At just three years of age, Estella is taken from her mother, adopted by the wealthy but eccentric Miss Havisham and taught how to break men’s hearts. Satis House is dark and oppressive and life with the vengeful Miss Havisham a confusion of contradictory lessons, but the kindness of the household cook and Estella’s love of the nearby marshes bring her some joy. Forced to play with Pip, a local boy from a lowly background, Estella captivates his soul and breaks his heart, exactly as Miss Havisham has planned.
Years later, Estella returns from school in France as a young woman and is thrust into London society. There she meets Pip again, who has acquired an unknown benefactor and come into money. Miss Havisham recruits Pip to help find Estella a husband, much to her distress. She seems forever fated to be the plaything of others, locked into the destructive cycles her adoptive mother set in motion.
Estella is beautiful, headstrong, enigmatic – but who is she, really? Will she ever be able to break free from the constraints of society’s expectations and her own childhood? Will Estella finally find a way to tell her own story?
This evocative and mesmerising retelling of Great Expectations sheds light on a little-understood character in one of Dickens’s most beloved novels.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
As a fan of Charles Dickens, I was excited to read this! Kathy George has produced a superb story that has you drawn in from the first few pages. Each of the main characters are well developed and you are soon feeling attached to them and wanting to know how the story unfolds. Estella, portrayed as a malleable child wanting to please her mother, begins to question all that she has been trained and prepared for when entering the world of romance and love. The writing is descriptive and atmospheric. I found it simply stunning! Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
What a remarkable novel! Not having read Great Expectations, I came to this novel with new eyes on the story. I found the story interesting, especially part 3. It was a revelation to see a woman from that era portrayed as one who is highly intelligent, unwilling to be subservient to a bully, and then wanting to learn about areas that were “not for women”. I was quite engrossed as the story progressed, and was surprised and pleased with the conclusion. Anne, NSW, 5 Stars
With a love of historical and literary fiction, in recent years I have been a fan of the retellings and extensions. Retellings such as Demon Copperhead, that catapult old favourites into new times and places. Described as a retelling of Dickens’s Great Expectations, this version gives us the opportunity to revisit that classic through the eyes of Estella. We experience her painful removal from her mother, adoption, and an abusive and controlling childhood through the first person – and in doing so, we feel the confusion and emotion firsthand. We see Estella grow and try to find her way in the world. As with other retellings, we have a sense of the direction of the story, but we see it through new eyes, and with it, get a different appreciation for the characters and their motivations. Kathy George does a wonderful job: developing complex characters and building rising tension. She provides us with another version of the antihero Estella, and more insight into her story. If you enjoy Austin and Trollope, you’ll enjoy George. Highly recommended. Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
Having not read Great Expectations for some time, I was hoping this novel would stand alone as an exploration of Estella’s life and provide greater insight into Miss Havisham’s motivations. Thankfully it did and beautifully so. I really felt for Estella and the lack of opportunities for her as a woman in that time. But what I enjoyed the most was the descriptions of place – these transported you there, particularly the marshland where Estella was happiest. Louise, WA, 5 Stars
I didn’t necessarily have any expectations for what this book would hold, but let’s just say it exceeded them greatly! Unlike most, I haven’t read Great Expectations prior to reading Estella, and so all the content in this book was brand-new to me. It was such a beautifully written story, and Kathy George set the story perfectly to be told from the perspective of the female lead to the story, Estella. I was actually grateful to have not read the original so as to experience this on its own. You love her almost instantly, you grow with her, you fall in love alongside her, and you also cry with her. This book has become a new favourite and I’m so thankful to have read it. Emma, QLD, 5 Stars
I’ve always enjoyed Great Expectations, so having the chance to read this from Estella’s view was great. Estella has been adopted at a very young age by Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham teaches her to make her way in the world by being cruel to others. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars
Estella is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, with Estella placed as the central protagonist. As someone who has read very little Dickens and never Great Expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Estella. Although a seemingly heartless person at times, I really enjoyed the story being told in her adult voice from the beginning and she was able to reflect on why she is the way she is throughout. I loved the gothic setting, the descriptions of nature, and Estelle’s experiences in high society. There was no huge suspense driving me to turn the pages but at the same time, I was invested in Estella. Kathy George has a peaceful and good-humoured writing style. I did have a little chuckle at the various Dickens references scattered throughout the novel too. I read Estella in the sunshine in the park and I can highly recommend you do the same. Or tucked up under a cosy blanket. You won’t regret picking up this one. Amelia, VIC, 5 Stars
What a beautiful book to read! I read Great Expectations in my teens and could never understand the mysterious Estella as a character. Kathy George has captured the spirit of Dickens wonderfully and yet struck out and made Estella her own woman also. The book is beautifully written and new characters add more depth to the story. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to read a new-age classic. Frances, NSW, 5 Stars
