Hide and Seek


Read by Anna Simon

(4.6 stars; 166 reviews)

The artist Valentine Blyth has a very generous heart. He lovingly cares for his invalid wife, rescues a deaf orphan girl from maltreatment in a traveling circus and adopts her, and mentors a young man who gets in trouble with his tyrannical father. The girl, who received the nickname ‚Madonna’, falls in love with the young man, Zack. Because one of Valentine’s biggest fears is that Madonna’s blood relations will one day trace her and take her away from his home, he keeps the little that he knows of her origins a strict secret. One day, Zack befriends a mysterious stranger, who has just returned from years of rough life in the American wilderness. From that moment, the plot thickens, in mid-19th century dramatic style.

This is Wilkie Collins’ third published novel (1854, read from the 1861 edition). Summary by Anna Simon (15 hr 36 min)

Chapters

Preface to the revised edition 4:05 Read by Anna Simon
Opening Chapter. A child's sunday 37:50 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter I. A new neighborhood, and a strange character 34:10 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter II. Mr. Blyth in his studio 26:35 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter III. Madonna's childhood 40:06 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter IV. Madonna's mother 40:19 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter V. Madonna's misfortune 29:48 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter VI. Madonna goes to London 32:12 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter VII. Madonna in her new home 18:01 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter VIII. Mentor and Telemachus 20:36 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter IX. The tribulations of Zack 17:35 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter X. Mr Blyth's drawing academy 38:26 Read by Anna Simon
Book I - Chapter XI. The brewing of the storm 42:14 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter I. The man with the black skull-cap 32:30 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter II. The prodigal's return 20:05 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter III. The search begun 33:45 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter IV. Fate works, with Zack for an instrument 25:42 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter V. Fate works, with Mr. Blyth for an instrument 49:23 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter VI. The finding of the clue 15:41 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter VII. The box of letters 19:56 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter VIII. Joanna Grice's narrative 41:11 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter IX. More discoveries 25:54 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter X. The squaw's mixture 41:14 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XI. The garden door 41:34 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XII. The hair bracelet 27:08 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XIII. The search for Arthur Carr 29:18 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XIV. Mary's grave 50:23 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XV. The discovery of Arthur Carr 35:28 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XVI. The day of reckoning 18:38 Read by Anna Simon
Book II - Chapter XVII. Matthew Grice's revenge 30:13 Read by Anna Simon
Closing Chapter. A year and a half afterwards 16:00 Read by Anna Simon

Reviews


(4.5 stars)

Beautifully Read. Thank you. Social pressures and interference destroying lives. Good people interceding rearranges the cards for a good and unexpected outcome. Wilkie Collins despite his comments about what women are like throughout his books again here exposes unjust social norms. A good story.

Wilkie, you made me cry!


(5 stars)

Another gripping story of secrets and intrigue and love, which triumphs over all. Somewhat emotional at times and made me cry. This is another of Wilkies must read!


(5 stars)

wonderful story very well-read really got to know the characters and some good plot twists too!

LOVING VENGEANCE


(5 stars)

A bit slow coming together, but a choice morsel once it did. WC always makes the reader to know the characters intimately. The narrator gave voice to assist in our intimacy with them. Well done by all

Wonderful


(5 stars)

I absolutely adored this story. Not as dark as Collins usually is but still detailed. A delightful story and well read.


(4 stars)

Good job by Anna. as far as I have listened, B-1;C-3, story line seems to be dragging. Will give it another go later. ok. I gave it another go. this time I was able to enjoy it. thank you Anna.


(5 stars)

Excellent story well read. I enjoyed this story and always returned to it with great anticipation. Thank you, Carl


(5 stars)

Enjoyable story in true Wilkie Collins style beautifully read