga version ends....it seems to fit even how Dickens felt about the story himself.

The story is still intense, but I enjoyed this slightly condensed version much better than the original novel.

The adaptation of the story is good...the artwork is wonderful! I'm glad I read this version, even if the original story is not one of my favorites.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Udon Entertainment via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

3.5 stars

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I've been reading quite a lot of Manga Classics lately, but unfortunately this is for now the last in the series. Let me start by saying I hope there will be more soon because I liked this one and also the other I've read (Les Miserables, The Scarlet Letter, Emma and Pride & Prejudice).

The story is so well know that I don't think I need to discuss it. Instead, I'd like to say that although I haven't read the book I kind of knew the story from a BBC adaptation I watched a few years ago and I think it followed the story quite well (for as far as I can remember). It's only obvious that some details get lost when the story gets adapted into a 300 page manga.

I don't think this is necessarily a problem, since it's a great introduction or refresher in my opinion. It's not a substitute for reading the classics but an addition I like to read. This manga (as well as the others) have made me want to read the originals that I hadn't read already. I don't think I'll be the only one who feels this way.

Hope there's another one soon and can't wait to find out which classic is next!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ( )

I'm glad this was made into a manga version, because I know for sure I would never have finished it without it being so. ( )

I've only seen the South Park adaptation of Great Expectations, which was hilarious. I was interested in reading this manga from Netgalley. The manga is beautifully told, with nice illustrations and a good story. I never read the book, but the manga made it easy to follow. I have to admit I voiced Pip as Butters in my head. As for the story, Dickens is pretty depressing, and I guess readers complained about the ending, so this manga makes it ambiguous on purpose. ( )