This mesmerising retelling of Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations sheds light on a little-understood character, Estella. Three-year-old Estella is taken from her mother, and adopted by Miss Havisham, who teaches her how to break men’s hearts. As in Great Expectations, Miss Havisham works to prevent Pip from achieving his goal of winning Estella’s love. We follow Estella and Pip growing up under the enigmatic influence of Miss Havisham. Dickens uses Estella’s life to reinforce the idea that one’s happiness and well-being are not deeply connected to one’s social position. Perhaps had Estella been poor, she might have been happier. Kathy George is true to Dicken’s novel but fleshes it out and continues a little further with Estella’s story. This is an addictive retelling of Great Expectations. A must-read even if you have not read Dickens. Don’t miss this. Mara, NSW, 5 Stars
Gothic overtones, a desolate landscape, and an atmosphere of manipulation and wilful conniving – all serve to place the beautiful Estella as the jewel in the ravaged crown of Miss Haversham’s making. Kathy George’s retelling of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, from the point of view of the inscrutable Estella, is a fine piece of narrative that expands and teases out the motives of one of the most mysterious characters in literature. Within the bounds of her character, Estella’s glacially cool dialogue is seamless and perfectly articulated, while displaying a personal eccentricity both of her time, and yet timeless with its connotations of feminism and of a woman ‘making-do’. While poor Pip, Miss Haversham’s experimental human subject on the art of breaking hearts, is given short thrift by Estella through the majority of the novel, I found Estella’s personal growth later to be both cathartic and suspenseful at the same time. The final chapters were given a particular poignancy as a result. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and readers of historical fiction, in particular novels exploring the unheard voices of women in literature, will find it so, too. Cecilia, VIC, 5 Stars
A captivating novel that explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The story revolves around the life of the titular character, Estella, who navigates through various challenges and struggles in her quest for self-discovery and happiness. George’s writing style is immersive and evocative, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the world of the characters. The plot is well-crafted and keeps the reader engaged throughout, with unexpected twists and turns that add to the intrigue. One of the highlights of the book is the depth of character development, with each character exhibiting their own unique personalities, quirks, and motivations. Estella, in particular, is a well-rounded and relatable protagonist that readers will undoubtedly root for. Overall, Estella is a poignant and thought-provoking read that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a touching and memorable story about the human experience. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Estella was an easy-to-read and beautifully descriptive novel. It’s a reimagined tale that sheds light on a character from Great Expectations – which I have not read. Estella provided a wonderful insight into life in another time and has compelled me to add Great Expectations to my reading list. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
What a gripping novel Kathy George has written. Estella is a wonderful story on how you can always change your fate to happiness. Estella, being headstrong, always did things her way even marrying Bentley as punishment to herself, but in the end, realised that happiness is the key to life and helping others. A really great book. Lorraine, VIC, 5 Stars
What a beautifully written book! I want to store this on my bookshelf along with all my other Classics in English Literature because that is exactly the feeling Estella evokes for the reader. It is a book I will read more than once, and it is difficult to believe this was written by a modern author. The settings are the windswept marshes and manor homes of England, the characters are from all walks of life and take you back to the times of Dickens and Austen with their desires, thoughts, relationships and actions limited by society and wealth (or lack thereof). I loved exploring further into the character Estella, who despite all her flaws finds a coming of age within the story. I wanted this book to continue, I wanted to know more of all the characters within and enjoy the magic created by Kathy George within the pages of Estella. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
Estella is an interesting historical fiction with a unique perspective. I found it both entertaining and thoughtful. Miss Havisham is an unforgettable character, and I enjoyed seeing her more fully developed. However, Estella is the centre of this novel. She’s a vivid and believable character. To a large extent, she takes for granted the restricted life open to women of her class during the period. However, within that she tries to make very strategic decisions – not always successfully, as she has little guidance and she’s both young and stubborn. Still, most readers will find her empathetic and understandable. Other characters are seen through her eyes, and readers will find themselves remarkably sympathetic towards some for whom Estella herself has very little sympathy. Pip remains surprisingly shadowy, given his importance in Estella’s life, but other characters are drawn lightly but vividly. This is not an action-packed novel; much of what happens is intellectual and emotional. Still, I found it absorbing and well-paced. It never dragged. The sense of time and place is strong. I enjoyed reading this. Highlighting a minor character from a classic novel works well, resulting in a novel that stands independently as a great reading experience. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars
Estella by Kathy George is a modern version of the original Great Expectations written by Charles Dickens. The book follows more or less the original storyline of the Charles Dickens version with a few changes. I really really enjoyed this version. The language is easier to read and it differs from the original in that it is written in the voice and through the eyes of Estella, whereas the Dickens version is written in the voice and through the eyes of Pip. Estella differs in this version by taking on a more powerful feminist role making her own decisions and carving out a path for herself. I loved the ending. It was a great read and beautifully written without getting lost in all the detail of Great Expectations. Charleen, WA, 5 Stars
