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The Clifton Chronicles #6
Иде часът
Часът на съдбовните решения настъпва, а предсмъртното писмо на Алекс Фишър е на път да унищожи животите на много хора.
Политическата кариера на Джайлс Барингтън е под заплаха, но по-важно за него е да спаси Карин, жената, която е обикнал, но не може да има, защото се намира от другата страна на Желязната завеса.
Бившата му съпруга, лейди Вирджиния, се оказва пред фалит и единствено нейната хитрост и приспособимост биха могли да я измъкнат от финансовите ѝ проблеми.
Себастиан Клифтън е отдал живота на работата си и „Фартингс", но враговете му го дебнат на всяка крачка.
Дали любовта в лицето на красивата индийка Прия или споменът за бившата му годеница ще успеят да го измъкнат от бездната? Пред какви обрати ще се изправят Хари Клифтън, Джайлс Барингтън и лейди Вирджиния? Готови ли са да посрещнат неочакваното? А вие?
Политическата кариера на Джайлс Барингтън е под заплаха, но по-важно за него е да спаси Карин, жената, която е обикнал, но не може да има, защото се намира от другата страна на Желязната завеса.
Бившата му съпруга, лейди Вирджиния, се оказва пред фалит и единствено нейната хитрост и приспособимост биха могли да я измъкнат от финансовите ѝ проблеми.
Себастиан Клифтън е отдал живота на работата си и „Фартингс", но враговете му го дебнат на всяка крачка.
Дали любовта в лицето на красивата индийка Прия или споменът за бившата му годеница ще успеят да го измъкнат от бездната? Пред какви обрати ще се изправят Хари Клифтън, Джайлс Барингтън и лейди Вирджиния? Готови ли са да посрещнат неочакваното? А вие?
13 pages, Audiobook
First published February 16, 2016
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
480 books11.3k 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 1,678 reviews
January 3, 2017
There are few authors better than Jeffrey Archer at plotting. True, he will extract his characters in distress with some crazy Deus Ex Machina, but that is kept muffled in this book. I thought that Cometh the Hour is not equal to his best, but given that the writer is quite old (and I'm prone to say he has passed his peak), it's a great effort on his part, to give us quite a lot to think about.
The major characters whose stories we follow, are Harry and Emma Clifton, Sir Giles Barrington, Sebastian Clifton, and on the villain's behalf, Lady Virginia Fenwick, and Mellor, Knowles, and Sloane. These villains are sometimes bold in their enterprises, but towards the end all are hobbled by the riposte of their righteous adversaries.
As an Asian I felt involved in Priya's meeting with Sebastian, and I enjoyed the outcome of their love story very much, because of its dramatic quality. I'm getting despaired whenever a child speaks in an Archer book. It seems he won't be able to make a child speak like one. The best effort of his in that way was in The Prodigal Daughter. But Cometh the Hour is a very satisfactory read. I give it a strong 4 stars.
The major characters whose stories we follow, are Harry and Emma Clifton, Sir Giles Barrington, Sebastian Clifton, and on the villain's behalf, Lady Virginia Fenwick, and Mellor, Knowles, and Sloane. These villains are sometimes bold in their enterprises, but towards the end all are hobbled by the riposte of their righteous adversaries.
As an Asian I felt involved in Priya's meeting with Sebastian, and I enjoyed the outcome of their love story very much, because of its dramatic quality. I'm getting despaired whenever a child speaks in an Archer book. It seems he won't be able to make a child speak like one. The best effort of his in that way was in The Prodigal Daughter. But Cometh the Hour is a very satisfactory read. I give it a strong 4 stars.
Want to read
October 2, 2015I can't wait for this book to come out. Jeffrey Archer is my all time favorite author. I've been hooked since Kane and Abel.
February 28, 2016
I didn't want to finish this book because I wanted it to last as long as I could drag it out. It followed the series like the other books before have and it certainly did not disappoint. The book seemed to be setting us up for the end of the series but the biggest surprise of all is that this is not the last book in this series. The way it ended could have very well ended The Clifton Chronicles but it didn't so now we have no way of knowing what will be happening next. I have come to the conclusion that Jeffrey Archer is one of the best storytellers and authors around.
November 26, 2016
Archer has much to offer in this penultimate volume of his heptalogy, pushing the Cliftons, Barringtons, and a slew of other characters into the centre of dramatic events of the 1970s. As the novel opens, Emma Clifton awaits news on a libel suit that may see her forced to hand over control of Barrinton's Shipping, as the Board is divided over her actions. While she is able to weather a rather choppy storm, her prowess is not ignored as she joins more directorships and is kept in the inner circles of the Conservative Party and its rising star, one Margaret Thatcher. As these events progress, Lady Virginia Fenwick will not take the loss in her proceedings with Emma Clifton sitting down. She is prepared to continue her scheming in order to remain in good standings with those around her. Sinking her teeth into a wealthy American, Lady Fenwick devises a plan that will link them and help fund her lavish lifestyle, but only if she can pull off a ruse of enormous proportions without being caught. Her former husband, Giles Barrington, has been busy with his own life since being disgraced during his sister, Emma's, trial. Giles must admit his affair with a translator in East Germany, Karin Pengelly. This news is splashed across the tabloids, including whispers of a pregnancy, which stymies a return to the House of Commons. Luckily, the PM has secured a spot for him in the House of Lords, where he can make a difference and still hold a Cabinet post. Karin holds a secret from him, which she does not reveal even after they marry; she is an East Germany spy, alongside her step-father, who are keeping the Stasi and Communists informed. However, Karin's dealing are being closely watched and her future is in jeopardy if she does not turn against the Germans. While the reader may wonder greatly about Sebastian Clifton, son of Harry and Emma, he has his hands full with a collection of issues. After he remains unable to reconnect with his daughter, Jessica, he must focus on the woman who holds his heart at present, one Priya Ghuman. Chasing her across the world, in defiance of her parents, might be the only way he can find true love, though nothing comes as easily as that and plans go drastically awry for the man who has timed everything perfectly. He is forced back to England, empty-handed, and left to handle his job in banking, where a merger is about to turn the tides on how things are run. When a group works behind the scenes to cripple Sebastian's efforts, he is left to scramble, while one of the key players faces legal proceedings that could end his career and freedom. All this while Sebastian makes another stab at connecting with Jessica and her mother, Samantha, a woman from his past. While he must choose wisely, the precocious Jessica will stop at nothing to unite her family once and for all. Finally, as if he wants nothing more than to sit in the background and write for a living, Harry Clifton continues to fight for the publication of Uncle Joe, a manuscript he prepared for his friend and former cellmate, Anatoly Babakov. While Clifton is sent on a book junket, it is less the content and more his ability to remember large passages that seems to appeal to the American media. However, Harry will stop at nothing to ensure his friend receives all the merit coming to him, even as the Soviets keep him detained in Siberia. When Babakov's book receives the ultimate award, Clifton takes the reins even after Babakov is unable to attend the ceremony, creating a new movement in the Cold War clash. All this and more await readers who wish to soak up Archer's powerful novel that lays the groundwork for an exceptional end to it all. Gripping and captivating, with some cliffhangers that show Archer is as cruel as he is a literary genius.
