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In the Eye of the Beholder
Previously published in the anthology Cat O'Nine Tales , this is the story of a star athlete who has a fateful run-in with a three-hundred pound woman.
One of the author's own personal favorites, In the Eye of the Beholder is Jeffrey Archer at his best—witty, suspenseful, sad, surprising, and unforgettable.
One of the author's own personal favorites, In the Eye of the Beholder is Jeffrey Archer at his best—witty, suspenseful, sad, surprising, and unforgettable.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
187 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
659 books12.5k followersJeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 3, 2018
This is my first read of Jeffrey Archer. This piece of his work disappoints me. The story is fast-paced but not entertaining. I feel like the core part of the story, the emotions, and the depth of character is missing. The language is simple and plain. I recommend this to newbies. I guess it is best suited to short story lovers.
Read the full review here - Blog
Read the full review here - Blog
May 4, 2021
3:5 stars.
As in Jeffery Archers' short stories there is a sting in the tail/tale. A lazy write - not much conversation, or character development, or action. A school mates perspective of another batchmates progress in life. With a twist.
Always enjoyable
As in Jeffery Archers' short stories there is a sting in the tail/tale. A lazy write - not much conversation, or character development, or action. A school mates perspective of another batchmates progress in life. With a twist.
Always enjoyable
July 18, 2018
A short story from the year of short stories by Jeffrey Archer.
It takes a gifted author to put so much into a short story such is the writing skills of Jeffrey Archer.
I really enjoyed this story and the short stories have been a great introduction to this author for me.
Absolutely brilliant. Pure genius. I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.
It takes a gifted author to put so much into a short story such is the writing skills of Jeffrey Archer.
I really enjoyed this story and the short stories have been a great introduction to this author for me.
Absolutely brilliant. Pure genius. I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.
November 27, 2018
A story of contrasts and comparisons. Taste and talent.
Two boys rising through the same education stay friends even after one goes into the world of fine art in his Father's business while the other fulfils his potential as a gifted footballer.
Jeffrey Archer allows the reader to follow his gentle story set in Italy and make their own assumptions into the morality and motivations of his two characters. The narrative builds and you anticipate the change in direction, the reveal that will overturn all our impressions on one man. In a clever way the author is challenging our stereotypes as well as our appreciation of art and beauty.
However, it is the baser qualities in humanity that perhaps Archer is alluding to in this account, but then throws the sucker punch and we are reminded of the title.
Can it be equally applied to the qualities seen in, and value of, a piece of art when compared to the heart of romance and love? Do we marry for status, security or sensual attraction?
Two boys rising through the same education stay friends even after one goes into the world of fine art in his Father's business while the other fulfils his potential as a gifted footballer.
Jeffrey Archer allows the reader to follow his gentle story set in Italy and make their own assumptions into the morality and motivations of his two characters. The narrative builds and you anticipate the change in direction, the reveal that will overturn all our impressions on one man. In a clever way the author is challenging our stereotypes as well as our appreciation of art and beauty.
However, it is the baser qualities in humanity that perhaps Archer is alluding to in this account, but then throws the sucker punch and we are reminded of the title.
Can it be equally applied to the qualities seen in, and value of, a piece of art when compared to the heart of romance and love? Do we marry for status, security or sensual attraction?
September 22, 2022
In the Eye of the Beholder-Indeed!!!
September 18, 2017
In The Eye of the Beholder is aptly titled, once you read this short story you will understand what I mean.
Archer does his usual nice job with a short story and gets you quickly involved with the characters - in this case it is through the eyes of a secondary character observing the life of a childhood acquaintance. The dialogue is crisp and to the point, which may seem a strange comment in a review but we've all read a lot of short stories where it seems there is chatter for chatter's sake. Archer quickly develops his characters and scenery through script and dialogue so they are people you can really visualize as you read along.
Archer does his usual nice job with a short story and gets you quickly involved with the characters - in this case it is through the eyes of a secondary character observing the life of a childhood acquaintance. The dialogue is crisp and to the point, which may seem a strange comment in a review but we've all read a lot of short stories where it seems there is chatter for chatter's sake. Archer quickly develops his characters and scenery through script and dialogue so they are people you can really visualize as you read along.