A brilliant read by Kathy George… not at all what I expected. Thank you for the opportunity to review. I did know it was a retelling of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, but I was not prepared for just how invested I would become in this book. A more misunderstood character really gained her voice and thrives in this novel. I adore Kathy’s writing style and find it very engaging; I ‘may’ have experienced a book hangover or two as a result of this amazing story. I would absolutely recommend it. Nicole, QLD, 5 Stars
I found Estella to be a very interesting and engaging story. I really enjoyed that the story was a re-telling of Dickens’ fabulous Great Expectations – this time with the focus on Estella rather than Pip. I thought this was a really clever idea because it allowed me to understand how and why Estella became the way she did in the original story. The writing was beautiful. Dariel, WA, 5 Stars
This was definitely a re-visit to Great Expectations, just a different point of view. It showed more of Estella’s thoughts and emotions and showed a caring, smart woman. I loved Great Expectations and I really loved how this was the same story but redone. I liked the Estella in this story more than the Estella in Great Expectations. Jen, NSW, 5 Stars
Great Expectations is one of the great works of English literature. But like so many “great works” it was written by a man and only tells the story from the man’s point of view. Pip loves Estella, but she is portrayed as remote and 2-dimensional. Estella tells her side of the story and explains how she became the woman she is and what she was doing when Pip wasn’t around. Written in a fresh and modern style while still retaining the mood and feel of the time, Estella gives an insight into one of the best-known, but least understood characters of classic literature. Very enjoyable and satisfying. Monique, QLD, 5 Stars
Oh, be still my beating heart! Estella, what a book, what a story! This is a wonderful retelling of the classic, Great Expectations. It was wonderful to revisit the eccentric Miss Havisham and her house and the setting of the marshlands and to read the story of a modern, strong, intelligent and endearing Estella. Haunting and atmospheric and oh so romantic, it’s a great read, highly recommend. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
I was really surprised by how much this novel moved me. Maybe I shouldn’t, because Great Expectations is my all-time favourite Dickens novel, and I have often wondered about Estella. The shielded glimpses we have of her in the original novel are too rare, and always from Pip’s POV. Kathy George’s re-imagining of Estella is rich and deeply moving, and in character with the original classic. The ending is something Dickens fans have argued about ever since the book was originally published, but it was perfect for this book. I laughed at how Kathy George occasionally broke the ‘fourth wall’ and had the characters chatting about Dickens’ latest novel – very entertaining! A wonderful read, I truly relished my visit back to the moors and Satis House. Malvina, NSW, 5 Stars
An engrossing and beautiful story. Whilst it is a retelling of Great Expectations, it is a fantastic story all on its own, with a much better ending. The characters and settings, while familiar, had so much more life about them, and I especially loved the descriptive writing making it easy to picture. Estella’s story, while set by those around her, becomes her own in the latter part of the book and the ending, while slightly rushed, was worth reading. I would have liked to see this part of her story drawn out more as this is when she really came into her own. This is definitely a story I enjoyed, and it’s even encouraged me to reread some Dickens, which will delight my mum. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. Kathy George has a delightful way of describing events and people in a way that brings them to life. Her prose is easy to read, creating beautiful images along the way. Whilst she has stayed true to Charles Dicken’s storytelling ability, she has successfully brought the story into the twenty-first century. Kathy George has developed Estella’s character as she grows from an unloved and sad child to a woman who begins to understand her personality, learn from her mistakes, and grow into a modern, independent woman who is very likeable by the end of the story. I enjoyed that the story also developed other characters from Dickens’ novel and it made me want to revisit Great Expectations. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read that kept me interested until the very end. I highly recommend it for new readers and lovers of the great classics. Maree, ACT, 5 Stars
As a lover of Great Expectations, I was thrilled to be sent Estella and she far exceeded my expectations. Absolutely brilliant. Rene, WA, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and kept me wanting to read more, this in turn did make me sad when it ended as I wanted to keep reading, but the Author did well to end it where she did and to keep you thinking about what the future would now hold for Estella. The story had quite a few twists and turns, and although it made you think you knew how it would end, it definitely did not and kept you on your toes – continually guessing how the story may unfold. The book was very easy to follow and her imagery/descriptions were ideal. Would happily read it again! Katrina TAS 5 Stars
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I love how Estella’s character constantly evolves, one minute I despised her and the next minute she appeared almost heroic. The journey Estella takes is captivating and those around her are reflective of her ever-changing character. Kathy George has created a beautiful retelling which I hope has a sequel! Highly recommend. Pamela, SA, 5 Stars
Estella is a beautiful and hauntingly compelling read with a headstrong and enigmatic heroine. I was mesmerised by Estella and really came to like her. I loved that it’s a modern classic with different twists. Pip was a favourite character of mine and I felt plenty of love for Estella despite her different upbringing. I was so mesmerised by the story of Estella that I read it in one day. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
