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Only Time Will Tell (The Clifton Chronicles #1)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 10,381 ratings · 1,514 reviews

From the internationally bestselling author of Kane and Abel and A Prisoner of Birth comes Only Time Will Tell, the first in an ambitious new 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 w

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Hardcover, 400 pages

Published August 30th 2011 by St. Martin's Press (first published 2011)

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Dec 27, 2011 Jerry rated it 4 of 5 stars

This saga is the first in what is to be at least a three-book set (quite possibly more) entitled the Clifton Chronicles, centered around the character Harry Clifton. Relatively plotless, the story was however so engaging it was difficult to put down, with the interesting technique of revealing the tale little by little from different character's points of view. We hear from Harry's mother Maisie, his best friend Giles, Gile's sister Emma, Gile's father Hugo, Harry's friend "Old Jack", and from H...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Nandu rated it 3 of 5 stars

Well!! -bewarned that this is the first of a Trilogy by J.Archer (guess it is his first)---wait a moment -- its a Pentology ..
Looks like Pento/trilogy is in fashion these days, where you have a captive audience and then you get them up to the sinker and then haul them all up at the end.
J.Archer has definitely a story to tell, that may well span across,I suspect,half a century. He starts out from the Pre WW2 era in Britain and a fatherless boy (at least not in the near vicinity) who is gifted and...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Shruti rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a fantastic book. Not just in plot, but in nuance too. This was the first book I read by Jeffrey Archer, but I have every intention of reading many more after this one.

This book is set up so that each section is from one person's perspective. (Harry gets the first and last section. Maisie gets an extra few pages in the prologue.) Harry, Maisie, Jack Tar, Hugo, Giles and Emma all get a section. Sounds like a common set up, but here is where it gets really interesting: each section starts wi...more What a fantastic book. Not just in plot, but in nuance too. This was the first book I read by Jeffrey Archer, but I have every intention of reading many more after this one.

This book is set up so that each section is from one person's perspective. (Harry gets the first and last section. Maisie gets an extra few pages in the prologue.) Harry, Maisie, Jack Tar, Hugo, Giles and Emma all get a section. Sounds like a common set up, but here is where it gets really interesting: each section starts with a first person narrative as the first chapter. The remaining chapters are told by a third present omnipresent narrator still focused on that character. The narrator occasionally provides some insight into what the other people currently in the scene are thinking. The best part, in my opinion, is that these narrations overlap. I have seen books where each section tells the next part of the story, and I have seen books where each section tells the same story from multiple perspectives. Each narration, while covering part of the same story, also moves the story forward. The beautiful part of this was that the overlapping parts focused on the things that THAT character found important or were relevant to that character.

Therein lies the proof of amazing writing and a thorough understanding of how people think. These characters are extremely well developed. We are even given a chance to look into the world through the eyes of the book's villain. Each character's story fills in gaps left in previous issues because either that character didn't think it was that important or because the previous narrator didn't know. This gives the story a mild sense of mystery and a huge sense of the inter-connectedness of people.

This is a story about coincidences, about what people will do for love, about how life can go full circle, and how people get their due. This is a story about friendship, about the way different events are important to different people, and about how the actions of others - that we don't even know about - can affect so many aspects of our lives. This is a story about unfortunate circumstances, about class bigotry, and about redemption. This is a beautifully written book.

Review of Clifton Chronicles #2 The Sins of the Father:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...(less)

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Sep 02, 2011 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I haven't read Jeffrey Archer for years, and now I wonder why. This new series featuring Harry Clifton, son of a dockworker (or is he the son of an upper crust owner of a huge shipping line?), and his climb through the British public school system is going to be a delight if this first one of five is any indication. Make no mistake, this is not a Pulitzer, but it is good, solid storytelling, with bold characters, a world wide setting, and a story that has enough twists, turns, and sneaky heart-s...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Dorit rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won Only Time Will Tell in a Goodreads giveaway. Jeffrey Archer is a consummate story teller and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

The book is the first in a trilogy and and tells the story of Harry Clifton from his birth in 1920 until the beginning of the second world war.

Young Harry believes his father, a dock worker, was killed in the first world war, but was he? Was he even Harry's father? As Harry grows up he has the good fortune to win a scholarship to an exclusive...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Maya Khan rated it 2 of 5 stars

I thought it was one of those books which you'd want to look in the eyes and say "seriously?" until I learned that it was a part of a trilogy, Archer is a great writer, I love his effortless flow, diction and that unique style. But I found none of those in this book. It was gripping nevertheless yet it lacked a smooth flow through the plot.