Jeffrey Archer is a man whose writing and ideas never seem to end, even after three-plus decades. He has been able to pull readers into his works by appealing to a large cross-section. Mixing politics with history and adding just enough family drama, Archer knows how to pace a story that keeps the reader wanting to learn a little more. History as a backdrop not only provides a wonderful pace-setter, but also forces the characters to move in a forward motion, no matter what they have on their respective plates. While Archer has been able to use a key collection of characters, he does offer fresh blood in the form of new generations and characters whose importance emerges through the delicately balanced narrative. One would be remiss if they ignored this, as Archer is forced to keep the backstories straight while providing new ideas to keep the reader curious. The mix of a strong setting, powerful narrative, stellar characters, and powerful dialogue creates a dramatic series that pulls the story in so many directions while keeping the reader firmly grounded. And there is still more to come, in the final volume. While I could expound on this novel and the series for days, I have one more novel left to finish it all off. Shall we continue the journey through to its completion?
Kudos, Lord Archer for yet another wonderful novel. Your ideas amaze me, but I have grown to expect to be shocked with every passing publication.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jeffrey Archer is a man whose writing and ideas never seem to end, even after three-plus decades. He has been able to pull readers into his works by appealing to a large cross-section. Mixing politics with history and adding just enough family drama, Archer knows how to pace a story that keeps the reader wanting to learn a little more. History as a backdrop not only provides a wonderful pace-setter, but also forces the characters to move in a forward motion, no matter what they have on their respective plates. While Archer has been able to use a key collection of characters, he does offer fresh blood in the form of new generations and characters whose importance emerges through the delicately balanced narrative. One would be remiss if they ignored this, as Archer is forced to keep the backstories straight while providing new ideas to keep the reader curious. The mix of a strong setting, powerful narrative, stellar characters, and powerful dialogue creates a dramatic series that pulls the story in so many directions while keeping the reader firmly grounded. And there is still more to come, in the final volume. While I could expound on this novel and the series for days, I have one more novel left to finish it all off. Shall we continue the journey through to its completion?
Kudos, Lord Archer for yet another wonderful novel. Your ideas amaze me, but I have grown to expect to be shocked with every passing publication.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 6, 2019
I’d purchased this book without knowing it was part of a series, I find it’s so easily done - especially when browsing on kindle stores.
Of course I’d prefer to start at the beginning, but I was glad that I’d not known at the time that this was the penultimate in the series - that would have been too daunting.
This entry follows the Clifton and Barrington families during the 1970’s, even though some of the plot strands were a little confusing at first it was easy to move along with the story.
The setting helped though, I was quite comfortable being in that decade.
There were quite a few amusing political gags that I really appreciated, especially those about the possibility of a female Prime Minister.
Ironically if I’d brought an earlier entry/time in the series I’d probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much!
In future I need to be more diligent with my purchases, thankfully I was lucky with this one!
I’d like to read the rest in this series.
Of course I’d prefer to start at the beginning, but I was glad that I’d not known at the time that this was the penultimate in the series - that would have been too daunting.
This entry follows the Clifton and Barrington families during the 1970’s, even though some of the plot strands were a little confusing at first it was easy to move along with the story.
The setting helped though, I was quite comfortable being in that decade.
There were quite a few amusing political gags that I really appreciated, especially those about the possibility of a female Prime Minister.
Ironically if I’d brought an earlier entry/time in the series I’d probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much!
In future I need to be more diligent with my purchases, thankfully I was lucky with this one!
I’d like to read the rest in this series.
January 4, 2016
I read the other five Clifton Chronicles and I couldn't wait to read volume six. Jeffrey Archer didn't disappoint.
Picking up where volume five left off, enough background is given to remind you of everything you may have forgotten since then. Following the Clifton's, Barrington's, and Lady Virginia Fenwick through the 1970's, Archer's storytelling once again had me unable to put the novel down until I was finished.
Having read all the other books, I am not a good judge as to whether this book would be good as a stand alone novel, but I would encourage readers to read all of Archer's novels as they are well worth your time.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Picking up where volume five left off, enough background is given to remind you of everything you may have forgotten since then. Following the Clifton's, Barrington's, and Lady Virginia Fenwick through the 1970's, Archer's storytelling once again had me unable to put the novel down until I was finished.
Having read all the other books, I am not a good judge as to whether this book would be good as a stand alone novel, but I would encourage readers to read all of Archer's novels as they are well worth your time.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
March 8, 2016
This series has been going downhill for a while but I think its hit a nadir with this book. Really cringe-worthy at times, the book has nothing to offer to devoted readers of the series. People whom we have grown to admire now become the Perfects. Harry, Emma, Giles.. all are established as all thats great and beautiful in the world. The villains become more and more petty and less effective. Sebastian has another dash of romance which I think was introduced by Archer just to please his huge fan-base in India. The romance is ensured a short life - it serves the purpose of filling up pages and ensuring Seb gets back to Sam. The short romance in India is straight out a third-rate Bollywood potboiler.
Overall, a miserable book with absolutely nothing to call out as a redeeming factor. The series has reached a stale state and Archer had better not even think of extending this beyond the already extended seven.
Overall, a miserable book with absolutely nothing to call out as a redeeming factor. The series has reached a stale state and Archer had better not even think of extending this beyond the already extended seven.
