This is the first Dickens book I have read, and I had pretty high expectations (semi-pun intended). I was immediately enthralled by Dickens' writing style, and many times though to myself "ah yes, this is why he is such a famous author". The story has twists and turns that I was not expecting in any way, and the whole thing is an interesting allegory for the readers expectations of where a novel is going versus where it does. This book has the rare trifecta of being well-written, having a compelling premise/plot, and having a deeper almost metafictional undercurrent that increases its staying power. I am looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.