From the internationally bestselling author of and comes , 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 worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father, but he learns about life on … 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 how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question, was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore who spent his whole life on the docks, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line?
This introductory novel in Archer’s ambitious series The Clifton Chronicles includes a cast of colorful characters and takes us from the ravages of the Great War to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Harry must decide whether to take up a place at Oxford or join the navy and go to war with Hitler’s Germany. From the docks of working-class England to the bustling streets of 1940 New York City, Only Time Will Tell takes readers on a journey through to future volumes, which will bring to life one hundred years of recent history to reveal a family story that neither the reader nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.
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The first in the Clifton Chronicle series. What a great start to a series about a family beginning in the late 1800s and in succeeding books continues to the present. The family is fascinating and enjoyable to read about. Once you get started you will want to continue reading the following years in the series. I’ve just finished the 6th of the …
this whole series is wonderful I’ll read anything that Jeffrey Archer writes love him
I love the story and characters. Archer tells from each person’s point of view which rounds out each individual. I like the historical facts that inserted and how the story moves along without dragging. I Will Read More!
An introductory book so not a full length novel but loved the characters and setting and plan to read the next four in the series.
Wonderful story
Couldn’t put it down, can’t wait to read the next book of the Clifton Chronicles.
Good story
I read the whole series to follow the characters.
The Harry Clinton Chronicles are amazing. Can’t put the books down once you start
The entire series “The Clifton Chronicles” was an amazing look at England in the early years of the 20th century.
Really get involved with the family and the ups and downs life take Harry Clifton and the families on. I’m now on second folllow-up book and can’t wait to read the last 2.
I read this book many years ago and became thoroughly engaged in the people, the time and the events occurring, mostly historically accurate. It prompted me to read the remaining six books of The Clifton Chronicles, some of which were better than others, but all of which were highly entertaining. The reader gets to participate in the growth and …
I’m torn about recommending this book. While I adored the characters and story, the ending was the worst ever. I was stunned that such a rich story ended in such an abrupt, cold way. Very disappointed in that, and it was no way incentive to read sequels. I invested in it, and was left with a bad feeling thus won’t be returning to risk such …
This is the first book in the series. I liked it so much, I even purchased them for my Kindle, even though I have all of them in hard back. I am even staying up late at night reading to see what happens. Have to make myself turn off the light and go to sleep.
It is part of a series which has fascinated me through 7 books, I recommend the series and intend to read his other books. It takes place in England, in Bristol!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well developed and I really rather lost myself in the story. There were plenty of twists and little surprises, but the timeline of the story ran along nicely. I have read the next two in the series and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Very original, life-altering story about a boy who wants more than his current life. His curiosity leads him to strive for more. He is faced with many opportunities, but also many prejudices and obstacles that he must overcome. Very realistic, haunting, tear-jerking. The prejudices and obstacles that so many people face every day, because of …
No one can tell a story like Jeffrey Archer!
Hard to put down!!
Loved all his books…want more