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One Man's Meat: The Year of Short Stories
One Man's Meat is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer’s magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale . Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings , comes One Man's Meat, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read. When Michael Whitaker spots the stunning Anna Townsend on the steps of the theatre, he decides he will do whatever it takes to get to know her. Finding a way to get a ticket for the seat next to her, he then invites her to a drink at the interval. By the end of the play, Michael asks her to accompany him to dinner. But what will her answer be? What follows are four different endings . . . choose just one, or – if choosing to read all four – they can be read in the following Rare, Burnt, Overdone, and À Point . . . Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and No Room at the Inn .
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
200 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
627 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 68 reviews
September 9, 2022
In One Man's Meat, Archer tells a tale and gives us four different climaxes (with a twist of-course) to choose from.
Loved the plot, loved the story-telling.
Loved the plot, loved the story-telling.
January 11, 2019
Such an interesting read. Had fun reading it. Each of the four endings will hold you in admiration for the writer. Pick this up & you can't stop reading it. Good for an hour of reading.
August 21, 2021
Very interesting read. It is a story with four endings and I loved each one of them. Read something like this for the first time and loved it.
December 5, 2017
The story has 4 ending named, Rare which to me actually seemed to be rare, the other one was burnt, and that to me seemed more common, overdone was okay, and on point was happy ending.
First time I read something like this. This is one good read for short time. I chose this as I was on my invigilation duty.
First time I read something like this. This is one good read for short time. I chose this as I was on my invigilation duty.
April 4, 2018
4 stars for the first ending, 3-3.5 for the other three.
Lovely short read.
All the endings are somewhat similar and still strikingly different.
I am loving this short stories spree I am on!
Recommended.
Lovely short read.
All the endings are somewhat similar and still strikingly different.
I am loving this short stories spree I am on!
Recommended.
February 27, 2018
I was very ambivantent about this book and struggled very much how to rate it since I don't see any workable way to do it adequately.
The writting style is excellent and I liked the general idea behind this short-story-set with an interesting plot for a first half and the possibility to pick a second half between four different 'endings' and there it got rather difficult:
1 RARE - 4*
I liked this idea and this development even if I struggled with the ethical side
2 BURNT - 2*
Very realistic but not really my cup of tea
3 OVERDONE - 1*
I disliked this development very much - on so any possible level I can think of
4 À POINT - 5*
My favorite if somehow predictable solution. I liked the character and story development very much and enjoyed this realistic but still nice turn of events.
The writting style is excellent and I liked the general idea behind this short-story-set with an interesting plot for a first half and the possibility to pick a second half between four different 'endings' and there it got rather difficult:
1 RARE - 4*
I liked this idea and this development even if I struggled with the ethical side
2 BURNT - 2*
Very realistic but not really my cup of tea
3 OVERDONE - 1*
I disliked this development very much - on so any possible level I can think of
4 À POINT - 5*
My favorite if somehow predictable solution. I liked the character and story development very much and enjoyed this realistic but still nice turn of events.
May 11, 2018
Simply amazing
The story has multiple (alternative) climaxes and every climax is good enough to leave an impact yet completely engaging and different from others.
The story has multiple (alternative) climaxes and every climax is good enough to leave an impact yet completely engaging and different from others.
July 28, 2018
A novella with different endings giving us a glimpse of the endless possibilities the future holds for us.
Told by the master story teller himself, an entertaining read.
Told by the master story teller himself, an entertaining read.
July 10, 2021
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One Man's Meat:
The Year of Short Stories,
by Jeffrey Archer.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Jeffrey Archer seems seriously into his idea, of not making a choice but giving all possible alternate scenarios he can develop, to a story past a point. When he did that to Alexander in Heads You Win, he wove the two alternate scenarios together from a point on, driving a reader crazy attempting to make sense. Here, he's kinder, letting readers pick which one of four to read, or pick after reading.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
"‘What about you?’ she asked as the three-minute bell sounded.
"There was no such line in my script.
"‘Me?’