Estella by Kathy George is a wonderful retelling of Great Expectations. It has the same Gothic feel of the original story. Kathy George has done a wonderful job of reintroducing us to familiar characters. You don’t need to have read Great Expectations to enjoy this book. It is a beautiful story of Estella, a girl who is determined to live her life her way. I loved it and highly recommend it. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved the language of the book and the descriptions of time and place were outstanding. Gloria, SA, 5 Stars
An interesting book. Easy to read and I enjoyed it very much. Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
She was brought up to break hearts but only broke her own. Adopted by the broken-hearted Miss Havisham, in a strange and unloving environment, Estella makes her way in the world by being cruel to others, in particular her childhood friend Pip. Pip unwaveringly loves Estella but he is shunned by her in cruel ways. Throughout the book, the author’s descriptive passages of the landscape of the marsh and beautiful countryside around Satis House, the childhood home of Estella, are evocative and transport the reader to another world. Easy to read and vividly descriptive, this reimagined tale of another character from Great Expectations will give an insight into life in another time and make you want to reread a timeless novel looking at it in a different light. Highly recommended. Di, NSW, 5 Stars
Estella is a minor character in Dickens’ Great Expectations, brought to the fore by Kathy George. This book would be a special treasure to fans of Great Expectations, but I felt it could even stand alone as a novel for those who weren’t familiar with the Dickens novel. Estella is such a great character; she really holds her own here. George does a great job of recreating the 19th century English world in accessible language and getting us acquainted with the perspective of Estella and making her seem much more sympathetic than she is in the Dickens novel. It really did remind us that “everyone has their story”. Rebecca, NSW, 5 Stars
An enjoyable read for anyone who loves Dicken’s Great Expectations. It follows Estella’s life from being adopted by wealthy Miss Havisham who teaches her how to exploit people, to moving to London and France away from Miss Havisham’s influence where she can reflect on past deeds as she is reacquainted with Pip. Robert, QLD, 5 Stars
This captivating retelling of Dickens’s Great Expectations is from the perspective of Estella. We learn more about the early life of this young adopted daughter of the grief-stricken Miss Havisham with some interesting insights into her often sad and harsh upbringing. This provides a depth of understanding to the development of her personality and goes some way in explaining her often cruel behaviour towards Pip, the protagonist of Great Expectations. The story reveals other relationships Estella forms as she gets older and moves to London away from Miss Havisham. She endeavours to make reparations for her previous deeds and this, for me, was the most engaging part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this character and it inspired me to revisit Great Expectations to put this expansion of Estella’s life in context of the original story. Regina, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved this book based on a character from a book I read many years ago. The text was really descriptive and it transported me to another place in time. The storyline was believable with a few twists I didn’t expect. Deb, SA, 4 Stars
This is a great take on a classic. With all the characters that we have fallen in love with before, we can now revisit their lives and stories in an easier to read format with modern language. This is a great coming-of-age tale of friendship, love, loss and ever-changing dynamics. Tina, QLD, 4 Stars
I was looking forward to seeing how Kathy George would allow Estella to tell her own story, rather than just being a part of Pip’s story in Great Expectations. The author has done a great job in this retelling and has fleshed and rounded out both Estella’s back story and her character. I believe the book could be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment I would suggest reading Great Expectations first. It made me laugh to see how Kathy George mentioned Dickens from time to time and some of his works. The mention of the misty marshes as well as the gloomy weather all helped create a dark atmosphere. I thought this was a well-written book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It has prompted me to reread Great Expectations. Ruth, WA, 4 Stars
Kathy George retells the classic, Great Expectations, from the perspective of a secondary character in the original novel. Growing up in the household of the bitter Miss Haversham, Estella seems destined to be used as a pawn forever. Throughout the novel the author rounds out the original character and we glimpse her internal world and see her develop. Tinkering with such a well-loved story is an endeavour not without risk, yet the author deftly draws us in by staying true to the characterisation from the original novel and with the atmospheric depiction of a Dickensian world told from a new perspective. Melanie, NSW, 4 Stars
If you love Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations you will love Estella by Kathy George. Heather, NSW, 4 Stars
A beautifully written historical fiction. Estella adopted at a young age and raised by an eccentric spinster makes her way through much tragedy and sadness grows into the strongest version of herself. Joanna, VIC, 4 Stars
From the moment I started reading Estella, I was enthralled with this book and I felt like I was taking Estella’s life journey with her. It is an enchanting book that shows the character Estella’s side from the classic story by Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. Unfortunately, I have never read the original book but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment in reading this book. Kathy George’s writing is captivating and I found it very hard to put the book down every night once I had started reading. From a challenging and unusual start, Estella’s pathway through life continues along many extraordinary directions and we see her grow throughout this book. This book is perfect for lovers of period novels and books empowering women. Victoria, VIC, 4 Stars
