Only Time Will Tell: The Clifton Chronicles, Book 1

I have listened to all of Jeffrey Archer's work. This is standard class-clash Archer plotline with superb character development. I already feel like I grew up with these characters, and can't wait for the next "installment". By the way, the story is told from 1st and 3rd-person viewpoints, and from 7 separate "angles". I bow to Mr. Archer who can weave a complex story like no other (read A Prisoner of Birth and you'll agree). Incomparable two-person narration lends further authenticity to the characters. Since Mr. Archer plans 5 parts, covering 100 years, each part taking 1 year to produce, this series isn't for the faint of heart; however, die-hard Archer fans will settle in and eagerly anticipate the inevitable come-uppance that awaits the already much-hated Mr. Hugo. In the next book, I would expect a few more Archer "soap opera twists" to get us to thoroughly despise him...

Cane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. Class-clash plotline, intricate character development, detailed research, and soap opera-style twists that build utter contempt for the villainous antagonist.

Evocative narration. Mastery of British / Irish (UK) dialects. Male / female narration lends further credibility to the various characters.

Too difficult to select only one. Each character has already been fully formed by Mr. Archer, evoking myriad emotions from the reader, including empathy, sympathy, pity, incredulity, and seething anger.

I eagerly anticipate the next book!

If you're looking for real literature, this is not it. If you're looking for a guiltily entertaining book, go for it. This is typical Archer. In fact, some people might find it too typical -- a repeat of Kane and Abel, for example. While that might indeed be true, I read Kane and Abel a million years ago so getting to read a variation of it now was a ton of fun. Sometimes, it's just nice to read something light where the good guys are the good guys and the bad guys are the bad guys.I look forward to the next installment.

I love novels spun from "lives lived across the 20th century" and told from multiple angles. This has both those narrative strengths BUT is very derivative of other, similar novels (including early Ken Follett, who himself is derivative of other, better novels). Also like Follett, this features total goodies who constantly have dastardly deeds done undo them by total meanies. Frustrating, because it COULD have been a very good novel!

Okay... I have been waiting for a new Jeffrey Archer book for a long time. This one doesn't disappoint... great story... great characters... fantastic narration. Can't wait for the sequels.

yes

when he finally is told how his father died

well worth the time. Can't wait for the second book to come out.

What a great book! I was totally engrossed in it and loved the way Jeffrey Archer told the story from the perspective of each of the main characters. Narration was spot on. I put it up there with Pillars of the Earth and World Without End as one of those special epic stories. Only disappointment was that I will have to wait so long for the next one!

Some days all I really want is for someone to tell me a wicked-good story, and when that mood strikes me, there is no better author to turn to than Jeffrey Archer. His books are simple, fast-moving, thoughtless, and well-constructed, while his characters are either very good or very bad, and almost believable. Archer’s major ability is to grab the reader quickly and never let go, and to somehow make the reader care about what happens in the lives of the characters, in short, to make the reader want to know how it turns out. After quickly finishing Only Time Will tell, the first book in Archer’s projected series, The Clifton Chronicles, I immediately picked up and finished the second book, The Sins of the Father. No doubt about it: I’ll buy each succeeding book as it is published.

Now I can't sleep wondering if the characters will reunite. I was so enthralled in the story since the first chapter I just couldn't stop reading. Jeffrey Archer is an AMAZING story teller, and the reader feels like he's right there in the pub, in the ship, in the class, and I absolutely love it to the point of maddening. Bring on the sequel Jeff and lets get answers. Great job from a great writer!

I have truly, truly, truly enjoyed this book. The story was so well narrated, and well told until I couldnt put it down. Each and every person involved in the story had their own voice and I could see them in my mind's eye. When the "deep secret" finally came out I could barely contain myself. I loved the twists, and turns and the story told from everyones point of view. I'm only sorry that I will have to wait for the next book to see what happens to Harry. Loved it, loved it!

Be aware that the final book in this trilogy ends as if the last chapter was left out!

Never.

Definite cliffhanger and insists you buy book 2. Unfortunately, book 3 has no ending...most ridiculous fraud on a reader I've ever encountered.