GREAT EXPECTATIONS

David Copperfield is transmogrified to the darker, deeper, more complex Pip. This is one of Dickens's great statements about love, its power to destroy and to redeem: Joe's unconditional love for Pip, Pip's unrequited love for Estella, and Pip's affection for Magwitch, which changes him at last. The story is also a morality tale decrying the folly of a silly and idle life. John Lee has a deep, rich voice perfect for Dickens's range. The humorous characters in Dickens need to be brought out with a good dose of irony; Lee's rendition of Mr. Wopsle's attempts at HAMLET are funny enough to make you rewind. A charming new edition. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]