Only Time Will Tell (The Clifton Chronicles) by Jeffrey Archer
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.
2 comments:
I was so surprised to read the reviews talking about it being the first book in a series like it was a big deal. There are so many series out there that it shouldn't come as such a shock. Lee Child has his Reacher, Bernard Cornwell has his Uhtred and Diana Gabaldon has Jamie and Claire. If you don't like waiting for the next book then wait until the entire series is out. Otherwise just relax and enjoy yourself.
Jeffrey Archer is a skilled story teller. The story moves right along and it is hard to put down. He's like John Grisham- not the most skilled writer but a great story teller. I read this at a fast rate and enoyed every moment of it. I found it to be a fun read.
Stating this as being first in a series is important to some people who read reviews, just as stating that something is number 26 is important.
I wasn't stating this as a negative thing. It is a positive thing because there is so much more to look forward to.
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