Read
September 20, 20203.5 stars
Cometh the Hour is the sixth book in Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicle series and we are now in the 1970's. The story opens right where Mightier Than the Sword left off … with the reading of a suicide note at the trial of Virgina Fenwick vs Emma Clifton. If you have read Mightier Than the Sword you know whose suicide. While you could read this book as a standalone I would recommend reading all of the books in the series and in order. If you do you will get to know all of the characters and have an appreciation of the entire story.
Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller of the historical fiction genre. The reader becomes vested in the major characters, Harry and Emma Clifton; Sebastian Clifton; Giles Barrington. In every story there are plenty of villain's, Lady Virginia Fenwick; Mellor; Knowles; and Sloane, to loathe. You hope that good will triumph but you can't be sure and the ride keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and turning the pages.
Harry Clifton continues his quest to get Anatoly Babakov released from a gulag in Siberia, Emma's tenure as chairman of Barrington Shipping hangs on the outcome of her libel trial, Sebastian's career continues to move onward and upward but his personal life is a mess, Giles must decide between his political career and trying to rescue Karin from behind the Iron Curtain.
This may not have been my favorite book in the series but it was still a good story that I enjoyed reading and left me looking forward to reading This Was a Man, the seventh and final book in the series. It will be sad to come to the end of the story as I have come to like the Clifton's and Barrington's.
Cometh the Hour is the sixth book in Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicle series and we are now in the 1970's. The story opens right where Mightier Than the Sword left off … with the reading of a suicide note at the trial of Virgina Fenwick vs Emma Clifton. If you have read Mightier Than the Sword you know whose suicide. While you could read this book as a standalone I would recommend reading all of the books in the series and in order. If you do you will get to know all of the characters and have an appreciation of the entire story.
Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller of the historical fiction genre. The reader becomes vested in the major characters, Harry and Emma Clifton; Sebastian Clifton; Giles Barrington. In every story there are plenty of villain's, Lady Virginia Fenwick; Mellor; Knowles; and Sloane, to loathe. You hope that good will triumph but you can't be sure and the ride keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and turning the pages.
Harry Clifton continues his quest to get Anatoly Babakov released from a gulag in Siberia, Emma's tenure as chairman of Barrington Shipping hangs on the outcome of her libel trial, Sebastian's career continues to move onward and upward but his personal life is a mess, Giles must decide between his political career and trying to rescue Karin from behind the Iron Curtain.
This may not have been my favorite book in the series but it was still a good story that I enjoyed reading and left me looking forward to reading This Was a Man, the seventh and final book in the series. It will be sad to come to the end of the story as I have come to like the Clifton's and Barrington's.
March 16, 2019
This is the sixth and the penultimate instalment of Clifton Chronicles. As usual there are twists and turns although i found this book a bit tepid compared to the other books. What i like about Archer is his writing style. It just flows so naturally that the reader is never bored.
March 5, 2016
Fool me six times, and the addiction is mine.
The Chronicles continue to meander aimlessly in the penultimate episode. There are ten or more short stories that progress so rapidly that one could almost feel the weight of the author's deadline pressure. For a change, there are no famous Archerisq close votes or a cliff-hanger book-end - two definite new positives! However, substituting them are these plethora of' tales that appear to have been lifted straight out of a collection of 1970s' books and movies, summarised almost without much modification.
The two main issues, apart from the pace that never lets the reader enjoy the tension of a build-up or the relief at a climax, are lack of sufficient research and a complete absence of novelty in any of the plots. For example, 1970s Bombay is shown as a replica of the one that exists now: the author possibly did not have time to verify that there were no perpetual traffic gridlocks in Bombay back then, the newspapers had no society pages or its hotels were still not accepting cards for payments.
The Bollywood-like love story is one of the many that just serves no purpose: they do not belong to the main story thread and they do not provide any real pleasure to readers. In trying to add fake pregnancy, Noble award, corporate takeovers, the Eastern block sleuths, counter sleuths, planted drugs, masseuses as moles, speeches at funerals and award ceremonies, the words left by the diseased's through a letter or a Will, successful or failed attempts at fetching the loved ones from Eastern Europe/India/America/Russia etc - the stories change almost every few sentences. Yet, few are likely to be surprised even once.
While there are those really warmth inducing twists of phrases or interactions between characters at the start - things that make one always pick up Mr Archer’s work, but they disappear quite rapidly as the book progresses. Mr Archer possibly never realises this: a scene is created towards the end for a great oratory blast from one of the key characters. The book, through one of the other characters, compares the delivery to the historic speeches of Roosevelt or Churchil. The speech in reality is so dull and commonplace that it is unlikely to find itself in the author’s ten or even fifty best created paragraphs in his fiction.
Overall, the book, like the previous few, refuses to progress but spends time listing a series of imaginary events with little connections. The way it is all set up, the last book will only involve more of the same with perhaps all the key characters dying largely of old age.
The Chronicles continue to meander aimlessly in the penultimate episode. There are ten or more short stories that progress so rapidly that one could almost feel the weight of the author's deadline pressure. For a change, there are no famous Archerisq close votes or a cliff-hanger book-end - two definite new positives! However, substituting them are these plethora of' tales that appear to have been lifted straight out of a collection of 1970s' books and movies, summarised almost without much modification.
The two main issues, apart from the pace that never lets the reader enjoy the tension of a build-up or the relief at a climax, are lack of sufficient research and a complete absence of novelty in any of the plots. For example, 1970s Bombay is shown as a replica of the one that exists now: the author possibly did not have time to verify that there were no perpetual traffic gridlocks in Bombay back then, the newspapers had no society pages or its hotels were still not accepting cards for payments.
The Bollywood-like love story is one of the many that just serves no purpose: they do not belong to the main story thread and they do not provide any real pleasure to readers. In trying to add fake pregnancy, Noble award, corporate takeovers, the Eastern block sleuths, counter sleuths, planted drugs, masseuses as moles, speeches at funerals and award ceremonies, the words left by the diseased's through a letter or a Will, successful or failed attempts at fetching the loved ones from Eastern Europe/India/America/Russia etc - the stories change almost every few sentences. Yet, few are likely to be surprised even once.
While there are those really warmth inducing twists of phrases or interactions between characters at the start - things that make one always pick up Mr Archer’s work, but they disappear quite rapidly as the book progresses. Mr Archer possibly never realises this: a scene is created towards the end for a great oratory blast from one of the key characters. The book, through one of the other characters, compares the delivery to the historic speeches of Roosevelt or Churchil. The speech in reality is so dull and commonplace that it is unlikely to find itself in the author’s ten or even fifty best created paragraphs in his fiction.
Overall, the book, like the previous few, refuses to progress but spends time listing a series of imaginary events with little connections. The way it is all set up, the last book will only involve more of the same with perhaps all the key characters dying largely of old age.
January 5, 2016
I LOVED this book. Jeffrey Archer is the consummate storyteller and this series keeps getting better. I found myself so engrossed in the story that the world around me seemed to disappear.
It was great to become reacquainted with Harry, Emma, Giles, Sebastian and others. Lady Fenwick, a character you love to hate, also added interest to the tale. It's a pleasure to find fictional characters who exemplify the qualities we admire and share in their triumphs as well as share their setbacks and challenges.
Although I find great pleasure in books and reading in general, this novel was exceptionally good. My only complaint is I'll find it difficult to wait for the next book.
Thank you to Goodreads for the opportunity to win an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review (it was easy to say great things about this book!).
It was great to become reacquainted with Harry, Emma, Giles, Sebastian and others. Lady Fenwick, a character you love to hate, also added interest to the tale. It's a pleasure to find fictional characters who exemplify the qualities we admire and share in their triumphs as well as share their setbacks and challenges.
Although I find great pleasure in books and reading in general, this novel was exceptionally good. My only complaint is I'll find it difficult to wait for the next book.
Thank you to Goodreads for the opportunity to win an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review (it was easy to say great things about this book!).
December 6, 2018
EXCERPT: Giles Barrington couldn’t sleep the night before he was due to fly to Berlin. He was up long before the sun rose, didn’t bother with breakfast and took a taxi from his home in Smith Square to Heathrow hours before his flight was due to depart. First flights in the morning were almost the only aircraft guaranteed to take off on time. He picked up a copy of the Guardian in the first class lounge, but didn’t get beyond the front page as he drank a cup of black coffee and went over Walter’s plan again and again.
It had one fundamental weakness, what he’d described as a necessary risk.
Giles was among the first to board the aircraft and, even though the plane took off on time, kept checking his watch every few minutes throughout the flight. The plane touched down in Berlin at 9.45 a.m. and, as Giles had no luggage, he was sitting in the back of another taxi twenty minutes later.
‘Checkpoint Charlie,’ he said to the driver, who gave him a second look before joining the early morning traffic heading into the city.
Soon after they’d passed the dilapidated Brandenburg Gate, Giles spotted the white Mercedes coach Walter had told him to look out for. As he didn’t want to be the first person to board, he asked the taxi driver to stop a couple of hundred yards from the crossing point. Giles paid the fare and began to stroll around as if he were a tourist, not that there were any sites to look out for, other than a graffiti-covered wall. He didn’t start to make his way towards the coach until he’d seen several other delegates climb aboard.
Giles joined the line of foreign dignitaries and political journalists who had travelled from all over Europe to attend a ceremonial lunch and hear a speech by Erich Honecker, the new General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party. He still wondered if he might once again be prevented from crossing the border and be left with no choice but to return on the next flight back to Heathrow. But Walter had assured him that since he was representing the British Labour Party as a former Foreign Minister, he would be made most welcome by his hosts. The East German regime, Walter explained, had been unable to open any meaningful dialogue with the present Conservative government and was desperate to forge some worthwhile alliances with the Labour Party, especially as it looked likely that they would soon be returning to power. When Giles reached the front of the queue he handed his passport to an official, who gave it a cursory glance before ushering him on board. The first hurdle crossed.
As Giles walked down the aisle, he spotted a young woman sitting alone near the back, looking out of the window. He didn’t need to check her seat number.
‘Hello,’ he said.
She looked up and smiled. He didn’t know her name, and perhaps it was better that he didn’t. All he knew was that she spoke fluent English, was an interpreter by profession, roughly the same age as Karin, and would be wearing an identical outfit to hers. But there was one thing Walter hadn’t explained. Why was she willing to take such a risk?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Cometh the Hour opens with the reading of a suicide note, which has devastating consequences for Harry and Emma Clifton, Giles Barrington and Lady Virginia.
Giles must decide if he should withdraw from politics and try to rescue Karin, the woman he loves, from behind the Iron Curtain. But is Karin truly in love with him, or is she a spy?
Lady Virginia is facing bankruptcy, and can see no way out of her financial problems, until she is introduced to the hapless Cyrus T. Grant III from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who's in England to see his horse run at Royal Ascot.
Sebastian Clifton is now the Chief Executive of Farthings Bank and a workaholic, whose personal life is thrown into disarray when he falls for Priya, a beautiful Indian girl. But her parents have already chosen the man she is going to marry. Meanwhile, Sebastian's rivals Adrian Sloane and Desmond Mellor are still plotting to bring him and his chairman Hakim Bishara down, so they can take over Farthings.
Harry Clifton remains determined to get Anatoly Babakov released from a gulag in Siberia, following the international success of his acclaimed book, Uncle Joe. But then something unexpected happens that none of them could have anticipated.
MY THOUGHTS: Jeffrey Archer is a true story-teller. I swear he could take a shopping list and make a story of it.
This is an exciting mix of politics, history and family drama.
Cometh the Hour is the penultimate book in the Clifton Chronicles and I eagerly await the publication of This Was A Man later this year (2016). It is an excellent series and no less than I have come to expect from this author.
WARNING: You do need to read this series from the beginning and in order, otherwise the story will not have the same impact.
THE AUTHOR: Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.
He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married to Mary Archer, a scientist specialising in solar power. Outside politics, he is a novelist, playwright and short story writer.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of Cometh the Hour by Jeffrey Archer, published by St Martin's Press, from my good friend and fellow bookworm, Chris Adams. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It had one fundamental weakness, what he’d described as a necessary risk.
Giles was among the first to board the aircraft and, even though the plane took off on time, kept checking his watch every few minutes throughout the flight. The plane touched down in Berlin at 9.45 a.m. and, as Giles had no luggage, he was sitting in the back of another taxi twenty minutes later.
‘Checkpoint Charlie,’ he said to the driver, who gave him a second look before joining the early morning traffic heading into the city.