There were some instances which i felt were outright silly eg the one where old jack waits until harry's wedding day to reveal the truth and call off the wed...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 14, 2013 Kartik (mebookgeeko) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-favouritessssss

OMG...!
love the book..freaken amazing..
it has got..
HISTORY
SECRETS
LOVE
PASSION
&
FRIENDSHIP..
it has everything a brilliant story needs..
Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller and in this book, he weaves a tale so unforgettable and as a reader you will be left yearning for more. Only Time Will Tell is a family saga that spans through generations. This the first part of a five volume series, rest of which will be published in the coming years. The main protagonist of this book is a man named Harr...more OMG...!
love the book..freaken amazing..
it has got..
HISTORY
SECRETS
LOVE
PASSION
&
FRIENDSHIP..
it has everything a brilliant story needs..
Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller and in this book, he weaves a tale so unforgettable and as a reader you will be left yearning for more. Only Time Will Tell is a family saga that spans through generations. This the first part of a five volume series, rest of which will be published in the coming years. The main protagonist of this book is a man named Harry Clifton. Harry is introduced as a child, the son of a dock worker, who died in war. His mother is a waitress who toils hard to secure her son’s future. Harry is a gifted child and this gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, which in the time to come will shape his future. 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?
This tale is set in 1920′s and later years and the author has captured the era vividly in words. I could almost picture them in my head. The novels also touches many aspects of the social-economical environment of Great Britain at that time- the disparity between the rich and the poor, the dilemma in the minds of the people with World War II around the corner and many more. All the characters are beautifully sculpted but the one that stands out to me is Harry’s mother – Maisie. She is an example of perseverance and an epitome of motherly love. It is only for her sacrifices, Harry’s life had been different from his father’s or uncle’s. However, she feels her one thoughtless action has jeopardizes so many lives. If it was not for her, this story would not be written. Mr. Tar is another unforgettable character. He plays a big role in shaping Harry future and to Harry, he was a fatherly figure whom he could turn to for advice.
The narration in the story shifts through each of the main characters and hence the reader knows the story from various perspective. It makes the story even more engaging. But, the ending of the novel took me for a surprise and I nearly gasped! Needless to say I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.#@#@#@#(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Weston Kincade rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I must say that much of this story reminded me of Great Expectations by Dickens; however, this was not because Archer writes in any way as lengthy and detailed as Dickens. Archer's story was quite detailed, painting the story in your mind so as to bring Harry and his friends to life. Even the villains are so human that their known lies are reasonable and make you second guess whether they might be such horrible people. But, the honorable Old Jack and other participants in Harry's life leave no d...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2011 Kim McGee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this first part of a trilogy ala Ken Follett. He keeps you entertained even if it is a commonly done theme- poor kid has to try harder to compete with wealthy kids at private school.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Susie Fiorito rated it 4 of 5 stars

Who is Harry's father anyway? That is the question. Is it Arthur Clifton the "docker" or Hugo Barrington the son of a shipping baron? Not even his mother really knows. Her one night stand with Barrington just weeks before her marriage to Arthur could of resulted in pregnancy since Harry was born eight months later. At the time no one even needed to know about her rendezvous with Hugo, little did she know that this one mistake would have such power to devastate so many lives twenty years later.

H...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 D.w. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, fiction

I have been reading Lord Archer for years. Not a Penny More, a classic example of his ability that catapulted him to the top of the profession.

Here we have the beginning of a new tale, but aside from what he normally does, interweaving a story with a great amount of detail about the economics of his characters, he has broken the tale up with views of other characters revisiting and embellishing events along the storyline.

Some sequences move us forward. Some reiterate what we have already seen an...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Jini Maxin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have not grown on Enid Blyton or Nancy Drew's books. In fact, the book reading bug bit me just a decade back. So, i can't help but wonder, how many amazing authors i might have missed, during my growing years. Anyway, as they say, better late than never.

This is my first book on Jeffry Archer and I am glad that I chose 'Clifton Chronicles' to begin with. To give you a small background, Clifton Chronicles is a five book series on Harry Clinton's life. The series is said to be an ambitious ende...more I have not grown on Enid Blyton or Nancy Drew's books. In fact, the book reading bug bit me just a decade back. So, i can't help but wonder, how many amazing authors i might have missed, during my growing years. Anyway, as they say, better late than never.

This is my first book on Jeffry Archer and I am glad that I chose 'Clifton Chronicles' to begin with. To give you a small background, Clifton Chronicles is a five book series on Harry Clinton's life. The series is said to be an ambitious endeavor by Archer to capture 100 years of Harry's life - spanning from 1920 to 2020.

The first book in the series 'Only Time Will Tell' is truly amazing: an apt prelude to the forthcoming books. It's sure to whet your appetite for all the forthcoming books in the series. Yes, my second book 'The Sins of My Father' is already on the way from www.homeshop18.com. Books are priced comparatively cheaper here.