May 17, 2017
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!
History often repeats itself, but this took the cake! Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor in this story. It was a lovely surprise to read something by Mr. Archer that was SO humerous. I found myself wishing that in some small way, the art dealer could have found a true love of his own. Perhaps that may have taken away from the story though. Such are the thoughts of a reader who adores her husband.
History often repeats itself, but this took the cake! Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor in this story. It was a lovely surprise to read something by Mr. Archer that was SO humerous. I found myself wishing that in some small way, the art dealer could have found a true love of his own. Perhaps that may have taken away from the story though. Such are the thoughts of a reader who adores her husband.
September 15, 2018
Ok free short story. About a footballer and his rotund fiancé and their forthcoming wedding as told by a family friend.
Read
February 25, 2015Nice little read. Good pace with an ending associated with cliff hanger chapters.
July 5, 2018
The story provides a very different perspective to an extremely normal course of events which can occur in anyone's life.
December 14, 2017
This story is so heart warming. It overhelmed me with all good emotions about love.
The story seems to be very normal till the last line. It actually is about that beauty is in the eyes of beholder. And when you are in love you only see the inner beauty of your loved one.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The story seems to be very normal till the last line. It actually is about that beauty is in the eyes of beholder. And when you are in love you only see the inner beauty of your loved one.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 19, 2016
I am actually quite stunned at how much this story absolutely STUNK. It has been quite a long while since I read anything by Lord Archer. It will be quite a long while before I read anything again. I detested this story.
November 9, 2011
It was ok, a short story to read if your bored.
March 10, 2019
Way too short, hardly any time to develop a plot, it felt way too predictable
Read
September 30, 2017Interesting
I liked the characters and the era it took place in.
I didn't expect the ending.
I would recommend it a friend.
I liked the characters and the era it took place in.
I didn't expect the ending.
I would recommend it a friend.
January 14, 2019
I had to read it twice to solve the story - it is very short - so pay close attention!
Gian Lorenzo Venici and Paulo Costelli were life long super stars in their own fields since early childhood. Where Paulo's field was football (soccer), Gian Lorenzo's was the art world. When Gian Lorenzo receives a wedding invitation to Paulo's wedding it begins a business relationship where both men's goals are to keep Angelina happy.
Loved the ending. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Gian Lorenzo Venici and Paulo Costelli were life long super stars in their own fields since early childhood. Where Paulo's field was football (soccer), Gian Lorenzo's was the art world. When Gian Lorenzo receives a wedding invitation to Paulo's wedding it begins a business relationship where both men's goals are to keep Angelina happy.
Loved the ending. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
July 26, 2021
A gem of a short story by Mr Archer…
July 12, 2018
"In the eye of the beholder" is a love story of a unique kind.
Yet other time Archer relies on one of his frequently used element - art - as backdrop of this tale. Nothing exciting there. When the story talks about collecting art, it reminded me of Sons of Fortune. If I remember correctly, wasn't Nat crazy about paintings?
The last paragraph brought a little smile on my lips, and a tiny tear in my eyes.
Yet other time Archer relies on one of his frequently used element - art - as backdrop of this tale. Nothing exciting there. When the story talks about collecting art, it reminded me of Sons of Fortune. If I remember correctly, wasn't Nat crazy about paintings?
The last paragraph brought a little smile on my lips, and a tiny tear in my eyes.
March 6, 2018
I found this story delightful! The love of the football player and his wife was never touched by the critical remarks of people who obviously never look in the mirror themselves. And the surprise at the end was just wonderful.
December 17, 2016
This story was adorable. I liked the intricate details and the great artistic background knowledge. I enjoyed the imagery and the different character personalities. This story is good if you want a quick read with some chuckles weaved into it. The ending was the cherry on top!
December 25, 2017
Captivating
This fast paced short story covering 10 years of story in just few pages was wonderful to read. Although one wouldn't learn too much, but letting readers devour so much in so less time is in itself a masterclass by author JA.
