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)

loved it.

great characters, we'll defined. can't wait to find out how Harry gets out of this one.

Entertaining

I do not normally read fiction. Every once in a while I step out of my comfort zone and dive into something different. I do this in order to become a better writer. I am thankful that I listened to this book. I enjoyed Jeff Archer's extremely well written story.

Good read

Enjoyed this book. Will be sure to catch the others in the series. The plot was well thought out and interesting. The characters have depth and are realistic. I have not read anything else by this author.

A (very enjoyable!) watered-down Ken Follett book

I like books with interwoven characters and stories a lot (think: Ken Follett) so I tried this one and liked it very much. I am currently on book 2. The characters are nicely developed and the story is entertaining and engaging. The narration is lovely and the nature of how the story is told is unique. It is kind of epistolary from many POVs which adds a lot of depth.

On the whole, this storyline is a bit more shallow than a lot of books of this genre I am used to but that is not a criticism. The stakes are just never quite as “life and death at every moment” high as some other stories so your emotional dips and highs aren't as big but sometimes I am in the mood for a nice palate-cleanser. Would recommend :)

Wonderful Beginning for A Wonderful Story

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy the concept of a series with the same players whose characters develop with age and over time, you will fall victim to this story with its many mysteries and captivating characters. I will wager you can't read just one of the 5 in the series. Be prepared to go "all in."

love the book

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

it ranks from 1-10 ..a 10

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

hugo

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

love both

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

emelia coming to new york looking for her love

Any additional comments?

i need to know if Harry inheriting the Barrington title THE HOUSE Adjoured which book is next

Captivating Story Telling

Story telling at its best! I can't wait to start the 2nd book! Has everything you look for in a book!

One of Archer's best

Most entertaining; fast moving, strong characters, great storyline. Great narrators. Can't wait to start book two.

Historical mistakes

What did you love best about Only Time Will Tell?

The story being told from many Perspectives

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Good ending

Which character – as performed by Roger Allam and Emelia Fox – was your favorite?

Old Jack

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

the only problem was mr Archer claims to be familiar with America, but he has harry Clifton given his rights in 1940...this was not in effect until 1966.Additionally, "The BigApple" was not popularized until 1970

Unique setting and story line

Had some enjoyable and well thought out twists and left me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the layout.