Review of "Classics Illustrated: Great Expectations & Notes," by Charles Dickens and Michael Doylen

 Review of

Classics Illustrated: Great Expectations & Notes, by Charles Dickens and Michael Doylen ISBN 1578400112

Five out of five stars

Graphic Novel version of the classic book

 While others may pan the idea of a classic novel being condensed into a short graphic novel, I am not one of them. I have always believed that any tactic that encourages young people to study the classic works of literature is to be promoted. While there are some necessary weaknesses in the transference of a novel of over 400 pages into what is essentially a large comic book, the essence of the novel remains.

 It is difficult for modern young people to understand the strict social mores of Victorian England. Navigating the social structure of the time was hard for the participants that were not in the higher social classes. Britain was very class conscious at the time, with many normal human urges and behaviors rigidly suppressed. This novel, especially in the notes, helps explain many of the issues.

 If you read this book with some understanding of the times and what Dickens was trying to convey, then it will be very educational. For some, it will be the greatest of all persuaders, it will lead the reader to pick up and read the full novel.