"‘Yes, Michael,’ she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. ‘How did you come to be looking for a spare seat at the last moment?’
"‘Sharon Stone was tied up for the evening, and at the last second Princess Diana told me that she would have loved to have come, but she was trying to keep a low profile.’ Anna laughed. ‘Actually, I read some of the crits, and I dropped in on the off-chance of picking up a spare ticket.’
"‘And you picked up a spare woman as well,’ said Anna, as the two-minute bell went. I wouldn’t have dared to include such a bold line in her script – or was there a hint of mockery in those hazel eyes?
"‘I certainly did,’ I replied lightly. ‘So, are you a doctor as well?’
"‘As well as what?’ asked Anna.
"‘As well as your partner,’ I said, not sure if she was still teasing.
"‘Yes. I’m a GP in Fulham. There are three of us in the practice, but I was the only one who could escape tonight. And what do you do when you’re not chatting up Sharon Stone or escorting Princess Diana to the theatre?’
"‘I’m in the restaurant business,’ I told her.
"‘That must be one of the few jobs with worse hours and tougher working conditions than mine,’ Anna said as the one-minute bell sounded."
Protagonist invites the beautiful doctor to dinner as they leave theatre.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Rare
She's free, accepts, they have a lovely dinner and more.
"‘You make me sound like an After Eight mint,’ said Anna with a laugh.
"‘I can think of at least three replies to that,’ I told her as Mario reappeared, looking a little disappointed at the sight of the half-empty plates.
"‘Was everything all right, sir?’ he asked, sounding anxious."
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Burnt
Before she can answer, her handsome doctor husband collects her. Michael finds his car impounded, his job gone and finally the car stolen while he called the workplace.
"‘As a matter of interest, sir, did you leave your keys in the ignition?’
"‘Yes, I did. I was just making a quick phone call, and thought I’d only be away from the car for a couple of minutes.’
"‘Then I think it’s unlikely you’ll be covered by your insurance, sir.’
"‘Not covered by my insurance? What are you talking about?’
"‘It’s standard policy nowadays not to pay out if you leave your keys in the ignition. You’d better check, sir,’ were the officer’s final words before ringing off.
"I put the phone down and wondered what else could possibly go wrong. I slipped off my jacket and began to climb the stairs, but came to a sudden halt when I saw my wife waiting for me on the landing.
"‘Maureen . . .’ I began.
"‘You can tell me later why the car is a total write-off,’ she said, ‘but not until you’ve explained why you didn’t turn up for this evening, and just who this “classy tart” is that Gerald said you were seen with at the theatre.’"
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Overdone
This time she's free, accepts, but everything goes wrong thereafter - they're caught in heavy rain after not getting a table at restaurant of choice, to begin with.
"I took a closer look at my companion, and began to wonder if I’d made a terrible mistake. Despite her efforts in the washroom, Anna wasn’t quite the same girl I’d first seen – admittedly at a distance – when I’d nearly crashed my car earlier in the evening.
"Oh my God, the car. I suddenly remembered where I’d left it, and stole a glance at my watch.
"‘Am I boring you already, Michael?’ Anna asked. ‘Or is this table on a time share?’"
After the unsatisfactory food, his car is clamped, Anna (who's lesbian by the way) takes a taxi, and Michael is informed at home by his wife about the fire in his restaurant.
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À Point
Anna is accosted by the tall, fair handsome doctor before she can respond to the invitation, but he's her brother. The three manage to dine at the restaurant they've chosen, because Michael has influence with the head waiter.
"‘Three fettucini and a bottle of your best Chianti,’ said Jonathan when Mario returned.
"Anna leaned over to me and whispered conspiratorially, ‘It’s the only Italian wine he can pronounce correctly.’
"‘What would have happened if we’d chosen fish?’ I asked her.
"‘He’s also heard of Frascati, but he’s never quite sure what he’s meant to do when someone orders duck.’
"‘What are you two whispering about?’ asked Jonathan as he handed his menu back to Mario.