Coming back to the book, Harry, the protagonist's life is a bed of thorns. Born in a poor household that could hardly afford two meals a day, until he comes across the charitable old Jack Tarr- the bearer of glad tidings. However, this son of the docker father and illiterate mother is a Destiny's Child, destined for greater things in life. He goes on to the best of the schools, reads best of the books, and finds best of the mentor's. When you have all the bests lined up for you, you know what to do with your life and not get sidetracked like the commoners do. Harry's is considered an English scholar in his school. He goes on to win all the top prizes.

But who's is his father? Only his mother Maise Clifton and war hero Captain Tarrant knows. His made-to -believe father Arthur Clifton is dead and gone forever. But if his so called real father Hugo Barrington wanted, he could have saved Arthur's life.

Then there is Emma Barrington; is she Harry's half- sister or lover? Yes, Only Time Will Tell. On their day , Harry and Emma are informed that they are related. Is Emma Harry's step sister. But the poor souls are not ready to accept this fact. The marriage is put on hold. Oxford degree is put on hold. As fate would have it, Harry is all set for World II. He trains himself to be a mariner. But his vessel sinks and he finds himself on his way to America. Their he is charged with first degree murder. What's next? The Sins of the Father, may have an answer.

The book with all its twists and turns is simply a page turner. All characters are strongly portrayed and strikes a perfect chord. Every chapter ends with a cliffhangerThe flow is effortless and so, less taxing on the brain.

Some thoughtful lines:
1] Sometimes it's an advantage to be disadvantaged.
2] Some people stand by you in your darkest hour, while others walk away; only a select few march towards you, and become closer friends.
3] Old Jack's maxims- Get off your backside and do something positive & I find I don't learn a lot while I'm talking.
(less)

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Feb 17, 2013 Kim Tong Lim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jeffrey Archer wrote this as a three-volume fiction chronicling the live of Harry Clifton starting in 1919 growing up in Bristol, UK. I like reading how Harry lived and studied in the British education system during that period. Harry came from a working class family. The story tells of his search for information on how his father died (in a tragic incident). In the course of his pursuit of truth, he met with good people like Captain Tarrant and others that he grew up to be a fine person. Harry...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Wordednonsense rated it 4 of 5 stars

I never read anything from Jeffrey Archer before and quite frankly, the cover of his books put me off a lot because they are not the type of books I usually read. But as we all know we should never judge books by their covers, and though I did, I am so thankful to my cousin who recommended to me Jeffrey Archer. I was still doubtful but I came across this book on sale for 50p. I mean seriously, who wouldn't buy a book for 50p??

Anyway, new author (to me), new book. I didn't know what to expect in...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Merryn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Wayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having retired to years ago, I took up reading, and have averaged one novel a week. The authors I enjoy include Vince Flynn, Lee Child, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Brad Thor, Daniel Silva, Nelson DeMille, Alex Berenwon,Steve Martini, Joel Rosenberg, and Robert Ludlum. In December 2012, I read my first Jeffrey Archer novel and am now hooked. He is the best story teller I have read in the past two years. I loved Honor Among Thieves, Sons of Fortune, and Prisoner of Birth. However, his new trilog...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Indiabookstore rated it 5 of 5 stars

The protagonist of the book, Harry Clifton is prodded upon by various unanswered questions, rather oblivious to the child prodigy hidden within him. This Child prodigy is man hunted by a prodigal person, Old Jack – his mentor, punctiliously his keen source of knowledge and worldly virtues and values. Old Jack, who is said to have trod upon eleven bodies to make him competent for the prestigious Victoria Cross has not been able to recuperate himself from the agony caused by such brutal display of...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Anupriya rated it 2 of 5 stars

First, the good things about this book: It makes for a good read as it keeps you hooked throughout, with a cliff hanging suspense at the end of every chapter. I think I finished it in record time, considering I am a slow reader.

But seriously? It felt like I was reading a soap opera.

It was outright pushy and juvenile in its style of writing as the author tries so hard, rather too hard, to prove how the main character is exceptionally brilliant, a child prodigy and how the entire town of Bristol...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 29, 2012 Vijai rated it 2 of 5 stars

When I got to about 70% into this book (you know at the point where the two lovers realize they are <> & <>?) I was fervently praying this wasn't the twin of "The Shadow of the Wind" but it so totally was.

Well, the archer fan boys are gonna up in arms by my claim but hear me out, go read "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and tell me this book's premise isn't similar.

