Hide and Seek

After the success of his debut novel Antonina (1850), Wilkie Collins crafted the gothic suspense novel Hide and Seek (1854). The story follows Mary Grice, a young woman of wealth and social standing who becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a man calling himself Arthur Carr. Banished from her home, she dies during childbirth in the care of a group of circus performers, who adopt the baby as their own. Raised by Martha Peckover, the wife of a clown, Mary is exploited by the circus owner until she is saved by a minister. Taken in by the Blyth family, Mary becomes known as Madonna and catches the eye of Zack Thorpe. As the story unfolds, a mystery involving Mary's father begins to take shape, with implications for her romance with Zack. Hide and Seek is a masterpiece of Gothic suspense and mystery for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Hide and Seek, a novel by Wilkie Collins, was written in the aftermath of his successful debut, Antonina (1850). This work showcases Collins' mastery of mystery and psychological unease, which would later make him a renowned household name worldwide. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Collins possessed a gift for thoughtful entertainment, creating stories that resonated with a popular audience and continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers today.

The story revolves around Mary Grice, a young woman of wealth and social standing, who becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a man named Arthur Carr. Banished from her home, she tragically dies during childbirth in the care of a group of circus performers who adopt the baby as their own. Raised by Martha Peckover, the wife of a clown, Mary experiences exploitation at the hands of the circus owner following an accident with a horse, which leaves her deaf and mute. To save her, Martha seeks the help of a minister, who arranges for Mary to be adopted into a loving home.

Mary is taken in by the Blyth family and becomes known as Madonna for her beauty and grace. She catches the eye of Zack Thorpe, a young man from a wealthy family. As the story unfolds, a mystery involving Mary's father begins to take shape, with implications for her budding romance with Zack.

Hide and Seek is not only a sensational plot but also a masterpiece of Gothic suspense and mystery. It appeals to seasoned readers of Victorian fiction as well as newcomers to the genre. The novel is beautifully designed with a captivating cover and professionally typeset manuscript, making it a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Through his writing, Wilkie Collins explored the complexities of human nature, societal norms, and the darker aspects of the Victorian era. His characters are well-developed, and his narratives are filled with suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth. Hide and Seek is a testament to Collins' talent as a storyteller and his ability to captivate readers with his vivid imagination and compelling narratives.

In conclusion, Hide and Seek is a remarkable novel by Wilkie Collins that showcases his mastery of mystery, psychological unease, and Gothic suspense. It is an important work of Victorian literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its captivating characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric writing, Collins' Hide and Seek remains a timeless classic that deserves to be celebrated and explored by generations to come.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135847