This fast paced short story covering 10 years of story in just few pages was wonderful to read. Although one wouldn't learn too much, but letting readers devour so much in so less time is in itself a masterclass by author JA.
March 3, 2013
I enjoyed this short story. To short too comment on the story without giving it away.
November 29, 2013
A really short story! It was an enjoyable read, though!
August 10, 2015
Typical Jeffrey Archer.... great story, lots of depth, fun read.
Read
June 27, 2016As usual excellent. Love his short stories.
February 2, 2018
There are some good ones from Jeffrey, this ain't one of those. Seems to have been written for the sake of writing something, anything. Too plain, too bland, too flat.
March 5, 2018
As always, it is a pleasure reading Jeffery Archer. This was fast paced quick read and I was left feeling to read more.
April 19, 2018
The wedding
In just a few pages the author is able to share things you probably do not even think of, this short story allows you to think differently
In just a few pages the author is able to share things you probably do not even think of, this short story allows you to think differently
April 22, 2019
Read it twice
A simple yet profound story of where the true beauty lies. Quick read but takes time to settle. Read it twice.
A simple yet profound story of where the true beauty lies. Quick read but takes time to settle. Read it twice.
February 10, 2021
Another very short book, just a short story really, as is hinted by the “Year of Short Stories” label on the cover image. I downloaded this book when the whole series was offered free as ebooks from Amazon, but now that I look back they are nowhere to be found. I can only assume that this is because they are now combined into one or more (paid) anthologies rather than being available as individual titles.
I have now read several of these short stories, and on the whole I have quite enjoyed them. They all have the signature Jeffrey Archer sense of glamour and detail in their expensive settings and characters, and usually they gather these aspects together into an intriguing story, or at the very least, a slice of life that ordinary people would never be privy to.
The glamour and exotic locations were certainly there in this book, with its tale of two friends who lived very different lives - one becoming Italy’s foremost art dealer, and the other a top football player, but the longer the story went on, the more disappointed I became with it. Somehow it all seemed so hollow. Perhaps it was the attempt to squeeze two whole lives into just a few thousand words, or perhaps it was the passive and uninvolved nature of the point-of-view character. Events largely seem to drift by in this story with no sense of emotional impact, even during the parts which could so easily have been significant.
The twist in the story, such as it is, is a game played on the reader. The story has all the tropes of so many glamorous dramas. Enormous wealth, unexpected love, complex prenuptial agreements and even the death of a spouse in unusual circumstances. Anyone who has read or viewed almost anything will by now be imagining complex and secretive murder plots and adultery. What we get is something different. It’s unexpected, but it is also somewhat of a let down. This is really a drama story with no drama.
I plan to keep on reading these stories, but this was not one of my favourites.
I have now read several of these short stories, and on the whole I have quite enjoyed them. They all have the signature Jeffrey Archer sense of glamour and detail in their expensive settings and characters, and usually they gather these aspects together into an intriguing story, or at the very least, a slice of life that ordinary people would never be privy to.
The glamour and exotic locations were certainly there in this book, with its tale of two friends who lived very different lives - one becoming Italy’s foremost art dealer, and the other a top football player, but the longer the story went on, the more disappointed I became with it. Somehow it all seemed so hollow. Perhaps it was the attempt to squeeze two whole lives into just a few thousand words, or perhaps it was the passive and uninvolved nature of the point-of-view character. Events largely seem to drift by in this story with no sense of emotional impact, even during the parts which could so easily have been significant.
The twist in the story, such as it is, is a game played on the reader. The story has all the tropes of so many glamorous dramas. Enormous wealth, unexpected love, complex prenuptial agreements and even the death of a spouse in unusual circumstances. Anyone who has read or viewed almost anything will by now be imagining complex and secretive murder plots and adultery. What we get is something different. It’s unexpected, but it is also somewhat of a let down. This is really a drama story with no drama.
I plan to keep on reading these stories, but this was not one of my favourites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews