Book Review: Only Time Will Tell
By patgalca
@patgalca (18370)
Orangeville, Ontario
March 25, 2017 2:00am CST
Only Time Will Tell is #1 in the Clifton Chronicles series of books by Jeffrey Archer.
Once again I stepped outside my comfort zone and read a book I didn't think I would like. The story takes place in the early 1920's to the early 1940's. I am not one for historical fiction... or at least I didn't used to be. I rather enjoyed this story about families and family secrets.
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. As he enters adulthood he finally learns how his father died which leads to the question, was he really his father?
The mystical prologue describes Harry's conception. The rest of the story runs through Harry's life from childhood to adulthood. I found it slow moving at times as there was a lot of backstory to cover. A lot of twists and turns as well. The story ended in a cliffhanger so I am now in search of #2 in the Clifton Chronicles - Sins of the Father.
I gave this book 4 stars. It just didn't keep me reading every day, even though the chapters were short. But I enjoyed this genre of novel, and fell in love with the character of Harry. I must find out what happens in the next novel. I have no idea how many there are in the series as this book was published in 2011 and the next in 2012.
I recommend this novel. It's a good read.
Oh dear... there are five books in the series. I guess it will have to wait.
7 people like this
8 responses
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
25 Mar 17
It covers the life of Henry Clifton (fictional character) from birth to almost the present. I was eagerly awaiting the last book. It had to wait about six months from the time I finished the fourth for it to be published. I was fortunate. I managed to get it from our local library before it was actually available to b borrowed. (Helpful to know a librarian
)
)1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
25 Mar 17
@JudyEv my daughter is a librarian at our local library. This gives me a convenient in. She has magically made overdue fines disappear and will sometimes let me read a book or watch a DVD before it goes into regular circulation.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340278)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Mar 17
@Morleyhunt It's often all about 'who' you know, isn't it? 
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
25 Mar 17
Sounds like a good book. I am now avoiding series, as several I haven't finished reading, as by the time I found the next book no longer wanted to keep reading. This would be even harder when the weather is perfect like today.
@thislittlepennyearns (62628)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
25 Mar 17
I have seen this book, but haven't ever read it. Or anything by him.
@dramagirl26 (3259)
• Ringgold, Virginia
25 Mar 17
Sounds like a good book. I'll have to check it out.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
25 Mar 17
I've read the entire series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.