Soon after they’d passed the dilapidated Brandenburg Gate, Giles spotted the white Mercedes coach Walter had told him to look out for. As he didn’t want to be the first person to board, he asked the taxi driver to stop a couple of hundred yards from the crossing point. Giles paid the fare and began to stroll around as if he were a tourist, not that there were any sites to look out for, other than a graffiti-covered wall. He didn’t start to make his way towards the coach until he’d seen several other delegates climb aboard.
Giles joined the line of foreign dignitaries and political journalists who had travelled from all over Europe to attend a ceremonial lunch and hear a speech by Erich Honecker, the new General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party. He still wondered if he might once again be prevented from crossing the border and be left with no choice but to return on the next flight back to Heathrow. But Walter had assured him that since he was representing the British Labour Party as a former Foreign Minister, he would be made most welcome by his hosts. The East German regime, Walter explained, had been unable to open any meaningful dialogue with the present Conservative government and was desperate to forge some worthwhile alliances with the Labour Party, especially as it looked likely that they would soon be returning to power. When Giles reached the front of the queue he handed his passport to an official, who gave it a cursory glance before ushering him on board. The first hurdle crossed.
As Giles walked down the aisle, he spotted a young woman sitting alone near the back, looking out of the window. He didn’t need to check her seat number.
‘Hello,’ he said.
She looked up and smiled. He didn’t know her name, and perhaps it was better that he didn’t. All he knew was that she spoke fluent English, was an interpreter by profession, roughly the same age as Karin, and would be wearing an identical outfit to hers. But there was one thing Walter hadn’t explained. Why was she willing to take such a risk?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Cometh the Hour opens with the reading of a suicide note, which has devastating consequences for Harry and Emma Clifton, Giles Barrington and Lady Virginia.
Giles must decide if he should withdraw from politics and try to rescue Karin, the woman he loves, from behind the Iron Curtain. But is Karin truly in love with him, or is she a spy?
Lady Virginia is facing bankruptcy, and can see no way out of her financial problems, until she is introduced to the hapless Cyrus T. Grant III from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who's in England to see his horse run at Royal Ascot.
Sebastian Clifton is now the Chief Executive of Farthings Bank and a workaholic, whose personal life is thrown into disarray when he falls for Priya, a beautiful Indian girl. But her parents have already chosen the man she is going to marry. Meanwhile, Sebastian's rivals Adrian Sloane and Desmond Mellor are still plotting to bring him and his chairman Hakim Bishara down, so they can take over Farthings.
Harry Clifton remains determined to get Anatoly Babakov released from a gulag in Siberia, following the international success of his acclaimed book, Uncle Joe. But then something unexpected happens that none of them could have anticipated.
MY THOUGHTS: Jeffrey Archer is a true story-teller. I swear he could take a shopping list and make a story of it.
This is an exciting mix of politics, history and family drama.
Cometh the Hour is the penultimate book in the Clifton Chronicles and I eagerly await the publication of This Was A Man later this year (2016). It is an excellent series and no less than I have come to expect from this author.
WARNING: You do need to read this series from the beginning and in order, otherwise the story will not have the same impact.
THE AUTHOR: Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.
He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married to Mary Archer, a scientist specialising in solar power. Outside politics, he is a novelist, playwright and short story writer.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of Cometh the Hour by Jeffrey Archer, published by St Martin's Press, from my good friend and fellow bookworm, Chris Adams. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 16, 2019
Not too much to say really. I love these books, I've had a great time reading them and I'm looking forward to starting the final one tomorrow!
Oh, and once again, what an ending! I'm tempted to start 'This Was A Man' right now, but I also want to sleep...
I think I can manage a chapter or two though- I want to know what happens! I've become so invested in these characters and their incredibly dramatic, tumultuous lives!
Oh, and once again, what an ending! I'm tempted to start 'This Was A Man' right now, but I also want to sleep...
I think I can manage a chapter or two though- I want to know what happens! I've become so invested in these characters and their incredibly dramatic, tumultuous lives!
April 27, 2016
If this was a stand alone book, it would probably get a 3 star rating and not a 4, because of a few different things. First, this book didn't feel as cohesive as past books in this series. It was dang close to rambling at times, without actually crossing that line. Second, some of the story lines felt repetitive or even recycled. This leads to the final thing which is, overall this felt a little 'stiff'.
Now with all of that out the way, the reason this gets 4 stars and not 3, is because of the writing. It is not only engaging, but the author is great at spacing/pacing his plots. It almost felt like it was expertly choreographed without the feeling of being formulaic. He creates a great flow and Jeffrey Archer's magic was definitely there (even though there were some things I didn't care for.) So 4 stars.
Now with all of that out the way, the reason this gets 4 stars and not 3, is because of the writing. It is not only engaging, but the author is great at spacing/pacing his plots. It almost felt like it was expertly choreographed without the feeling of being formulaic. He creates a great flow and Jeffrey Archer's magic was definitely there (even though there were some things I didn't care for.) So 4 stars.
February 26, 2018
Has Jeffrey Archer always been this bad in writing dialogues and monologues? Seems lazy, even.
I'm glad this whole series is coming to an end, getting tired of the whole family. Up to the point I can easily understand why they have so many enemies.
I'm glad this whole series is coming to an end, getting tired of the whole family. Up to the point I can easily understand why they have so many enemies.
May 24, 2021
Archer leaves the plot open ended – a hint that there is more to come in the finale. Though Archer's sixth book in the Clifton series is a fast read, and at times unputdownable, it's perhaps time to give this plot the closure it deserves.
Having followed Archer's books, the Clifton Chronicles gives me the feeling that these could be short stories threaded together by a common theme as opposed to the complex plots and characters of his earlier novels.
Having followed Archer's books, the Clifton Chronicles gives me the feeling that these could be short stories threaded together by a common theme as opposed to the complex plots and characters of his earlier novels.
October 31, 2016
Archer's book in the series was an average fare despite being good in parts. In fact the book goes on auto mode that the writing is like the background music in a pub - just there while you go about doing other things. It's that book in the series where the author is desperately out of ideas and maybe wondering why he signed a 7 book deal.
A lot of things happen in the book but none that seems to fit in with a natural flow of story. I was into 3 chapters, when I had trouble placing characters. I thought maybe I lost interest in the characters. When I reached chapter 20, I imagined Mr.Archer has lost interest. I mean, why India at all? Why the trial of Bishara? Why such in depth description of Virginia's tryst?
