#3 The Clifton Chronicles

Now this review is not for one book, but seven. Jeffery Archer’s ‘Clifton Chronicles’ (CC) are an easy but stimulating read. They are for readers who don’t mind the chunkier books and are prepared to commit to the series.

My father is an Archer fan, he thinks that he is an excellent writer, so when the first book of the CC came out he jumped on that bandwagon. After the first few of the series had come out, he began recommending them to everyone including me. So, one holiday I picked up the first one and read it in a day. The next day I picked up the second one, read it in a day. The day after that…you see the pattern. The fourth one however had only just been published, so I had to wait a while until I could continue the story. However, from the 3rd one on, it became a thing that my father would buy me the new one and have it sent to school.

Back to the books themselves, the first is called “Only Time Will Tell” and is set in 1919. It introduces us to the little boy known as Harry Clifton living in Bristol by the docks. He is a bright boy with a beautiful singing voice. He is then encouraged to go for a music scholarship allowing him to leave his poor life. Through the first book we see Harry face difficulties at school and home, also a juicy scandal interweaves itself within Harry’s simple life.

Upon that description I can see how it may not be the most amazing book. But I have to keep it brief otherwise I would spoil too much. Also, there is just far too much to say to accurately cover seven books.

But through the series we follow Harry living a happy life as he grows up, gets married, and has children. On the other hand, he has to face some extreme hardships and meets some fascinating people. Archer writes brilliantly using all the characters point of view. He makes you love and hate characters passionately and readers are engulfed in their stories. I found myself believing they were real people and would think about what they were up to constantly. I started this series when I was 14 years old, so it is not a difficult read. But once again, I highly recommend it. It is easy to pick up after a break, although I don’t see why you would take a break as it’s a true page-turner!

People always ask me what my favourite book is, and I have to say that the Clifton Chronicles are certainly near the top.

Take a chance

Hx