"‘I was asking your sister about the third partner in the practice.’
"‘Not bad, Michael,’ Anna said. ‘You should have gone into politics.’
"‘My wife, Elizabeth, is the third partner,’ Jonathan said, unaware of what Anna had been getting at. ‘She, poor darling, is on call tonight.’"
Soon, Jonathan is called away, and in a reasonable mix of the first two scenarios, things go excellently well for the couple, who are both single.
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Who'd choose any but À Point?!!!
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July 10, 2021 - July 10, 2021.
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................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
One Man's Meat:
The Year of Short Stories,
by Jeffrey Archer.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Jeffrey Archer seems seriously into his idea, of not making a choice but giving all possible alternate scenarios he can develop, to a story past a point. When he did that to Alexander in Heads You Win, he wove the two alternate scenarios together from a point on, driving a reader crazy attempting to make sense. Here, he's kinder, letting readers pick which one of four to read, or pick after reading.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
"‘What about you?’ she asked as the three-minute bell sounded.
"There was no such line in my script.
"‘Me?’
"‘Yes, Michael,’ she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. ‘How did you come to be looking for a spare seat at the last moment?’
"‘Sharon Stone was tied up for the evening, and at the last second Princess Diana told me that she would have loved to have come, but she was trying to keep a low profile.’ Anna laughed. ‘Actually, I read some of the crits, and I dropped in on the off-chance of picking up a spare ticket.’
"‘And you picked up a spare woman as well,’ said Anna, as the two-minute bell went. I wouldn’t have dared to include such a bold line in her script – or was there a hint of mockery in those hazel eyes?
"‘I certainly did,’ I replied lightly. ‘So, are you a doctor as well?’
"‘As well as what?’ asked Anna.
"‘As well as your partner,’ I said, not sure if she was still teasing.
"‘Yes. I’m a GP in Fulham. There are three of us in the practice, but I was the only one who could escape tonight. And what do you do when you’re not chatting up Sharon Stone or escorting Princess Diana to the theatre?’
"‘I’m in the restaurant business,’ I told her.
"‘That must be one of the few jobs with worse hours and tougher working conditions than mine,’ Anna said as the one-minute bell sounded."
Protagonist invites the beautiful doctor to dinner as they leave theatre.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Rare
She's free, accepts, they have a lovely dinner and more.
"‘You make me sound like an After Eight mint,’ said Anna with a laugh.
"‘I can think of at least three replies to that,’ I told her as Mario reappeared, looking a little disappointed at the sight of the half-empty plates.
"‘Was everything all right, sir?’ he asked, sounding anxious."
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Burnt
Before she can answer, her handsome doctor husband collects her. Michael finds his car impounded, his job gone and finally the car stolen while he called the workplace.
"‘As a matter of interest, sir, did you leave your keys in the ignition?’
"‘Yes, I did. I was just making a quick phone call, and thought I’d only be away from the car for a couple of minutes.’
"‘Then I think it’s unlikely you’ll be covered by your insurance, sir.’
"‘Not covered by my insurance? What are you talking about?’
"‘It’s standard policy nowadays not to pay out if you leave your keys in the ignition. You’d better check, sir,’ were the officer’s final words before ringing off.
"I put the phone down and wondered what else could possibly go wrong. I slipped off my jacket and began to climb the stairs, but came to a sudden halt when I saw my wife waiting for me on the landing.
"‘Maureen . . .’ I began.
"‘You can tell me later why the car is a total write-off,’ she said, ‘but not until you’ve explained why you didn’t turn up for this evening, and just who this “classy tart” is that Gerald said you were seen with at the theatre.’"
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Overdone
This time she's free, accepts, but everything goes wrong thereafter - they're caught in heavy rain after not getting a table at restaurant of choice, to begin with.
"I took a closer look at my companion, and began to wonder if I’d made a terrible mistake. Despite her efforts in the washroom, Anna wasn’t quite the same girl I’d first seen – admittedly at a distance – when I’d nearly crashed my car earlier in the evening.
"Oh my God, the car. I suddenly remembered where I’d left it, and stole a glance at my watch.
"‘Am I boring you already, Michael?’ Anna asked. ‘Or is this table on a time share?’"
After the unsatisfactory food, his car is clamped, Anna (who's lesbian by the way) takes a taxi, and Michael is informed at home by his wife about the fire in his restaurant.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
À Point
Anna is accosted by the tall, fair handsome doctor before she can respond to the invitation, but he's her brother. The three manage to dine at the restaurant they've chosen, because Michael has influence with the head waiter.
"‘Three fettucini and a bottle of your best Chianti,’ said Jonathan when Mario returned.
"Anna leaned over to me and whispered conspiratorially, ‘It’s the only Italian wine he can pronounce correctly.’
"‘What would have happened if we’d chosen fish?’ I asked her.
"‘He’s also heard of Frascati, but he’s never quite sure what he’s meant to do when someone orders duck.’
"‘What are you two whispering about?’ asked Jonathan as he handed his menu back to Mario.
"‘I was asking your sister about the third partner in the practice.’
"‘Not bad, Michael,’ Anna said. ‘You should have gone into politics.’
"‘My wife, Elizabeth, is the third partner,’ Jonathan said, unaware of what Anna had been getting at. ‘She, poor darling, is on call tonight.’"
Soon, Jonathan is called away, and in a reasonable mix of the first two scenarios, things go excellently well for the couple, who are both single.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Who'd choose any but À Point?!!!
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................................................................................................
................................................
................................................
July 10, 2021 - July 10, 2021.
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May 19, 2018
I don't know why I keep expecting someone to get murdered or conned or framed for someone else's murder when I'm reading a Jeffery Archer book. So to be clear, I haven't actually read any of his novels yet but I was under the vague impression that he belonged to the mystery/thriller genre.
But his short stories are so... simple and ordinary! And ordinary in a good sense of the term. The characters could be you and me and the story is extremely short and simple but enjoyable nonetheless. Which is another very surprising thing that I find about Jeffery Archer. His plot is ordinary yet his power is in the narration. He can make a simple story about a dinner between two people sound as engaging as a murder plot!
Coming to this particular short story - One Man's Meat. I got it FREE on Kindle. Yup. Free. Am I the one to turn down free books? NEVER. Also, short stories are a good substitutes when you're in that mental space where you don't wanna commit to a full fledged novel, but still want to read something other than non-fiction. I keep collecting short stories on Kindle which is how I came across this one. This and a lot of other short stories of his were available on Kindle for free (SO GO BUY ALL OF THEM!)
What really intrigued me about this book (other than the title obviously) was the blurb which states that the story of the two protagonists follows four endings. And I was absolutely reeled in - and not disappointed by any of the endings!
EXCEPT for the fact that - when I read the title I was dead sure that in at least one of the endings, either of them is a cannibal and ends up eating or trying to eat the other for dinner. I mean, it's called "one man's meat" for crying out loud. But... well, that didn't end up happening which is okay considering that it is not Jeffery Archer's style. It would have been a great plot though!
But his short stories are so... simple and ordinary! And ordinary in a good sense of the term. The characters could be you and me and the story is extremely short and simple but enjoyable nonetheless. Which is another very surprising thing that I find about Jeffery Archer. His plot is ordinary yet his power is in the narration. He can make a simple story about a dinner between two people sound as engaging as a murder plot!
Coming to this particular short story - One Man's Meat. I got it FREE on Kindle. Yup. Free. Am I the one to turn down free books? NEVER. Also, short stories are a good substitutes when you're in that mental space where you don't wanna commit to a full fledged novel, but still want to read something other than non-fiction. I keep collecting short stories on Kindle which is how I came across this one. This and a lot of other short stories of his were available on Kindle for free (SO GO BUY ALL OF THEM!)
What really intrigued me about this book (other than the title obviously) was the blurb which states that the story of the two protagonists follows four endings. And I was absolutely reeled in - and not disappointed by any of the endings!
