In what could be Dickens's best, humble and orphan novel, Pip is an apprentice to the dirty work of the forge, but dares to dream of becoming a knight, and one day, in sudden and enigmatic circumstances, finds himself in possession of "high expectations". "In this gripping tale of crime and guilt, revenge and reward, compelling characters include Magwitch, the fearsome and fearsome convict; Estella, whose beauty is notable only for her arrogance; and the bitter Miss Havisham, an eccentric abandoned bride.