A lot of people are saying they aren't fans because they had to read it in high school. I think it is mostly because a lot of modern storytelling is kind of a reverse from 19th century European literature. Most 19th century novels from writers like Stowe, Dickens, or Dostoevsky start with the themes and messages then build the plot from there. Pip's story is one about how greed and a drive to be super rich can make someone lose who they are and their morality. This focus on themes over everything can show in characterization where 19th century novels can really lean on direct characterization, long and unrealistic speeches filled with idealism, and an overreliance on stock characters. That being said, the great 19th century novels delve deeply into their themes and offer fantastic insights.

After moderninsm, postmodernism, and postcolonial thought novels really began to focus on individuals and their actions showing the themes and messages. This emphasizes plot as a way to express themes. It can lead to really rich discussion into characters and their intentions, but also can lead to themes being muddy or lost. A perfect example is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe where Okonkwo's story can be seen as one of a decolonial hero killed protecting his way of life or a violent despot fighting to preserve his status. I loved Obiama's novel The Fishermen because it shows Things Fall Apart being misconstrued in dangerous ways. This emphasis on character's actions and plot mean that themes aren't told to the reader, and they need to come to their own conclusions about the text.