EXCEPT for the fact that - when I read the title I was dead sure that in at least one of the endings, either of them is a cannibal and ends up eating or trying to eat the other for dinner. I mean, it's called "one man's meat" for crying out loud. But... well, that didn't end up happening which is okay considering that it is not Jeffery Archer's style. It would have been a great plot though!
August 25, 2018
Yet another story by Jeffery Archer's 'The Year Of Short Stories' series.
I liked the idea of a well written first half and equally well written second half. The twist is that you can pick a second half according to your liking. I think it is a brilliant idea (cuz I wanted/want to do the same in one of my stories).
You have four options to choose from. In short, you get almost every possible combination reader may have thought of.
I just felt it was a little dizzy, cuz you read the same scenario slightly tweaked. But I like it, and hence a 3 / 5 stars.
I liked the idea of a well written first half and equally well written second half. The twist is that you can pick a second half according to your liking. I think it is a brilliant idea (cuz I wanted/want to do the same in one of my stories).
You have four options to choose from. In short, you get almost every possible combination reader may have thought of.
I just felt it was a little dizzy, cuz you read the same scenario slightly tweaked. But I like it, and hence a 3 / 5 stars.
June 20, 2019
Review at A Bookworm's Musing
With the objective of these shorts being, I feel, to generate interest in Archer’s longer story collections, such stories work a treat to achieve that goal. Loved the story, and also the four optional endings. It made it different from the other Jeffrey Archer e-singles I have read so far.
With the objective of these shorts being, I feel, to generate interest in Archer’s longer story collections, such stories work a treat to achieve that goal. Loved the story, and also the four optional endings. It made it different from the other Jeffrey Archer e-singles I have read so far.
December 24, 2017
Amazing story with multiple endings
This felt like a breath of fresh air. The multiple story lines depending on the options a reader choose is one of the new technics that I have never read before. Jeffrey Archer is really a great story writer.
This felt like a breath of fresh air. The multiple story lines depending on the options a reader choose is one of the new technics that I have never read before. Jeffrey Archer is really a great story writer.
April 20, 2018
I loved the book. For the first time in my life I have read a book like this. Its very uniquely written. That style of giving 4 different endings to the story is awesome ! I loved the last ending, a point. A good short read.
January 24, 2017
Fun read
Good for a bedtime read as it can be read in perhaps 5 sections over 5 nights. The usual Archer twists and turns.
Good for a bedtime read as it can be read in perhaps 5 sections over 5 nights. The usual Archer twists and turns.
November 23, 2017
In this short story you can choose your own ending from four alternatives. I read them all and enjoyed this free download.
December 4, 2017
One story with four different endings. nice read
December 7, 2017
Enjoyed all the versions! As always brilliantly written!
January 19, 2018
A man spots a woman at the theatre door and decides he needs to conquer her. Several different endings.
The Book Worm
https://myworldasabookworm.blogspot.c...
The Book Worm
https://myworldasabookworm.blogspot.c...
January 3, 2018
Interesting
Brilliant story teller with twists and turns matched only by a roller coaster ride. Always been a friend of his writing.
Brilliant story teller with twists and turns matched only by a roller coaster ride. Always been a friend of his writing.
May 11, 2018
One Man's Meat is a great example of the power of a short story; it was beautifully written and entertaining. I loved all the alternate endings but 'Overdone' was my favourite.
February 10, 2018
Love this story
March 26, 2018
Absolutely entertaining. The idea of four plots to choose from was good. Even better was the fact that all four turned out be worth the time.
January 20, 2019
The way the book is written is a little different but enjoyable.
January 28, 2019
This review was originally posted on my blog ladybookdragon.com
I am back to reading to short stories at breakfast again, after having quite a break whilst I read some other books on my Kindle. I am glad to be back as I really enjoyed this book, especially because you can choose your own ending.
The book features Michael Whitaker who immediately drops everything in pursuit of Anna Townsend and pays no regard to the consequences. Each ending shows a different set of consequences for his actions. Michael is in the restaurant business and Anna is a doctor, two very different professions.
