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Only Time Will Tell: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 9,977 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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 reader nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.
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"Jeffrey Archer is one of my all-time favorite authors. I've read almost every book he has written and I'm a big time fan. In my opinion, Jeffrey Archer is the ultimate at twists and turns. He writes in a way that there is no way (well, Carlos Ruiz Zafon is an ultimate at this too) ... but, besides these 2 authors ... they are THE BEST at writing story lines and taking you places ... twisting, turning, jaw-dropping "no way" ... and that makes them so fabulous as authors."
— Patricia (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Archer delivers another page-turning, heart-stopping saga, with delightful twists, and a surprise ending.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“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. Archer is known for thrillers, and while this has some thriller elements, it will also appeal to mainstream historical-fiction fans. An outstanding effort from a reliable veteran.”
— Booklist -
Kane and Abel…that classic of modern literature.
— The Times (London) -
A storyteller in the class of Alexandre Dumas.
— The Washington Post on A Twist in the Tale -
A compelling read…The pace never flags.
— Newsday (New York) on A Prisoner of Birth -
A dynamite commercial novel…Archer brings it off with panache.
— The Washington Post on A Prisoner of Birth -
I was utterly hooked. It was an absurdly enjoyable read.
— Anthony Horowitz, Daily Telegraph (London) -
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) -
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) -
“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
Only Time Will Tell Listener Reviews
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Laurie Botie, 3/28/2014
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" Long tale that kept my attention throughout. surprise ending. Must get sequel soon. "
— Diana, 2/19/2014 -
" simple yet binding..a good read.. "
— Abhijith, 1/25/2014 -
" Fun quick book to read. Had to wait a while for second book in series. "
— Barbara, 1/22/2014 -
" I don't think I've ever read this author before. The story kept me going and stayed interesting. Then the final sentence was a big surprise ending. Fun. "
— Karen, 1/20/2014 -
" This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I really enjoyed the story, characters and style of writing. I liked how you got to see the story progress from different character's point of view. I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the Clifton chronicles. "
— Mina, 1/12/2014 -
" Liked this a lot -- probably 3.5. "
— Margaret, 1/9/2014 -
" Jeffrey Archer has not disappointed me. I read Kane and Abel years ago and was immediately immersed in the plot. The same thing happened once I began reading this book. I can't wait to start the second book in the series. "
— Joe, 1/6/2014 -
" My favorite of Archer's books. a banging start for the clifton's chronicles. "
— Prakash, 12/23/2013 -
" It kept my interest and I can't wait for book two to come out. It is going to be a series called the Clifton Chronicles. This was the first book. LOVED IT. Next will be Sins of the Father due in Spring of 2012...not long, now. "
— Ncsherman, 11/25/2013 -
" Years since I read any books by Mr Archer. Cheap on Amazon so I gave it a go. Very reminiscent of his Kane and Abel days. A great read. "
— Moyra, 11/16/2013 -
" Loved this book. It's one of those 'against-all-odds' stories where the hero rises through hard work, gifted talent, and support from those who care about him, above those evil forces that seek to crush him down. Very well written with Jeffrey Archer's usual finesse. "
— Jocelyn, 11/13/2013 -
" An enthralling book, easy to read and kept me hooked from page one to the end! "
— Kathryn, 10/28/2013 -
" good to read, can't stop to read. "
— Tee, 10/15/2013 -
" A great read but will have to wait for the sequel in the library line-up. He spins a great tale. "
— Russell, 10/11/2013 -
" Archer's story contains his characteristic (and well-masked) twists and turns. The story is told from the POV of multiple characters. This allows the reader to get to know the characters well and feel connected to each and every one of them. Can't wait to read the sequel in the spring! "
— Rene, 9/22/2013 -
" Had not read Archer before until yesterday. Finished it late last night and maybe I should have ended reading a few pages before the end. (SPOILER) Ending the book with an officer reading someone the Miranda Rights in 1940 just soiled it for me. "
— Dewayne, 8/28/2013 -
" intriguing storyline. enjoyed how the story is told from different characters perspective. couldnt put the book down. each characters section ended with a cliffhanger. the story got better with each chapter. look forward to the second book in the series. highly recommend this book! "