I would describe this book as a classic romance drama. This is an interesting story as it is told from a feminine point of view, from that of the character Estella herself. The descriptive language resonated historically with the same time period of Great Expectations. It was well written, it gave me a clear picture of what the marshes and Satis House were like, a predominant part of where the plot is set. I found the character of Estella evolved as the story unravelled. I found the novel slow to start off with, and it took a while for me to really get into the story. I really enjoyed the second part of the novel; I felt that was when Estella’s character really came to life, and the story got very interesting. I found this book to be very well-written and an enjoyable read. Fran, VIC, 4 Stars
Since I had never read Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations, I decided to watch the 2012 movie to gain some appreciation for the part Estella played in the original. Kathy George has Estella tell her own story in her aptly titled novel, Estella. It is not simply a retelling using a different character’s voice but a story that stands on its own. In the early chapters, we do hear Dicken’s voice but then the reader is led to discover Estella’s life after she is sent to school in France and disappears for a time from the original book. It is a fascinating imagining of what a strong-willed, educated, beautiful, independent woman might have achieved when the expectations of British society at the time would have locked her into a life of tea parties, dress fittings and often a loveless marriage of convenience. There is a lot more to THIS Estella. The love story between Dicken’s central character, Pip, and Estella is still there with a satisfying conclusion but if readers want to know how Pip’s life unfolds they will need to go back to Mr Dickens. Dianne, QLD, 4 Stars
Loved it. It was so interesting and kept me in till the end. Would recommend. Beth, TAS, 4 Stars
I’m one of the few who haven’t read Great Expectations, but I wouldn’t have presumed there was a back story as I felt Estella was a complete character worth telling in her own right. A great read, which I felt highlighted the effects of parental mental health and how our children are affected and their destructive behaviours are brought about, struggling to free themselves from others’ expectations. Kylie, NSW, 4 Stars
I found Estella by Kathy George to be an enjoyable, easy read. From the first page, it intrigued me and I felt an emotional connection to Estella. I’d recommend these book to any avid reader. Jo, QLD, 4 Stars
A different but refreshing retelling of Great Expectations from the viewpoint of Estella, giving her a more human feel. Estella really comes to life in this book without changing the characters from the original book. Estella is a romantic novel in both her romantic interests but also the environment in which she is able to grow into a mature woman. This book makes you want to re-read all the classics, beginning with Great Expectations. Nicole, VIC, 4 Stars
For roughly the first quarter of this book, I found it hard to enjoy and connect with the characters, but I’m glad I persevered as the rest of the book was engaging and I really enjoyed it. Miss Havisham, who was jilted on her wedding day is clearly a tad crazy, adopts Estella at age three. Poor Estella never knows what mood Miss Havisham will be in and there’s a dark, foreboding mood over certain parts of Satis House. There are plenty of warm characters in the book and I loved reading about how Estella evolved from an almost shallow, heartless young woman into a strong, warm, independent person. The story flowed well and I found the last half of the book the most enjoyable. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
I have always loved books that retell famous stories from another character’s perspective and Estella is no different. Once I started reading, I could not stop at just a chapter or two per night, which is what I normally do, but needed to know what was to happen next. I enjoyed how Kathy George filled out Estella’s life with this refreshing backstory. This gave the reader a better understanding of who Estella is and how she become the women we know in Great Expectations. I found all the characters and the places in the book to be well-written. Kathy George gave great descriptions of the characters so you felt like you could see them come to life in your head. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the fashions throughout the book which brought even more colour to the story. I felt the description of the places that Estella visits, with special mention of the weather, gave the story more feeling and made you feel like you were within the story. I look forward to seeing what Kathy George writes next. Lisa, SA, 4 Stars
An imaginative and well-written re-telling of Great Expectations, focusing on the life of Estella, the adopted daughter of the eccentric and cruel Miss Havisham. The story commences with the adoption of Estella and continues through her life, education and loveless upbringing. Like the Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations, on which Estella is based, the story follows the lives of Pip and Estella, who spend much of their childhood together. Pip is completely devoted to Estella, but she is unable to see his worth until tragic events bring an awakening. A very satisfying read, one I can highly recommend. Robyn, QLD, 4 Stars
Estella, adopted at 3 by the broken Miss Havisham, was raised to capture and break men’s hearts. The household cook Mrs. Butters shows Estella kindness and glimpses of Love, enough to bring some joy to Estella’s bleak life. Will Estella ever find the Love she so craves and deserves, or will her career be enough? Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
Estella is raised by the strange Miss Havisham to break men’s hearts but we see Estella tormented by her own indifference. Written in a hauntingly atmospheric tone, l enjoyed Kathy George’s re-telling immensely. Nektaria, VIC, 4 Stars