I hope I am not falling out of habit with an Archer, but if anything, I felt this book was incoherent. And it does not lead to a finale you are looking forward to.
Only for people who have to finish the series.
A lot of things happen in the book but none that seems to fit in with a natural flow of story. I was into 3 chapters, when I had trouble placing characters. I thought maybe I lost interest in the characters. When I reached chapter 20, I imagined Mr.Archer has lost interest. I mean, why India at all? Why the trial of Bishara? Why such in depth description of Virginia's tryst?
I hope I am not falling out of habit with an Archer, but if anything, I felt this book was incoherent. And it does not lead to a finale you are looking forward to.
Only for people who have to finish the series.
July 31, 2020
The Clifton Chronicles # 6
Mr. Archer’s spins a cracking yarn with his sixth volume and has plunged us even deeper into a very intense tale of spies, politics, love and most of all unlimited intrigue. “Cometh the Hour” continues the events of the fictitious Clifton and Barrington families now the characters have reached the 1970s. Although this story can be read on its own I would highly suggest not doing so as this latest follows the events of the previous book.
All stories have started with a bang and ended in a cliff-hanger, this latest is no exception...What tumultuous lives they lead and what intense reading it is navigating through the pages reading Emma facing a vicious legal battles while her husband Harry is still determined to get “Uncle Joe” published and his author, poet Anatoly Babakov released from the Soviet gulag. Her brother, Giles Barrington will do anything to get his lover out of East Germany but is Karen in love or a well disguised spy...what a hot topic...The story will not let us forget that it wouldn’t be so captivating and be such a page turner if it were not for the conniving Lady Virginia. You will enjoy reading what she is up to...Of course Emma’s son Sebastian is in love with a beautiful Indian girl with powerful parents who will go to any ends to keep them apart, another captivating saga we follow. Andrian Sloane and Desmond Mellor, Sebastian’s rivals, have insidious schemes waiting for him...What a bunch of back stabbers.....Not a moment of peace....What a bunch of fascinating characters.
The characters’ stories intertwined with historical events of the period such as the Cold war and Margaret Thatcher’s political ascent. While some chapters focus on British political and international espionage others will on corporate espionage and financial crime and some will give us more social commentary of the time. The portrayal of these different views is really what keeps the story fresh and engaging.
This is another story terribly hard to put down. I simply loved it
Mr. Archer’s spins a cracking yarn with his sixth volume and has plunged us even deeper into a very intense tale of spies, politics, love and most of all unlimited intrigue. “Cometh the Hour” continues the events of the fictitious Clifton and Barrington families now the characters have reached the 1970s. Although this story can be read on its own I would highly suggest not doing so as this latest follows the events of the previous book.
All stories have started with a bang and ended in a cliff-hanger, this latest is no exception...What tumultuous lives they lead and what intense reading it is navigating through the pages reading Emma facing a vicious legal battles while her husband Harry is still determined to get “Uncle Joe” published and his author, poet Anatoly Babakov released from the Soviet gulag. Her brother, Giles Barrington will do anything to get his lover out of East Germany but is Karen in love or a well disguised spy...what a hot topic...The story will not let us forget that it wouldn’t be so captivating and be such a page turner if it were not for the conniving Lady Virginia. You will enjoy reading what she is up to...Of course Emma’s son Sebastian is in love with a beautiful Indian girl with powerful parents who will go to any ends to keep them apart, another captivating saga we follow. Andrian Sloane and Desmond Mellor, Sebastian’s rivals, have insidious schemes waiting for him...What a bunch of back stabbers.....Not a moment of peace....What a bunch of fascinating characters.
The characters’ stories intertwined with historical events of the period such as the Cold war and Margaret Thatcher’s political ascent. While some chapters focus on British political and international espionage others will on corporate espionage and financial crime and some will give us more social commentary of the time. The portrayal of these different views is really what keeps the story fresh and engaging.
This is another story terribly hard to put down. I simply loved it
September 9, 2017
Another fine entry in the Clifton Family Chronicles. So much action and plot twists, and so typical of the author. He moves the action along at a brisk pace by concentrating on different characters in different sections of the books he writes. What is new here? Well we have an East German spy, double-agents, MI-6, the Nobel Prize in Literature, a typical Russian ending to controversy, more banking and criminal activity, along with Politics and Margaret Thatcher makes her first appearance. Whew! So much family intrigue, as this book now takes the family saga to 1978. The Epilogue sets the stage for the final book as a shot is fired and someone crumbles to the ground, I won't say who since you have to read this book and find out. And we also have one of the greatest feminine antagonists in Virginia Fletcher, who schemes and plots against the Clifton/Barrington family and who never seems to get the upper hand but always somehow manages to keep coming back for more. She is a major figure in this book, and in the end we have another reading of a Will- that of her father, who provides for her in the most appropriate of ways!
Top Notch effort by Archer. Book 7 is ready to go!
Top Notch effort by Archer. Book 7 is ready to go!
September 26, 2018
Сагата отива към своя край.
Няколко поколения минаха през какви ли не препятствия.
Достигна до събития на които съм била съвременник.
Понеже автора е бил и политик набляга на тази тема , която на мен лично не ми е най-интересната.
Малко повърхностно описва човешките взаимоотношения, което вероятно се дължи и на това , че в миналото тези неща не са се разисквали много.
Да видим какъв ще е края.
Няколко поколения минаха през какви ли не препятствия.
Достигна до събития на които съм била съвременник.
Понеже автора е бил и политик набляга на тази тема , която на мен лично не ми е най-интересната.
Малко повърхностно описва човешките взаимоотношения, което вероятно се дължи и на това , че в миналото тези неща не са се разисквали много.
Да видим какъв ще е края.
October 27, 2017
It is unusual for me to enjoy a book so much and to look forward to the next one in the ongoing saga of the Clifton/Barrington families as I did this book! The plot keeps thickening and gets more interesting with every turn without me second guessing every outcome! I really like that in a book!
July 17, 2020
Cometh the Hour, 6th in The Clifton Chronicles series was interesting mix of historical fiction, politics and family drama that revolved around Cliftons and Barringtons’ life. Like all previous book this too was about good vs bad, morals and principles, good things happen to good people and enemies gets their comeuppance, family, love and drama.
