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)

A long time coming

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!

Intriguing story...characters grab you from start

Would you consider the audio edition of Only Time Will Tell to be better than the print version?

yes

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

when he finally is told how his father died

Any additional comments?

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

NEW FAVORITE AUTHOR

I absolutely fell in love with this book. COULDN'T stop listening! Highly recommend, smooth narration.

Good Guys and Bad Guys

What made the experience of listening to Only Time Will Tell the most enjoyable?

Archer stories are a great escape. You pull for the main characters and wait to see how the villains get their due. I enjoyed Prisoner of Birth more than this book but I recommend it and I will listen to book 2 in time. The narration was spot on. If you like Archer, you will enjoy this listen.

Hard to stop listening

Loved it! Can't wait to hear the next book in the series. You will fall in love with the characters.

I'm hooked... Great story telling

Now I have to read the entire series. You can't leave me wanting more like that, that was wrong. But I truly enjoyed this book. It brought smiles and tears, reminded me of a story here and there of my childhood and family. Great great story telling. Thank you

Amazing!!!!!

Totally amazing. I was caught up by the characters from start to finish, and am buying the next book in the series right away. Wow!

Great for audio especially

I enjoy a good story and have always been partial to historical fiction set at the time this one is, just before the Second World War, because it was when my parents met and were young. While the characters were not all that deeply created, the important ones were and held my interest. The storyline is mostly predictable with Harry being noble and becoming the ideal, facing sacrifices with courage and selflessness. Yet still I was easily pulled back. If you are not looking for an intellectual read and like stories of everyday heros, you will like this one.

Entertaining but redundant

This was a good story of how a young English lad makes the most of his singing talent and brains with the help of his Mom and friends. It was interesting to hear the same situation described by the various characters. However, after the four telling I just wanted to get on with the story and forget the retelling. The ending was a little predictable and will lead in to book #2.

Can't wait for the next in the series!

I loved this. The narration was excellent! Story was great and I can't wait to hear what happens next!