Every now and then you come across a book that is sure to stay with you always… Estella is one of those treasures. Having read and enjoyed Great Expectations by Charles Dickens many years ago, I was led by curiosity when I was given the opportunity to review a new outlook on a well-known story. From the very beginning, Ms George had me intrigued… slightly different portrayals of the main characters and the detailed background to the story, had me turning pages searching for the next twist and turn. It was Estella’s longing for a family of her own, despite the affection she had for Miss Havisham, that made such a difference. Without revealing the whole story, it was easy to read, lots of twists and turns as we get to know the adult Estella, without losing any of the intrigue and drama of the original. Chris, QLD, 4 Stars
Having never read Great Expectations, I had an impartial view of this story. Although I found some of the characters to be unlikeable at times, particularly the protagonist Estella, each character played a necessary role in the storytelling and reasoning for Estella’s questionable choices, and as the story progressed, I came to really like her character. What I loved about this book was that despite Estella being conditioned from a very young age to have a conflicted and detached relationship with people and emotions, throughout her life she developed the ability to reflect on her nature, decisions and subsequent consequences therefore developing a healthier form of emotional intelligence. Her journey to discover her true self, the quiet championing of women’s education and independence in an era where women were oppressed and bound by strict societal expectations, redeemed her character for me. I would have liked some aspects of the story to be further explored, eg her adoption and birth mother. Overall, I really enjoyed Kathy George’s writing style, her delivery of this story from a feminist point of view, and the stunning artwork on the cover. Cathryn, WA, 4 Stars
An enjoyable book. It was an easy read, and kept me interested throughout. Skye, QLD, 4 Stars
A really enjoyable read. I don’t shed tears easily, but I shared them with Estella at the end of the book. It is a stand-alone book to be enjoyed, but I was glad that I had read Great Expectations. Set in the early 19th century, the mention several times of Dickens or his books aided in linking the two. Marlene, VIC, 4 Stars
My mother has always been a Dickens fan-girl, but I haven’t actually read the full novel of Great Expectations. Nevertheless, I grew up with a vivid picture of Miss Havisham in my head. However, Kathy George brings her to life far more convincingly. Like Dickens, she contrasts the lives of the well-off and the “hired help”, showing us some abject poverty and cruelty along the way. Estella herself is not entirely likeable, but is this purely the result of Miss Havisham’s overbearing influence? Estella is torn between gratitude to the woman who raised her and curiosity about her origins. Who is her birth mother? She is socially ambitious, whilst also searching for a life purpose beyond parties and card games, a motivation we don’t frequently see in stories of this era. The novel is written in Victorian English parlour speak, which adds to the atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the premise of giving a once-minor character a titular role. Heidi, VIC, 4 Stars
In Great Expectations, Estella was a character that made you wonder. With Kathy George’s retelling of this classic, she comes into her own. Estella is taught how to be both cruel and charming to men by her adopted mother, the eccentric Miss Havisham. Pip is always present in her life as she goes from one adventure to another. There is a backstory of who Estella’s real mother was and that is revealed towards the end of the story. You get a sense of atmosphere and how society behaved during a bygone era. This is Estella’s story and as with Kathy’s first novel, Sargasso, may inspire readers to return to the classics. Enjoyed it and look forward to more of this author’s work. Chris, SA, 4 Stars
Estella is an entertaining novel that retells Dickens’ Great Expectations. I loved Estella, she emerged as a spunky passionate woman. Kathy George sensitively dealt with Victorian morals and made her female roles strong in the face of circumstance. She allowed their characters to develop with a complexity that made them plausible and endearing or despicable as their role dictated. I loved the descriptions of the marshes and the various settings where the plot unfolded. I have a clear picture of Satis House, the shops in the village and the forge. Amazingly, Kathy’s descriptions of the settings matched so well with Dickens. It was pleasing to see how well Kathy George wove her story of Estella into the Great Expectations framework. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
This was an interesting story of the life of Estella. Estella was hard to like at times, she could be cruel to the people that cared about her, but I did find her more endearing as the book went on. Understanding the life and times that she was growing up in. I would have liked more story about her mum and how she came to be adopted. I did enjoy this book. I haven’t read Great Expectations but will now add it to my reading list. Jo, VIC, 4 Stars
Kathy George takes us back to Dickensian England and the dilapidated Satis House of the eccentric Miss Havisham, the well-known character from the classic novel Great Expectations. The novel transforms Estella, Miss Havisham’s adopted daughter, into a fascinating protagonist. With her unconventional upbringing, it is little wonder that Estella is driven by conflicting emotions and a warped sense of love. As she matures this deeply flawed character reveals her strengths and weaknesses in a very honest and heart-wrenching manner. Her evolving relationship with Pip will be of great interest to the reader. The novel seems to lose focus at times with some unusual side-plots, but so, too, does our protagonist waver in her convictions and take a meandering path, seeking fulfillment. This is a fascinating study of a largely misunderstood character. This novel has certainly inspired me to revisit Great Expectations and will, undoubtedly, add to my reading of this classic. Heidi, SA, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed Estella by Kathy George. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as it had been so long since I had read Great Expectations. One thing I need to do now is re-read it. I do think that Kathy caught the essence of the time. I felt like I was reading a book written in Dickens’s time. Kathy’s writing style is descriptive, easy to read, and hard to put down. Denise, SA, 4 Stars