Fate's evil drama, mixed up destiny, call it whatever you want but anything within five kilometer rad...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Grandma Weaver rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-weird-sisters

Only time will tell is the first in a trilogy (The Clifton Chronicles). It starts just before WW11 started and the main character is Harry Clifton. He thinks his father died in the first world war but that isn't what actually happened. The story is told by different people and their points of view. His mother somehow got him into a public school and since he was very bright and had a scholarship for part of it he got through. His life is intertwined with his best friend Giles who is part of the...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 03, 2012 S.V. Divvaakar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a book I had bought over a year ago, and had never been able to focus on, until I chanced upon it yesterday along with its sequel (The Sins of the Father) which has suffered the same neglect. But the wait has been worthwhile, for I finished the book in one day, with a feeling of greed, unable to wait to pick up the sequel and begin right away.

This story of the twists and turns of fate that play with Harry Clifton and Maisie Clifton's lives is reminiscent of some old Hindi movies with th...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Simon Howard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

Before I started Only Time Will Tell, I hadn't read an Archer novel since I left school, a little over a decade ago.

While reading this tale of a young Harry Clifton growing up, from pre-school boy to seaman, I was reminded of the phenomenal power of Archer's storytelling. Judging his work as a piece of plot-based writing, it isn't great: there are moments of spectacular unlikelihood (the wedding being one that stands out); there are literary cliches of characters littered through the text, from...more

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May 26, 2012 Merri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Highly recommend this book!
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 ho...more

1 like · like · see review

May 10, 2012 Wanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

It is very frustrating to assign stars on GR. Seems to me that "It's ok" should be smack in the middle followed by "I liked it" and "I loved it." This book was OK. Average. Predictable but entertaining beach read or exercise, driving story. I listented to it and it made my 3 miles on the treadmill bearable and that is what I want in an audiobook. It was well written because Archer is incapable of writing poorly. My major beef is that we get to the end AND IT JUST STOPS. I realize that there are...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2012 Vinit Nair rated it 4 of 5 stars

A pentalogy is certainly a first for Jeffrey Archer but it is not going to disappoint the fans. I am going to write a really short review here avoiding all the spoilers because I know many people have not yet read this book. Only Time Will Tell is a first part of the five in Clifton Chronicles. It is said to be the most ambitious project by Mr. Archer revolving around the life of Harry Clifton and his adventures between 1920 and 2020. In the first book the story goes till the second world war. (...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Bijith MB rated it 4 of 5 stars

This novel belongs to the master craftsman Jeffry Archer. Every chapter, every sentence screams his style. His proven skill in handling vast plot and story spread in long time frame is at peak in this. Though the story spread through around 100 years, not even a single page of it was boring. The gripping narrative makes it a real non-put-down-able book.

The style of writing is fresh. Every book starts with the diary of a character, and then moves ahead with his / her life and blends with the inci...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Susanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I always thought I should read something by Jeffrey Archer and now I have. The question is, will I ever read another? I was preparing to say 'no' when the stunning cliffhanger ending made me think I MIGHT pick up the sequel. This is billed as a family saga and the first volume follows the coming-of-age of a poor British lad in the 1920's who is better, brighter, nobler and more accomplished than anyone else and who is watched over by a fairy godmother (well godfather in this case) who bails him...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Martin Pemberton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Classic Jeffrey Archer; First in a five part series to be written over the next four years. Tale of a young man, Harry Clifton, being born to a lower class family and achieving success by hard work and determination. Harry's paternity is being challenged, and being that the book takes place pre-WWII, there are no tests available to confirm or deny who Harry's father is. Many characters throughout the book; Jeffrey "introduces" each character by a narrative written from the character's point-of-v...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Pawan rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://iandbooks.wordpress.com/

It is so good to be back to write on blog once again and what better than writing about Jeffrey Archer’s “Only Time Will Tell”. According to author he is attempting something bigger than “Kane And Abel” this time and that is really something. The book is about life of Harry Clifton and in this first part it traverses his life from birth till around 20 years when he goes for world war II and escapes to US. I was probably expecting it to end at more logical point and...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Rhea rated it 1 of 5 stars

Sometimes you read a book everyone else seems to loveLoveLOVE and then wonder if you bought the same book everyone else did because as far as you're concerned, it stank. For me, that would be this book.
The author goes to great lengths to convince us that yes, the Main Character is indeed a brilliant child/man with unseen depths and superb intellect. We must believe this because of the great lengths other characters go to ensure that the Main Character has the means to build on his future, and th...more

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About Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.

He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married...more

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Quotes from Only Time Will Tell

“Some people standby you in your darkest hour while others walk away; only a select few march towards you and become even closer friends.” — 86 people liked it

“If you make a deal with a fool, don't be surprised when they act foolishly.” — 26 people liked it

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Only Time Will Tell (The Clifton Chronicles #1)

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