I thought Estella's Revenge was going to somehow complement Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, but my hopes were never realized. But of course, who could compare to Dickens?
The characters in this book, with the exception of Pip and Jaggers, are each more hateful than the last. Estella is a poor bitter woman who married out of ambition. The Pockets are a family of envious people, who, driven by greed and bitterness, are capable of committing a crime to achieve their goals.
In short, the only worthwhile thing about this book is its beautiful cover.

The story was well written, yet it just didn’t hold my attention. I enjoyed reading great expectations as a younger person, and thought this would help to round out the story, but it didn’t gel as well with the original, so that it seemed more inspired of the original, rather than adding to the original. Miss Haversham was too different in this story, and Estella doesn’t get the same ending as she did in the version of Great expectations that I had read (there are different endings depending on which version you read). I’m sure some will like this book, but it’s just not for me

It is clear that the author has a great love for Great Expectations, such are her detailed descriptions of Satis House, Miss Havisham, Pip, and Estella. That said, you don't need to have read Dickens' novel to appreciate this book.

I'm a big fan of Victorian literature. Done well, I love a reworking or retelling of it. Barbara has done so brilliantly. Her fascination with Estella leaps off the pages as we watch her grow from a tortured protégé into a woman desperate to escape the confines of society and the law.

Estella is more than a haughty copy of her adoptive mother. Estella signifies growth in understanding more of herself while trying to hide her softer side. The author doesn't shy away from depicting Estella's occasional dark nature. It makes her more human.

A fascinating exploration of violence, mind control, limitations and freedom.

An exceptionally well realised reinterpretation of a Charles Dickens classic. “Great Expectations” stands out as one of the greatest works of literature ever published and Barbara Havelocke beautifully delves into that world; Estella, the one-note object of affection in the classic tale is expertly reimagined and expanded upon. A compelling and thoughtful novel.

This book definitely lived up to the title’s promise. It has a darkness to it that can only be pulled off in such a historic setting.

The characters were exactly as made out by Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. And it was great to read things from Estella’s point of view rather than Pip’s.

You get to hear how life at Satis House shaped Estella, who, it is revealed, does have a heart when she’s inclined to use it.

The characters leapt off the page and I easily became invested in their stories. There’s more than one character arc, and they are both expertly woven and believable. Helped along with quite the scandal or two.

It was a much longer book than the ones I normally read, but I felt every scene was worth reading, because they each made the whole.

It ended the only way it could, with Estella’s heart as black as Satis House.

Please read the trigger warnings before reading, because there is some violence in it.

I was asked to review this book by NetGalley and was super excited to do so, I have loved Charles Dickens Great Expectation in print and on screen and always was fascinated by the sad jilted Miss Haversham, and this is about her daughter Estella - obviously not written by Charles Dickens but well researched by this author. This author revisit many of the characters we know from Great Expectations.
I love Gothic since working in a school as cover and love faciliating Gothic english in school.
Both Estella and Miss Haversham are complex in their characters ( who would not be bitter and twisted if jilted at the alter especially in those days) Estella is brought up to hate men due to her mothers tragedy - and today would be viewed as depression and berevement. I have always felt for Miss Haversham and in this novel the reader will feel for both women.

What of Pip well readers you will need to read this novel to find out.

Recommended read.

"I support women's rights, but I also support women's wrongs"

This is what was running through my head throughout this book.
this book was dark, richly atmospheric and just hopeful enough to keep me going.

You might guess, and you’d be right, that Barbara Havelocke’s novel Estella’s Revenge is centred on the character from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. If your first thought is that Dickens has a reputation for being long-winded and dull, don’t worry: that’s not this book! Estella’s Revenge is not written in imitation of Dickens’ style. Instead it is an engaging and original account that develops the story of Great Expectations and tells it from Estella’s perspective, also examining her complex character. She is a lively, confident and strong young woman – but she knows her own flaws.

From childhood, Estella learns to break men’s hearts, instructed by her adoptive mother, Miss Havisham, who was jilted by her fiancé. Estella is aware that it’s not the right thing to do and that the people she is cruel to don’t deserve it. On the other hand, she must please Miss Havisham, because her very existence depends on it. So from a very young age she begins by practising on her young playmate, Pip. Estella must also outwit her scheming relations, the Pocketts, who see her as an obstacle to inheriting Miss Havisham’s wealth and will stop at nothing to remove her.