Writing was easy to read, addictive and flawless. It was told in third person narrative from Emma, Harry, Giles, Seb, Bishra, and Virginia’s perspective; started in 1970 from where the previous book ended with result of court case against Emma and ended in 1978. Being second last book of the series, lot of things were happening.
I enjoyed conversations between characters. It felt natural and realistic. My favourite scene was court room session and testing of recordings with a little historical fact about Nixon president impeachment.
.
.
.
Overall, Cometh The Hour was entertaining, dramatic and engaging historical fiction. Not best in series but I liked it.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
Writing was easy to read, addictive and flawless. It was told in third person narrative from Emma, Harry, Giles, Seb, Bishra, and Virginia’s perspective; started in 1970 from where the previous book ended with result of court case against Emma and ended in 1978. Being second last book of the series, lot of things were happening.
I enjoyed conversations between characters. It felt natural and realistic. My favourite scene was court room session and testing of recordings with a little historical fact about Nixon president impeachment.
.
.
.
Overall, Cometh The Hour was entertaining, dramatic and engaging historical fiction. Not best in series but I liked it.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
March 7, 2016
This is the sixth book in the 'Clifton Chronicles' series and the storylines are now very far removed from the Barrington Shipping saga in previous books. The opening chapter takes the reader straight back to the end of book 5, refreshing the reader's memory as to the current story. The plot continues but goes off on many tangents. Some new characters are introduced and there are some shocks along the way. It's an ok read with lots of 'loose ends' tied up. The final book in the series will be released later in the year!
September 6, 2017
As said in one of my earlier notes, I yelled and gasped at this book more than any other in a long time! I was often surprised and shocked at what would happen in the story.
Harry & Emma have come a long way as well as Giles, Sebastian and our lovely Virginia Fenwick..... Some of our "bad guys" have fallen on hard times, but several are still alive and kicking....
The book ends with a horrible incident and I instantly opened book 7 to find out if the author really just did that or not.... I can't tell you one way or the other. Sorry. You'll have to read on!!
Harry & Emma have come a long way as well as Giles, Sebastian and our lovely Virginia Fenwick..... Some of our "bad guys" have fallen on hard times, but several are still alive and kicking....
The book ends with a horrible incident and I instantly opened book 7 to find out if the author really just did that or not.... I can't tell you one way or the other. Sorry. You'll have to read on!!
July 3, 2020
This book perked up a bit after the last one. It also leaves enough loose ends a person must read the last book to wrap the series up. I admit the series disappointed me in the directions it took and the people who have died or been killed off.
March 11, 2016
My son bought me this book as a Mother's Day present as I love these books. I managed to hold off reading it for a few days while I read the previous book in the series (Mightier Than The Sword) to refresh myself of the story. I'm now really disappointed as I got through this in 2 days and now I have to wait until at least the end of the year for the next and final instalment!
As usual, this one doesn't disappoint! Split into different parts, each part based on a different character. It has the usual fast flowing story which leaves you hanging at the end of each chapter, taking the story through the 1970's. Not going to discuss the story, as I wouldn't want to give anything away! Great ending - can't wait for the final part!
As usual, this one doesn't disappoint! Split into different parts, each part based on a different character. It has the usual fast flowing story which leaves you hanging at the end of each chapter, taking the story through the 1970's. Not going to discuss the story, as I wouldn't want to give anything away! Great ending - can't wait for the final part!
March 11, 2016
I have read the previous Clifton chronicles and was looking forward to this latest one, but I was disappointed I know it's a story but I feel it wasn't written by the same author it was so unbelievable, Jessica 10 years old just too much. Maybe the last one will compensate.
March 28, 2020
9 de 10*
Este senhor não tem limites para a sua imaginação. Vamos já no sexto volume desta série e ainda consegue surpreender e criar situações de reter a respiração. Notável!
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Este senhor não tem limites para a sua imaginação. Vamos já no sexto volume desta série e ainda consegue surpreender e criar situações de reter a respiração. Notável!
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
January 1, 2018
Τα Χρονικά των Κλίφτον πλησιάζουν στο τέλος τους και σιγά σιγά οι χαρακτήρες αρχίζουν να κερδίζουν αυτό που δικαιούνται. Τίσις, νέμεσις, απόδοση δικαιοσύνης και η συναρπαστική επταλογία να πλησιάζει στο τέλος της. Οι Μπάρινγκτον και Κλίφτον έχουν να αντιμετωπίσουν τη σατανική τριανδρία των Ντέσμοντ Μέλορ, Έιντριαν Σλόουν και Τζιμ Νόουλς. Εξαγορές και μετοχικά παιχνίδια, τα τραπεζικά καταστήματα Φάρδινγκς και Κάουφμαν συγχωνεύονται, κάτι που δεν αρέσει σε κάποιους, με αποτέλεσμα να υπάρξει μια παγίδευση, οι Ναυτιλιακές Επιχειρήσεις Μπάρινγκτον δεν είναι οι μόνες που αποσπούν τον χρόνο της Έμμα Κλίφτον, η Βιρτζίνια Φένικ καταστρώνει ένα σατανικό σχέδιο αποπλάνησης ώστε να συνεχίσει να ζει με ανέσεις χωρίς να περιορίζει τις επιθυμίες και τα έξοδά της. Ως προς το κατασκοπικό κομμάτι, ο Μπαμπάκοφ αρχίζει να επιδρά όλο και περισσότερο στους κύκλους της Ευρώπης, με αποτέλεσμα να του απονεμηθεί το Νομπέλ Λογοτεχνίας. Πώς θα αντιδράσει η Ρωσία; Θα απελευθερωθεί τελικά αυτός ο ήρωας; Πώς θα αισθανθεί ο Χάρι Κλίφτον; Ταυτόχρονα, ο Σεμπάστιαν Κλίφτον ζει μια ιστορία αγάπης με μια πάμπλουτη Ινδή ενώ η Κάριν, κατάσκοπος των Σοβιετικών, από αγάπη προς τον Τζάιλς Μπάρινγκτον αρχίζει να προδίδει τους συντρόφους της.
