Only Time Will Tell

The Clifton Chronicles, Book 1

By: Jeffrey Archer

Narrated by: Roger Allam, Emilia Fox

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From the internationally bestselling author Jeffrey Archer comes Only Time Will Tell, the first in the ambitious Clifton Chronicles series that tells the story of one family across generations, across oceans, from heartbreak to triumph.

The 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, but he learns about life on the docks from his uncle, who expects Harry to join him at the shipyard once he's left school. But then an unexpected gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys' school, and his life will never be the same again.

As he enters into adulthood, Harry finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question, was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore who spent his whole life on the docks, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line?

This introductory novel in Archer's engrossing series The Clifton Chronicles includes a cast of colorful characters and takes us from the ravages of the Great War to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Harry must decide whether to take up a place at Oxford or join the navy and go to war with Hitler's Germany. From the docks of working-class England to the bustling streets of 1940 New York City, Only Time Will Tell takes listeners on a journey through to future volumes, which will bring to life one hundred years of recent history to reveal a family story that neither the listener nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.

©2011 Jeffrey Archer (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Archer delivers another page-turning, heart-stopping saga, with delightful twists, and a surprise ending… readers will surely wait for the next with bated breath.” —Publishers Weekly

“General readers as well as Archer fans will enjoy this unforgettable tale, which abounds with cliff-hangers that propel its intriguing and intricate plot.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“What appears at the outset to be a straightforward coming-of-age tale becomes, by the end, a saga of power, betrayal, and bitter hatred. The novel ends on a deliberately dark note, setting the stage for the sequel…An outstanding effort from a reliable veteran.” —Booklist (starred Review)

Can't stop listening

I listened to Book 3 first and loved it (didn't know at the time I started it that it was 3rd in a series) and I couldn't wait to start with the first book. It didn't go back and forth between countries but was still very intriguing and complicated between the main characters. It was well done and definitely had a cliff-hanger of an ending. I just bought the next book to continue the story.

Great beginning to a series

I really enjoyed the many layers of this book. The backdrop of the history of the war and the mystery of the death of Harry's father made it hard to stop listening. The many characters and their personalities and predicaments added to the story complexity. I look forward to listening to the next books in the series to find out what happens.

Kept my interest

I enjoy audiobooks like this that have a strong plot that take no concentration to follow. The type of book that is a reasonable distraction while on a long car ride or while doing chores.

Excellent!

Archer writes in a way that takes no time at all for you slip in and be immediately comfortable with the pace of the ride. If you like period pieces that take place just before WW2, then you will enjoy this book. However, Archer really shines with his character development and explains the story from the perspective of each main character leaving you to come to your own conclusions. On top of this. the story line continuously twists in unexpected ways to keep you reading "just one more page". I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. NOTE: Reading in this case was via audio. The audio performance was excellent and had both male and female readers covering their respective parts. It was most enjoyable!

Harry grabs hold early as someone to support.

What did you love best about Only Time Will Tell?

I loved seeing Harry go from being a mischief who cut school to a boy who could be channeled into a path on which he could use his brain.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Only Time Will Tell?

Actually, the end. The end was carefully planned for with arrows pointing that way. It was an end which is totally credible. We knew from Harry's inability to get the American to talk that something was hidden, a secret that he could trust no one to open. I was however, on pins and needles when he took an exam, each time. I loved his relationship with his mother and if was credible.

What about Roger Allam and Emilia Fox ’s performance did you like?

the reading did not get in the way of the story. This could have been opera in the wrong sense.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did.

Any additional comments?

The question of paternity is bothersome. I don't remember a description of how either putative father looked.
The Miranda Rights, however, did not become the code of conduct with officers until the 1950''s. I wonder if the author thinks that some how officers in New York were doing the litany before the great war. That jarred. I still give it five stars but those stars are based on the story.

Great book!

This book held my attention and highly recommend. I can't wait to read all the rest. I hear the are all must reads.

Very intriguing!

Story about an English schoolboy trying to move up in life, a mystery about his father and the travails of his family. It seems a little disjointed at first because the point of view keeps shifting but is worth the effort to follow. I enjoyed it enough that I have started the 2nd book in the series.

I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent Story-Harry Clifton Series An Epic Novel

A great novel. The beginning of an epic story about Harry Clifton. This book is the beginning of Harry's life and ends with the reader wanting more. Sure enough there are currently seven in this series. The war begins with England and Germany but soon it expands as we know. Harry is running away from his personal problems and joins a cargo ship heading for Cuba. A torpedo puts an end to his cargo career but his survival marks the beginning of a new life. Just how new you must read to find out.

My new favorite series: The Clifton Chronicles

For some odd reason, I had never heard of the Clifton Chronicles series. Thankfully I stumbled across this first book offered as a daily special. Thank you Audible! Centered around the life of Harry Clifton in post WW1 England and those wonderfully written characters that weave their way into the story line throughout the series. There is history, romance, suspense and enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested in Harry's life for the decades that unfold in the multi book series. The narration added the necessary layer of a great Audiobook experience. It is nice to know through Audible there are still great listens out there to be discovered. This is my "Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry" but please read Jeffrey Archer and his Clifton Chronicles.

My first Jeffrey Archer and I fell in love.

Where does Only Time Will Tell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

By no means do I claim to be a well read person or writer. This book was by far the best audible I have ever heard. The characters were delightful. The backdrop was clearly stated. And each scene was so clear in the imagination as if you were right there when it was happening. Can't wait to get on to the next installment. Poor Harry.