Virginia Woolf said, “A feminist is any woman who tells the truth about her life.” By that token, this is a feminist book, because Estella recounts with brutal honesty the cruelty that she inflicts on men.. At times she seems more of an activist heroine and at others a tormented soul who painfully acknowledges the weaknesses in her character. She knows that these result from her upbringing and her circumstances. Her version of feminism results from her confident outlook, believing that she can get by in the world without needing men. Until she meets her match.

Estella describes her dilemma: “I often felt pulled in all directions by what I wanted. My desire for love and my by-then automatic rejection of it. A longing for freedom, against a genuine desire to please Mother, which meant following her plan. Growing up, stacked against desperation to remain stuck in time. Spying on Pip while feeling ashamed of my weakness.”

Barbara Havelocke is an accomplished author of psychological thrillers, and this is evident here. There is action and suspense, beautifully balanced with Estella’s introspection. Estella’s Revenge doesn’t have the same multitude of characters as Great Expectations, which is a good thing. Nevertheless, it’s delightful to recognise some of Dickens’ well-known characters and famous phrases. Lovers of his work will very likely enjoy it for this reason. It isn’t necessary to have read Great Expectations, or to remember much of it, if you have. This book stands on its own merits.

Each of the settings in Estella’s Revenge is described with perfect attention to detail, from the vast, dangerous Kent marshes to the elegant London balls where appearances and etiquette were so important. Themes of darkness and light are explored, both literally – for example, in the darkened rooms of Satis House – and metaphorically, in the souls of the characters. I highly recommend that you read it to find out whether Estella learns to forgive herself – and others – for the way she is and finds happiness. Also to discover the secrets that Satis House hides. And as for Pip; Reader, does she marry him?

I will be reading this book very soon but unfortunately ill health got in the way. The book has been archived so will update my review once read

I have just finished this outstanding book and I am not quite sure my little review will do it justice, but here goes:

"You know Miss Havisham. The world's most famous jilted bride. This is her daughter's story."

From the very first page, I knew I was going to love this book, I knew it was going to be one of those books I could spend a long time with, and I knew it was going to be one of those books I could read again and again.

Estella's Revenge is not a retelling of Great Expectations. This book is all through Estella's eyes. It is told over two timelines and is beautifully written. It has gothic, mysterious, and atmospheric vibes and everything was so easy to picture. Ms Havelocke is a very talented author indeed. Every time I opened the book I was completely immersed in Estella's story.

This book was such a pleasure to read and I didn't want it to end. I had pre-ordered the ebook but I just had to get a NetGalley copy as I was so eager to read this. When the hardback is released I will treat myself to a copy, and that copy of Estella's Revenge will become a book I will read yearly, I loved it that much!

My favourite book so far this year 💜

AND! I was so pleased (and surprised) to read that Estella's story carries on! I'm very excited to read the next installment!

Thank you NetGalley, Canelo and Hera for an eArc of Estella's Revenge. Expected publication date is 9/5/24.

oh. my. goodness. this book was absolutely incredible!!!! i had so much fun reading this book. it was lovely and wonderful and amazing. thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this book before the publication date!!!

Estella's Revenge is an absolute masterpiece that seamlessly builds upon the rich tapestry of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, one of my all-time favourite books. I was delighted by how the author skilfully expanded upon the beloved characters and themes, adding new layers of depth and complexity to the narrative. One of the most impressive aspects of Estella's Revenge is the way it delves deep into the psychology of its characters, particularly Estella and Miss Havisham. It's a compelling exploration of identity, trauma, and the human psyche that had me gripped from start to finish.
I was delighted by how the novel provides a more well-rounded portrayal of Miss Havisham, a character shrouded in mystery and tragedy in Great Expectations. It offers readers a deeper understanding of her motivations, struggles, and vulnerabilities, making her a more nuanced and relatable character. The author's ability to breathe new life into these familiar characters while staying true to Dickens' original vision is truly commendable.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timeline structure of the book, which adds another layer of intrigue. This narrative device not only keeps the story engaging and fast-paced but also provides valuable insights into Estella's journey and the impact of her upbringing on her choices and actions.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend Estella's Revenge, which is now way up there on my favourites list–right alongside Great Expectations. I really hope I get to see this one brought to life on the screen some day!

