Pip and Estella is a sequel to Great Expectations that continues themes of shame, guilt, love, religion, war, murder and the wealth gap, developed within a quasi-feminist stance.  Estella is reconciled with her natural mother, a working-class murderer, who brings her away from the Havisham curse and to Pip whom she marries following the death of his wife.  Pip is recruited as a lawyer by Jaggers, whose will create a Trust for the Relief and Education of the Poor.  Estella creates for herself a role promoting the Trust as an agency for the welfare of prostitutes, an interest stimulated by a close loving friendship with Nellie, a former whore in the navy town of Chatham in Kent.

Better Expectations explores Estella’s evolving life as a recent widow committed to the pursuit of philanthropic endeavors, specifically in confronting social problems such as prostitution in the years 1870-1874.

Her numerous friends come to see her as a fount of wisdom and good advice. Throughout the book Victorian strictures on sexual behavior crop up in terms of religious and social attitudes, and the legal prohibitions, punishments and obstacles in place. The book’s portrayal of powerful women leads to their persistent examination of the limits on their freedom and independence, on all of which Estella takes a tolerant and active view.

The third book of the Triology, Estella, The Star That Would Not Dim, will be released in November.

Both books are available on Amazon and Kindle.

More information can be found on https://www.hughsockett.com/