No Thoroughfare

Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) and Wilkie Collins (1824 - 1889)

Two boys from the Foundling Hospital are given the same name, with disastrous consequences in adulthood. Two associates, wishing to right the wrong, are commissioned to find a missing heir. Their quest takes them from fungous wine cellars in the City of London to the sunshine of the Mediterranean—across the Alps in winter. Danger and treachery would prevail were it not for the courage of the heroine and the faithful company servant.

The story contains crafted descriptions, well-drawn and diverse characters, eerie and exotic backgrounds, mystery, semi-concealed identities, brinkmanship with death, romance, the eventual triumph of Good over Evil, and many other elements expected in classic Dickens.

First published in 1867 there are thematic parallels with other books from Dickens' mature writings, including Little Dorrit (1857) and especially Our Mutual Friend (1865). The Listener will decide if this story yields insights into The Mystery of Edwin Drood (unfinished 1870).

Wilkie Collins collaborated with Charles Dickens to produce this ‘Christmas’ book and the stage play of the same name. In the book Collins assisted in Act 1 and Act 4; Collins scripted most of the stage play with Dickens’ assistance. If this book were released today it would be splashed "THE BOOK OF THE FILM". - Summary by Alan Chant.

Genre(s): General Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Act 0 Scene 1 - The Overture Alan Chant
00:16:28
Play 02 Act 1 Scene 1 - The Curtain Rises Alan Chant
00:21:21
Play 03 Act 1 Scene 2 - Enter The Housekeeper Alan Chant
00:09:10
Play 04 Act 1 Scene 3 - The Housekeeper Speaks Alan Chant
00:23:04
Play 05 Act 1 Scene 4 - New Characters on the Scene Alan Chant
00:41:40
Play 06 Act 1 Scene 5 - Exit Wilding Alan Chant
00:37:17
Play 07 Act 2 Scene 1 - Vendale Makes Love Alan Chant
00:46:43
Play 08 Act 2 Scene 2 - Vendale Makes Mischief Alan Chant
00:31:49
Play 09 Act 3 Scene 1 - In the Valley Alan Chant
00:33:13
Play 10 Act 3 Scene 2 - On the Mountain Alan Chant
00:33:14
Play 11 Act 4 Scene 1 - The Clock-Lock Alan Chant
00:26:07
Play 12 Act 4 Scene 2 - Obenreizer's Victory Alan Chant
00:25:45
Play 13 Act 4 Scene 3 - The Curtain Falls Alan Chant
00:10:38