Set in London in 1835 I was so looking forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve only read a few Dickens novels but the one I always loved best was Great Expectations and the scene that always resonated with me was when young Pip was brought to play with Estella. Estella is the adopted daughter of wealthy Miss Haversham who was jilted at the altar and has since remained in her wedding dress with the wedding feast decaying on the table. A sad and bitter woman Miss Haversham has brought Estelle up to despise men and to trust no one - this is Estella’s story, told from her perspective and in two timelines.

Briefly, having little contact with the world outside of Satis House Estella really doesn’t understand people and although aware of Pips feelings for her she chooses the rather odious Bentley Drummle to be her husband. She doesn’t love him and she is aware he is not a good or kind man, but he is her choice.

I loved how this was written, it was of the era and it flowed beautifully, and remained true to the original novel. I found myself coming to like Estella despite her unfortunate lack of compassion and her unkind treatment of Pip who alongside Yvette was the only person she could be herself with. Dark with gothic vibes this was a very atmospheric read highlighting the treatment of women in Dickensian England and the vapidity of the upper classes. A very enjoyable read.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

An okay read. An imagination of Estella's life if Dickens' Great Expectations had an addendum.

2.75☆

I thought this was a great read in the Great expectations world. I enjoyed getting to know Miss Havisham's daughter in this. It had that Gothic feel that I was hoping for and thought the world had a great overall feel to it. It uses the elements perfectly and was glad I was able to read this. I enjoyed the cover and how everything worked with the story and had that Gothic feel I was hoping for.

I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Estella’s Revenge by Barbara Havelocke is a Gothic retelling of Great Expectations from Estella’s point of view. We have two timelines, one is happening after Estella marries Bentley Drummle and the ramifications of that choice and the other details her childhood being raised by Miss Havisham in a house that refuses to recognize the passage of time.

It’s been awhile since I read Great Expectations, but I think someone who has not read the original could reasonably keep up with the story in Estella’s Revenge. The novel discusses several social issues of the day, mostly the sexism that was common in the early 1800s and poverty, while keeping inline with Estella’s colder nature and frustration with her place in society as a puppet or object of desire.

What I really liked was the prose conveying a Gothic, creepy atmosphere and the attention to detail regarding the Santis House, the home of the Havisham family. The rotten feast, the insects moving around as a result of the lack of care, the wedding dress Miss Havisham wears, all feel like characters on their own.

Content warning for depictions of abuse, still birth, and sexual assault.

I would recommend this to fans of Estella from Great Expectations, readers of Gothic historical novels, and lovers of retellings of classic literature from different view points.

I’m a firm fan of this writer. What’s not to like in the retelling of the Miss Havisham story, but this time through the eyes of her daughter. The writer has obviously gone to a great deal of research, the result being something to be proud of. Unusual. Impeccable. Riveting.

Thank you Canela / Hera for my digital copy to read and review.

I found Estella's story to be fascinating and intriguing. The story is told over several timelines. Barbara wrote brilliant descriptions of Satis House, Miss Haversham and Estella that I was able to see them in my mind. It was well written. The premise of Miss Haversham bringing up Estella to not have a care in the world of what people think of her. The story was dark, gothic and suspenseful. I will be recommending this book.

I was very excited to review this book, as it looked and sounded really intriguing, and I'd heard a lot of things about it.

I thought this book was wonderful. From the beginning, I loved the dark narrative, and there was something about it that played with my emotions a little bit. I felt very connected to Estella, and found myself reading with a sort of fascination, as though I wanted to understand her. While in some ways she came across as selfish, cold, maybe even vindictive, there was something about her strength of character that I admired. I think it was very interesting to tell this story from Estella's point of view, and will look forward to reading more books with her as a character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

This book has blown me away. I was unsure what to expect when I started this book especially knowing it was based on the Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations. The Classics are Classics for a reason and its a big thing for an author to write their own version from a different perspective of such an iconic story. This book however blends so effortlessly with the original story that this version is truly meant to be and will sit comfortable on a shelf alongside its companion of Great Expectations for many years to come. Charles Dickens would certainly be very proud of this story and knowing his original has inspired another true masterpiece. Estella's revenge brings back to life this true classic story and it appears to be written so effortlessly that you just float though the book getting lost among the pages for hours on end. I truly did not want this story to end and cannot wait for the next novel by this amazing author Barbara Havelocke.