The beginning of the story sees the two characters enjoying the play and getting to know one another over a drink during the interval. At the end of the play Michael asks Anna out to dinner and from there the different endings take place. The fact that Michael drops everything because of just seeing a beautiful woman makes me wonder if the man is of a sensible and sane mind. In my opinion he is a little creepy and not a man to rely on.
Rare is the first ending and in my opinion more of a fantasy, it is more like Michael dreaming it all and it was not my favourite. It seemed a little too unbelievable like the beginning.
Burnt really shows just what a fool Michael is and that chasing this woman could have cost him everything, to be honest this is my favourite because I think the man gets what he deserves. Yes I am being unromantic but the story just does not fit in my mind.
Overdone is my least favourite mainly because I disliked the character of Anna, she suddenly seems to have had a personality change and not for the better. She is rude, irritable and spiky. I actually feel sorry for poor Michael in this ending.
À Point is my second favourite ending because if it has to end in Michael’s favour this is how I would like it to go. It is believable and a lovely ending and the reader is left dreaming of what could happen next.
All in all this was a good short story and I loved the quirkiness of the optional endings. I gave the story 3 out of 5 Dragons mainly because although the story was enjoyable I just found it rather unbelievable. It is a good read that will take you less than an hour to devour, plus it is free on Kindle. So put up your feet and have a nice break with this story and a mug of your favourite hot beverage.
I am back to reading to short stories at breakfast again, after having quite a break whilst I read some other books on my Kindle. I am glad to be back as I really enjoyed this book, especially because you can choose your own ending.
The book features Michael Whitaker who immediately drops everything in pursuit of Anna Townsend and pays no regard to the consequences. Each ending shows a different set of consequences for his actions. Michael is in the restaurant business and Anna is a doctor, two very different professions.
The beginning of the story sees the two characters enjoying the play and getting to know one another over a drink during the interval. At the end of the play Michael asks Anna out to dinner and from there the different endings take place. The fact that Michael drops everything because of just seeing a beautiful woman makes me wonder if the man is of a sensible and sane mind. In my opinion he is a little creepy and not a man to rely on.
Rare is the first ending and in my opinion more of a fantasy, it is more like Michael dreaming it all and it was not my favourite. It seemed a little too unbelievable like the beginning.
Burnt really shows just what a fool Michael is and that chasing this woman could have cost him everything, to be honest this is my favourite because I think the man gets what he deserves. Yes I am being unromantic but the story just does not fit in my mind.
Overdone is my least favourite mainly because I disliked the character of Anna, she suddenly seems to have had a personality change and not for the better. She is rude, irritable and spiky. I actually feel sorry for poor Michael in this ending.
À Point is my second favourite ending because if it has to end in Michael’s favour this is how I would like it to go. It is believable and a lovely ending and the reader is left dreaming of what could happen next.
All in all this was a good short story and I loved the quirkiness of the optional endings. I gave the story 3 out of 5 Dragons mainly because although the story was enjoyable I just found it rather unbelievable. It is a good read that will take you less than an hour to devour, plus it is free on Kindle. So put up your feet and have a nice break with this story and a mug of your favourite hot beverage.
April 22, 2019
ஜெஃப்ரி ஆர்ச்சர் (Jeffry Archer) எழுதிய ‘ஒன் மேன்’ஸ் மீட்’ (The One man’s meat) சிறுகதையை வாசித்தேன். ரொம்ப நாட்கள் கழித்து வாசித்த ஒரு நல்ல பொழுதுபோக்கு கதை. இந்தக் கதையின் வடிவமைப்பிற்காகவே இதைப்பற்றி எழுத தோன்றியது.
