The Clifton Chronicles: Volumes 1 & 2

The Clifton Chronicles #1-2

by Jeffrey Archer

The tale of Harry Clifton's life begins in 1919, in Bristol. His father was a war hero, but it will be 21 tumultuous years before Harry discovers the truth about how his father really died and if, in fact, he even was his father. When he goes to school, he meets Giles Barrington, soon to become his best friend, and Giles's sister, Emma. From that moment, the two families will be forever entwined. Taking a cast of memorable characters from the ravages of the Great War through to the end of the Second World War, family loyalties are stretched to their limits as secrets unravel, and the story moves from the backstreets of Bristol to the boardrooms of Manhattan. In Jeffrey Archer's masterful hands, you will be taken on a journey that you won't want to end, filled with gasp-making twists and turns. Discover the spellbinding family saga that has enthralled readers across the world and sold over five million copies.

896 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2015

About the author

Jeffrey 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.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad I had both volumes in the one book...now I’ll have to hunt down the rest!

I love Jeffrey Archer’s supreme talent in story telling and creating characters that are easy to like and a relish to hate. Kane and Abel is still my favourite novel of all time, and this series is turning out to be a solid, well written saga. Twists and cliffhangers galore.

That being said, I’m finding it hard to get past Harry and Emma’s relationship being, for all intents and purposes, widely accepted within their families and social circles. There’s a decent chance they’re related by blood...and everyone’s just ok with that? I mean yeah, the wedding gets stopped and it’s mentioned once or twice that they can’t do anything in the circumstances but still. Everyone feels sorry for them and is hoping they’ll still get married, even if it can’t be proven that they’re not related? Hmm. I can’t imagine my friends or family being too thrilled at the prospect of me marrying a possible half sibling.

But anyway. It’s a minor speed bump in an otherwise enthralling story, and I’m really looking forward to diving into the next novels.

[AngelaCC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once on a while along comes a book, with a story that totally captivates you, draws you into its depths and when you turn the final page, leaves you wanting more. The Clifton Chronicles, book one and two, is such a book. Quite a brick to hold but once you get around that obstacle, your totally absorbed. Jeffrey Archer writes a powerful story of two families based in the period prior WW2 , with honesty, warmth and emotion, superb dialogue that flows between the characters and surprises along the way ensuring you keep reading till the last page is turned. A great book.

[Ivo Nicolay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prachtige kroniek ! Het leven van Harry Clifton en van de personen die een grote invloed hebben op zijn levensgeschiedenis. De gebeirtenissen worden verteld telkens verteld vanuit deze hoofdpersonages : Harry Clifton, Maisie Clifton zijn moeder, Hugo Barrington zijn vermoedelijke vader, Old Jack Tar zijn oude goede vriend, Giles Barrington zijn trouwe vriend, Emma Barrington de zuster van Giles en Harry's grote liefde.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I've read of Jeffrey Archer and thoroughly enjoyed both volumes, he kept me captivated all the way, I did enjoy how one got to know the characters, excellent.