Enjoyed this retelling of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations which has been told from the character Estella. I think the author portrayed the time well with the characters and descriptions of the countryside. I grew to like Estella more through the book as she developed and grew from her mistakes. Virginia, NSW, 4 Stars
I’m always intrigued by the idea of backstories. All those characters, not always front and centre, who may have great or very little impact in the story, how did it look from their viewpoint? Full disclosure, I have never read Great Expectations or seen an adaptation. I know, we are few, but we do walk amongst you. I would definitely recommend reading the source first, as I feel that would have given me a greater connection to the characters and storyline, as I had a strong sense I was missing context. Kathy George has bravely taken the risk of comparison with Dickens, arguably one of the English-speaking world’s most popular authors. Estella is beautifully written and very visual, with the trope of a feminist twist to the (now) main character. How much it actually fleshes out Estella and her back story for me remains to be seen, but I look forward to rereading it once I’ve gotten my hands on the original. Juanita, NSW, 4 Stars
Estella is the adopted daughter of the eccentric grief-stricken Miss Haversham who has a way of controlling her life. At first, I found it hard to like Estella, but that soon changed as I came to know more of her life. This is a beautifully written descriptive book taking one of the characters from Dicken’s Great Expectations. Now it’s time to re-read Great Expectations. Marg, VIC, 4 Stars
Initially, I could not empathise with or warm to the main character due to her vain and unnecessarily cruel ways and extremely poor decision-making. However, I slowly became drawn into her story due to the beautifully descriptive writing of Kathy George. I found myself experiencing with great clarity Estella’s surroundings and experiences and was quickly turning pages to discover what the outcome would be for her and possibly Pip. Sue, NSW, 4 Stars
I like the idea of taking a character from a classic novel and retelling the story from their perspective, but Great Expectations is one of my favourite reads so I was unsure if I’d like Estella. But Estella’s journey is told beautifully in this re-imagined story. She comes to light and shines as a character. Through her, I sensed the loneliness and isolation of her childhood home and her beloved marshes. I felt the cold seep into my bones and smelt the sour, sodden earth. I shed a tear at Miss Haversham’s cruel way of offering affection and then snatching it away. Throughout the story, the author weaves in reasons behind Estella’s choices and inner turmoil, wanting but rejecting affection, and ultimately gaining the strength to grow and assume control of her life. Not sure I’m a fan of the ending, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story. Thoroughly recommend it. Pamela, QLD, 4 Stars
From an early age, Estella has a lot to learn about life. She is taught by her adopted mother that belonging to a family of wealth has many advantages. These include superiority and looking down on those less fortunate. Also treating others harshly without considering their feelings. Kathy George has written this novel with language used in times long past. It gives an insight into the difference between those with an education and the lower class without this advantage. The author describes how girls from social standing are expected to attend balls and functions to find a suitable husband to support them. Set back in time, the characters each take on the role of their station in life. The two main characters, Miss Havisham and Estella, are both strong-willed. This book is an insight into life years ago when those born into the upper class enjoyed many privileges. However, the poor were treated badly and struggled to survive. It makes us wonder why some people are so unkind, even today. Cherylene, QLD, 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading this book and following the main character’s development. She initially comes across as very cold and cruel but as time goes by she changes, becoming more likeable. Estella was certainly ahead of her time. Kathy George’s descriptions in the book of the landscape are captivating and the novel makes for easy reading. I was totally captivated by the plot. Debra, NSW, 4 Stars
An intriguing take on a familiar tale. I enjoyed it as I hadn’t read any Dickens for a very long time. Estella is an easy and entertaining read that looks at a familiar story through new eyes. Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
Imagine: a child formed into womanhood by a vengeful Miss Havisham, shaped to capture the hearts of men, and to break them. Pip is provided by Miss Havisham as playmate and test. After being schooled in France, Estella returns to London where she meets Pip again. But Pip is not part of Miss Havisham’s life plan for Estella. Can Estella break free from Miss Havisham’s control and conditioning to find her own place in life? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, revisiting some of the characters from one of my favourite Charles Dickens novels. I can imagine Estella, now, much as Ms George portrays her: a woman of contradictions. Estella is both caring and cold. She is enigmatic, feisty and guarded. Highly recommended. Jennifer, ACT, 4 Stars
A story about a 3-year-old girl, who was adopted by a wealthy woman, with issues, and was brought up being taught to break men’s hearts. Throughout her life, Estella has trouble making and keeping true relationships because of her upbringing, I enjoyed the story, it was not until the end of the book that I realised the background for the story was Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations. I plan to read that book soon. Fay, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this despite it being as far away from what I would usually read as you can get. I felt engaged with the characters and enjoyed the attention to detail. Now that I have finished reading Estella I feel compelled to go back and read some Charles Dickens stuff that I read during my late teens. I would recommend this heartily. Donna, VIC, 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading Estella, I found it an easy read and something very different from what I would regularly read. I loved the transformation of Estella’s character, as through the hardships in life and self-discovery she reflects on the decisions she has made in life and becomes the person she wants to be rather than the person Mrs Havisham set her out to be. A beautiful, headstrong independent woman who strives to have it all in a time dominated by men. Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a book I wouldn’t really read but once I got into it I enjoyed it. Christine, QLD, 3 Stars
