No Thoroughfare by Charles Dickens is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. The story follows two young men, Michael and Jules, who are both searching for their true identities. As they navigate the twists and turns of fate, they are drawn into a web of deceit and intrigue that threatens to unravel their lives. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, No Thoroughfare is a compelling read that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page.

Book Description:

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 Collings 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.