Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 320 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I usually don't care for British authors, but this was an exception. Set in Britian during the period before WWII, it is family saga. Each "chapter" is titled for one of the characters. The author doesn't burden the reader with a long list of characters, and family members. You don't need a score card to keep track of who is who, and who belongs to what family. There are those of "wealth and privledge" as well as those not so lucky. The book doesn't have the sex, violence and foul language so familiar to readers today.
Don't be tempted to read the last pages. This is the first book of the series, and I am very anxious for the second book to be published in the late spring.
The book is worth the wait. My copy came from the library.
Don't be tempted to read the last pages. This is the first book of the series, and I am very anxious for the second book to be published in the late spring.
The book is worth the wait. My copy came from the library.
Mary C. (nursemare) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm already reading book 2 "Sins of the Father" - another fabulous book!
This is the story of Harry Clifton, his mother, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Harry lost his father when he was too young to remember him, allegedly killed during WWI. Maisie, his hard working mother struggles to support, not only Harry, but her parents who live with them. Of course, there's also an abusive uncle who lives in the house as well, adding a little color to the story.
Archer tells this story mostly from the point of view of Harry, but in the earlier sections he also tells it from Maisie's point of view and the rest of the cast of characters of this story, each with their own section labelled with their names and the years that portion of the story covers. Small portions at the start of each section are told in first person point of view, changing to third person limited point of view further into the story. At first the shift from third person to first person and back was a little disruptive, but then it flowed quite well. The strength of this technique also served as a weakness - near the middle of the story, Archer shifts from character to character telling different sides of the same story. That became a bit tiresome, but it wasn't enough to disrupt things to the point of not enjoying this book immensely.
As I turned the last page of this book, I was satisfied, but also frustrated. If I had book two in the series in hand I would have started reading it immediately. I just have to find out what happens to Harry next, so I'll be getting book two as soon as it comes out.
This is the story of Harry Clifton, his mother, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Harry lost his father when he was too young to remember him, allegedly killed during WWI. Maisie, his hard working mother struggles to support, not only Harry, but her parents who live with them. Of course, there's also an abusive uncle who lives in the house as well, adding a little color to the story.
Archer tells this story mostly from the point of view of Harry, but in the earlier sections he also tells it from Maisie's point of view and the rest of the cast of characters of this story, each with their own section labelled with their names and the years that portion of the story covers. Small portions at the start of each section are told in first person point of view, changing to third person limited point of view further into the story. At first the shift from third person to first person and back was a little disruptive, but then it flowed quite well. The strength of this technique also served as a weakness - near the middle of the story, Archer shifts from character to character telling different sides of the same story. That became a bit tiresome, but it wasn't enough to disrupt things to the point of not enjoying this book immensely.
As I turned the last page of this book, I was satisfied, but also frustrated. If I had book two in the series in hand I would have started reading it immediately. I just have to find out what happens to Harry next, so I'll be getting book two as soon as it comes out.
Peggy F. (pafmarwog) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic Compelling Start of a new Saga by Jeffrey Archer. I literally could not put this book down until I finished it. This novel fulfilled all of the elements that make a great story; and it certainly captured my attention and held my interest. I cannot wait for the next installment " Sins of the Father". I have read a couple of other books by this same author and have enjoyed his ability to entertain me with his tales.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 1440 more book reviews
This leisurely tale of a young man growing up in England in the years between the two world wars, revolves around the parentage of the main character. Reared by a widowed mother in a working-class home, there is the distinct possibility that his real father is a wealthy industrialist. The last paragraph of the last page, however, is a total curve ball that leaves everything hanging and sets up for a sequel.
Marianne S. (sfc95) -
I love Jeffrey Archer books, but in reading several I am finding there is a theme and a redundancy. I have to make sure this is a new book and not one I have already read. It appears that the story line changes little, it is just the characters that change! However I shouldn't complain too much, I read it in two sittings because I just cannot get enough of these long familial tales and how they intertwine.
I have been reading through many of Jeffrey Archer's novels and found this to be one of his better works. He certainly knows how to tell a story and evoke in the reader an understanding of the era and people living through it. He is not one to say something in one word if it can be conveyed by several. Many of his novels are highly praised by reviewers, such as Kane & Abel. However, I thought that Only Time Will Tell was a much more meaningful novel. I will certainly seek out more of his works and encourage readers to do the same.
he epic tale of Harry Clifton's life begins in 1920, with the words "I was told that my father was killed in the war." A dock worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father and expects to continue on at the shipyard, until a remarkable gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys' school, and his life will never be the same again...
As Harry enters into adulthood, he finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question: Was he even his father? From the ravages of the Great War and the docks of working-class England to the streets of 1940 New York City and the outbreak of the Second World War, this is a powerful journey that will bring to life one hundred years of history.
As Harry enters into adulthood, he finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question: Was he even his father? From the ravages of the Great War and the docks of working-class England to the streets of 1940 New York City and the outbreak of the Second World War, this is a powerful journey that will bring to life one hundred years of history.
I am hooked and will never want the series to end.
Laurie R. (dragonfly521) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I have this as an Audio Book. I couldn't wait to get in the car and listen to this fascinating story. Jeffrey
Archer is a great story teller.
This is the first in a Series, I have read the second and am eagerly awaiting the third.
Archer is a great story teller.
This is the first in a Series, I have read the second and am eagerly awaiting the third.
Great series!
I have only recently discovered this author and now I can't get enough of his books. He's a fabulous story-teller. In this book One of the Clifton Chronicles, his characters are perfect for the plot and ones you can only admire or despise. This is a book I hated to reach the end of, but was delighted to learn that there is not only one but several sequels. Yay!
Barbara J. (nanabjones) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer is a series of seven books, and I've read six of them, planning to read the 7th next. I like Archer's writing; I enjoy many British writers' works. The story is about three generations through the two world wars and a decade or so beyond them. Political shenanigans, corporate intrigue, they have it all. His writing carries you along pretty quickly. I will miss this family after I've finished.
Barbara J.
Barbara J.
Writer firmly defined characters as never read before.
Marie Anne K. (novelswapper) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Love the World War II time frame and the characters in this book. Eager for the remainder of the series to unravel the outcome.
Only Time Will Tell is the first book in the Jeffrey Archer series, The Clifton Chronicles. The story begins in the 1920s with young Harry Clifton. The book is divided into sections, each told from a different point of view. Characters are clearly delineated as rich and poor, good and bad, heroes and villains. It is an expected but easy to read story. I look forward to reading more.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/05/only-time-will-tell.html
*** Reviewed for GoodReads read-along giveaway ***
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/05/only-time-will-tell.html
*** Reviewed for GoodReads read-along giveaway ***