கதை ஆரம்பித்து ஒரு 90 கி.மீ வேகத்தில் ஓடுகிறது, ஒரு புள்ளியில் கதையை பிரேக் போட்டு நிறுத்தி நான்கு வித்தியாசமான முடிவுகளை வாசகர் முன் வைக்கிறார் எழுத்தாளர். அதை வாசகன் தன் விருப்பப்படி தேர்வு செய்து படித்துக் கொள்ளலாம். இந்த உத்தியை பயன்படுத்தியதால் அதன் அனைத்து முடிவுகளையும் படித்துப் பார்க்க வாசகன் தூண்டப்படுகிறான்.
எனக்கு தெரிந்து நான் படித்த முதல் இன்டராக்ட்டிவ் (interative) கதை இது. ஒரே வார்த்தைகள் வெவ்வேறு இடங்களில் வெவ்வேறு மனநிலையில் எந்த மாதிரியான விளைவுகளை ஏற்படுத்துகிறது என்பது மிக அழகாக இந்தக் கதையில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது.
ஒரு இளம் வாசகன் தாராளமாக இந்தக் கதையை படித்துப் பார்க்கலாம்.
இவரு அந்த ஊரு சுஜாதா ப்ரோ…
கதை ஆரம்பித்து ஒரு 90 கி.மீ வேகத்தில் ஓடுகிறது, ஒரு புள்ளியில் கதையை பிரேக் போட்டு நிறுத்தி நான்கு வித்தியாசமான முடிவுகளை வாசகர் முன் வைக்கிறார் எழுத்தாளர். அதை வாசகன் தன் விருப்பப்படி தேர்வு செய்து படித்துக் கொள்ளலாம். இந்த உத்தியை பயன்படுத்தியதால் அதன் அனைத்து முடிவுகளையும் படித்துப் பார்க்க வாசகன் தூண்டப்படுகிறான்.
எனக்கு தெரிந்து நான் படித்த முதல் இன்டராக்ட்டிவ் (interative) கதை இது. ஒரே வார்த்தைகள் வெவ்வேறு இடங்களில் வெவ்வேறு மனநிலையில் எந்த மாதிரியான விளைவுகளை ஏற்படுத்துகிறது என்பது மிக அழகாக இந்தக் கதையில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது.
ஒரு இளம் வாசகன் தாராளமாக இந்தக் கதையை படித்துப் பார்க்கலாம்.
இவரு அந்த ஊரு சுஜாதா ப்ரோ…
March 26, 2020
I don't do book reviews.....
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
July 13, 2018
A book that has four different endings! Unusual to say the least ... but in this case, not in a good way. You, the reader, half way through the story is invited to either choose an ending yourself or to read all four in a specific order. They vary in quality and to be honest, the author should have stuck with one and fully explored it. Its a mish-mash and therefore, slightly confused, as a piece of writing.
The four endings follow a certain pattern e.g. they go to a restaurant and order fettuccine and red wine and that's where the story lines diversify. I thought at least two of the endings to be quite poor and unimaginative, the other two were alright but not great. I shall leave you to decide which on reading it yourself.
The four endings follow a certain pattern e.g. they go to a restaurant and order fettuccine and red wine and that's where the story lines diversify. I thought at least two of the endings to be quite poor and unimaginative, the other two were alright but not great. I shall leave you to decide which on reading it yourself.
September 18, 2018
Wow!
Jeffrey Archer is certainly one of the best storytellers. I have read many of his books and have now moved on to his short stories. Needless to say this short story was brilliant! You have the choice of 3 endings or you can read them all which I did! Absolutely brilliant! Would most definitely recommend reading it.
Jeffrey Archer is certainly one of the best storytellers. I have read many of his books and have now moved on to his short stories. Needless to say this short story was brilliant! You have the choice of 3 endings or you can read them all which I did! Absolutely brilliant! Would most definitely recommend reading it.
September 29, 2018
The multiple endings were served well
At first I was sceptical about the multiple endings for this story, but I should have had more faith! The different endings were well executed, and I liked the mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. The story itself was a little dry at times, but nonetheless enjoyable.
At first I was sceptical about the multiple endings for this story, but I should have had more faith! The different endings were well executed, and I liked the mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. The story itself was a little dry at times, but nonetheless enjoyable.
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