I had not read Great Expectations but I was aware of the characters. I did enjoy reading this book but I probably found the ending a bit predictable. The story was more about how the ending was reached. I liked reading about Estella’s life and interests. The book did demonstrate the issues of women at that time. Louise, NSW, 3 Stars
Kathy George has taken the character Estella and given her a voice that exceeds the cruel, spoilt, flighty, instigator voice she had in Great Expectations. This story takes us through Estella’s life from adoption to the cruelty, trauma, let-downs, disappointment, education, work experiences, and romances that come to shape her. The descriptions of the places and the time are very well done. I liked seeing a character who I had always wondered about get her own life and voice. I did feel that I was waiting for ‘something’, but the story feels like it just goes along and I struggled to find a connection. Aotea, QLD, 3 Stars
An interesting retelling of a classic that draws you in with its alternative view. Estella was a character that was hard too like but an enjoyable read overall. Vanessa, NSW, 3 Stars
I would not usually read a historically based novel but was pleasantly surprised by Kathy George’s book Estella. The characters and relationships, descriptions of places and times brought it all together. Christine, WA, 3 Stars
I am not usually a huge fan of period dramas but this book was so well written and gave me such an insight into the characters of Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations. Estella could have been born this century, such are her attitudes and aspirations for her life, despite her oppressed upbringing as an orphan. Kerry, WA, 3 Stars
Kathy George has taken the classic Dickens novel and re-written Great Expectations but from the perspective of Estella, a sub-character who is adopted at a very young age by Miss Havisham and moved into the large remote estate of Satis House. The story told from this angle helps fill in the missing pieces of this character and helps in deepening the feelings you are left with towards her character as told in the Dickens novel. I found it rather hard to stay engaged for the first half and often found myself moving on to another title before revisiting this; I found myself more invested as it progressed. Crystal, TAS, 3 Stars
I struggled to get into the story of Estella but I am conscious that I haven’t read Great Expectations and perhaps I needed this background to appreciate her story. Estella for the most part is not a likeable character and it is funny to read how she can be so blunt and straightforward and yet at the same time so silly and defiant. It’s clear her trauma from the way she was treated by her adopted mother is to blame, but I struggled to understand Miss Havishams lessons in “breaking hearts”. It is portrayed as an important part of the story but seems so random. In contrast to the rest of the book, I really enjoyed part three. Estella’s character develops into an empowered, inspiring woman with purpose. Ahead of her time and breaking boundaries. I wish we had more answers about her father and of Pip’s benefactor but again, maybe I need to read Great Expectations to grasp the ending properly. Chloe, VIC, 3 Stars
I have never read Great Expectations, so wondered if this would be a good read for me? I still found the story and characters engaging, but could tell I was only understanding half of the story. A quick read of a synopsis of Great Expectations midway sure helped! I enjoyed the read – and will now grab a copy of Great Expectations. I suppose this is the reverse of the intent – but I’m hooked. Kirralee, SA, 3 Stars
Like so many other readers of Dickens’ Great Expectations, I well remember the cold-hearted character of Estella, and her solitary upbringing as the adopted daughter of the strange and eccentric Miss Havisham. This situation itself was highly unusual in 1860s England, when it was hard to break free from a rigid class system, and an educated woman’s independence might come at great personal cost. Kathy George prompts readers of her novel to ponder if Estella’s unfeeling attitude towards almost everyone was shaped by her lonely upbringing, or if it was a natural attribute and a defense against a male-dominated society where women generally were considered lesser. In her re-imagining of Estella, George explores the rigidity and restrictions of England’s class system, and the determination that was required for an intelligent woman of independent means to successfully break through these conventions. The book is a highly readable page-turner, even if historical accuracy was occasionally stretched. This did detract from the story’s credibility, since ignoring the strict social conventions of Victorian England weakened an otherwise enjoyable read. But the occasional nod to some of Dickens’ other fictional characters was a nice touch! Anne, TAS, 3 Stars
Estella is the story of an English lady, adopted by a bitter, heartbroken woman who raises her to break men’s hearts. I haven’t read Great Expectations so did not know what to expect and I think maybe it would have explained some things. I did enjoy the book but found it skipped from the ages 3 to 11 to 17 so quickly and some of the story was lost. I was also left wanting answers at the end. Katrina, VIC, 3 Stars
As an avid fan of historical fiction and knowing it was a modern adaptation of Great Expectations, I was very excited to read Estella; however, I was left disappointed. I struggled to get through the beginning due to how slow the tale was and the character of Miss Havisham and Estella being made so unlikable from the start. Mikayla, QLD, 2 Stars
This book is a re-telling of Dickens’s classic Great Expectations, with Estella Havisham rather than Pip as the main protagonist. Whilst it was comforting to read, knowing the characters and storyline so well, I did not enjoy this book. None of the characters came across as likeable and all seemed to have a one-dimensional quality to them. The ending was also rushed. Wendi, VIC, 2 Stars
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