— Keriann, 8/2/2013 -
" I read this book as a Bookbub recommendation for my Kindle. I couldn't put it down and was thrilled that it is a trilogy. The characters were well developed and the plot was intriguing. Cannot wait to start the next book in this series. Jeffrey Archer is a master storyteller. "
— Marlene, 3/30/2013 -
" There are a few books that I simple could not put down -- this was one of them. "
— Laurene, 8/20/2012 -
" Great book.. really enjoyed reading it... "
— Mahesh, 8/15/2012 -
" I can't wait to get the sequel! "
— Perky, 8/12/2012 -
" I am a big fan of multi-generational stories. I enjoyed this one very much despite wanting to kick some of the characters for some of their choices! I'm getting ready to start the next volume in this series. I'll let you know! "
— Jennifer, 5/8/2012 -
" Good start to new series "
— Fiskrichard, 2/20/2012 -
" Not exactly literature, but a good entertaining read. "
— Elaine, 2/8/2012 -
" The First book in the Clifton Chronicles really is a page turner. The best part of the book was the narration of the story from the point of view of all the characters, circling back to Harry. Lots of twists and turns. A good read!!! "
— Madan, 11/20/2011 -
" Oh how this man can write. Wish there were 20 stars for this one. It is the first in a trilogy. I hope he can write fast. The next come out in spring of 2010. Love his multi-generational sagas. be sure to read Prisoner of Birth too. "
— Paula, 11/5/2011 -
" Quick read.. Made for a TV miniseries.. Pace remains auick, characters intriguing, plot fun... Definitely a beach read option "
— Sean, 11/4/2011 -
" I had forgotten what a wonderful author Jeffrey Archer is. This is the beginning of a century long story that chronicles a family across generations. Very well written and hard to stop reading. Although I listened to it, I will now read the other books. "
— Judith, 10/29/2011 -
" Good book to curl up with on a rainy day "
— Virginia, 10/27/2011 -
" The first book in a new series. "
— Jesse, 10/26/2011 -
" Jeffrey Archer has been a favorite since I read Kane & Abel many years ago. He has never disappointed That being said, this book is a good build-up, but I'm not happy that the whole book is like the first part of something, and it will be continued over years. "
— Debra, 10/25/2011 -
" really liked this saga. I am looking forward to reading the next in the trilogy. "
— Millie, 10/20/2011 -
" Real page-turner...found one after so long...one that could keep me gripped "
— Vrsh, 10/19/2011 -
" I really enjoyed reading this book. The only disappointing thing is that I have to wait until the next book comes out to finish the story. "
— Kimberly, 10/17/2011 -
" Typical Archer writing style - leaves you wanting more - my only regret is not waiting until all of the books in the series are written and published because now I have to wait until next spring for the 2nd book to come out... "
— melody, 9/11/2011
About Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer is an author of fiction, nonfiction, and plays, including numerous New York Times bestsellings, of which three made the #1 bestsellers spot. He was educated at Oxford University. He served five years as a member of the British parliament in the House of Commons and has served twenty-seven years as a member of the House of Lords. Now published in 97 countries and more than 37 languages, all of his novels and short story collections—including Kane & Abel, Only Time Will Tell and This Was a Man—have been international bestsellers.
About the Narrators
Emilia Fox has won three AudioFile Earphones Awards for her narrations. She is an acclaimed and award-winning actress, most notably played the title role in the play Katherine Howard at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and Clara Copperfield in a television movie production of David Copperfield. In 2004 she began playing pathologist Nikki Alexander on the television series Silent Witness. In 2006 she garnered much praise for her role in the independent comedy-drama Cashback.
Roger Allam played Javert in the original London production of Les Misérables and Falstaff in the Shakespeare’s Globe 2010 production of Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. He has been nominated four times for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, winning twice, and he has also won the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor. His film work includes roles in The Queen, Speed Racer, V for Vendetta, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Tamara Drewe, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and the television series The Thick of It. He has narrated audiobooks for numerous bestselling authors, including Jeffrey Archer, Ian McEwan, Ian Rankin, and Joseph Conrad. Roger lives in southwest London with his wife, actress Rebecca Saire, and their two young sons.