Πλούσιο, γεμάτο, εξίσου ανατρεπτικό και με μπόλικο σασπένς, το «Όταν έρθει η ώρα» αρχίζει να βάζει στην τελική ευθεία τους πρωταγωνιστές και τους δευτεραγωνιστές του, τους οποίους φυσικά δεν αφήνει στιγμή ήσυχους αλλά τους δοκιμάζει όλη την ώρα. Ξανά ανατροπές, εμπόδια, αλλαγές, παιχνίδια εξουσίας και μετοχών, πλούτη, μίση, πάθη κλπ. Και να που αχνοφαίνονται τα πρώτα πολιτικά βήματα της Μάργκαρετ Θάτσερ, στενής φίλης της Έμμα Κλίφτον. Μια προσωπικότητα που άλλαξε την ιστορία της Αγγλίας, μια γυναίκα που πάντα με συνάρπαζε και στενοχωρέθηκα αφάνταστα που αυτή η σιδηρά κυρία στο τέλος της ζωής της δε θυμόταν τίποτα λόγω των εγκεφαλικών που της κατέστρεψαν τη μνήμη! Ακόμη κι αν τα Χρονικά των Κλίφτον με είχαν κουράσει (που ούτε καν!) θα διάβαζα το επόμενο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς μόνο και μόνο για να δω πώς θα χειριστεί ο πανέξυπνος συγγραφέας τον απόηχο από τις αλλαγές που έζησε η Αγγλία κατά τη διάρκεια της πρωθυπουργίας της και σε τι θέση θα την τοποθετήσει μέσα στην ιστορία του.
Μου άρεσε πολύ η ερωτική περιπέτεια που έζησε ο Σεμπάστιαν Κλίφτον με την Ινδή Πρίγια Γκουμάν, κάτι που έδειξε τις κοινωνικές διαφορές στις κάστες της Ινδίας, παρ’ όλο που ήταν μέλος της Βρετανικής Κοινοπολιτείας μα πάνω απ’ όλα τη σκιώδη θέση της γυναίκας σε αυτήν τη χώρα, τουλάχιστον στα τέλη ακόμη και του 20ού αιώνα. Ο τρόπος που παρουσιάστηκε ο Σεμπάστιαν και οι κινήσεις που έκανε έδειχναν ξεκάθαρα τον ρομαντικό και σχεδόν απερίσκεπτο χαρακτήρα του, κάτι που μου έδειξε πως ο συγγραφέας μπορεί να ψυχογραφήσει τους χαρακτήρες μιας ιστορίας του σωστά και σε βάθος. Η ολοκλήρωση αυτής της ιστορίας ήταν ιδανική, γιατί αλλιώς θα έπρεπε πάλι να καταφύγουμε σε υπερβολικές ακρότητες για την αληθοφάνεια των γεγονότων.
Η λαίδη Βιρτζίνια Φένικ μπλέκει έναν πάμπλουτο Αμερικάνο στα δίχτυα της, ώστε να συνεχίσει να εξασφαλίζει λεφτά και κύρος. Η ιστο��ία της αρχίζει να αποκτά κι αυτή ουσία, μιας και γνωρίζουμε τον πατέρα της, που είναι εντελώς αντίθετος στη συμπεριφορά και τη νοοτροπία της κι από την άλλη δείχνει πόσο καιροσκόπα και ύπουλη είναι, μιας και δε διστάζει να παίξει με τη ζωή ενός αθώου παιδιού, το οποίο χρησιμοποιεί ως όπλο και επιχείρημα, αδιαφορώντας για την ψυχολογία του, το μέλλον του, τη ζωή του όλη. Το βιβλίο κλείνει με ένα πολύ μεγάλο και σοβαρό μπέρδεμα. Αν θα αποκαλυφθεί η απάτη της, είναι κάτι που θα το αφήσω στον αναγνώστη να το ανακαλύψει μόνος του.
Εξίσου ικανοποιημένο με άφησε και το τέλος του Ανατόλι Μπαμπάκοφ, μιας και η πορεία και οι δράσεις του και όλη αυτή η περιπέτεια που έζησε και αναστάτωσε τον δυτικό κόσμο επιστεγάστηκαν με την απονομή του βραβείου Νομπέλ, οπότε ο μεν συγγραφέας βρήκε την ευκαιρία να πλατειάσει (χωρίς στιγμή να βαρεθώ, το ξανατονίζω) περιγράφοντας το παλάτι της Στοκχόλμης, το πρωτόκολλο με τον βασιλιά, ακόμη και την τελετή της απονομής, από την άλλη οι άσοι που εξακολουθεί να βγάζει από το μανίκι του με άφησαν και πάλι άφωνο. Η ανατροπή της ιστορίας αυτής ήταν κάτι αναπάντεχο, αν και έχω στο πίσω μέρος του μυαλού μου πως η κίνηση αυτή ίσως να μην είναι και απόλυτα αληθινή από μεριάς των Σοβιετικών. Κι εδώ έρχομαι στην περίπτωση της Κάριν, της γυναίκας που αγάπησε ο Τζάιλς Μπάρινγκτον με πάθος και η οποία χωρίς δισταγμό, από αγάπη γι’ αυτόν, έπαιξε τον ρόλο του διπλού πράκτορα για μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα. Οι συνθήκες παιχνιδιού, οι επιρροπές από το ανατολικό μπλοκ, η αυστηρή γραμμή του κόμματος και πολλά άλλα χαρακτηριστικά αποδόθηκαν ρεαλιστικά, συναρπαστικά και οι τελευταίες σελίδες του βιβλίου με συγκίνησαν αφάνταστα.
Το «Όταν έρθει η ώρα» παραμένει ένα καλό βιβλίο, γεμάτο μυστικά, εκπλήξεις και αναποδιές, ευτυχώς με λιγότερα πρακτικά δικών ή πλατειασμούς, κι αρχίζει να προετοιμάζει σιγά σιγά τους ήρωές του για το τέλος. Μέχρι στιγμής, αν εξαιρέσεις το γεγονός πως κάποια κεφάλαια, όσο καλογραμμένα κι αν ήταν ή αν έκοβαν την ανάσα, θα μπορούσαν να λείπουν, τα Χρονικά των Κλίφτον είναι μια καλογραμμένη ιστορία, με εύρος γνώσεων και ταυτόχρονα σωστό στρατη��ικό σχεδιασμό από μεριάς του συγγραφέα. Κάποια επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα είναι απαραίτητα μιας και μιλάμε για επτά βιβλία, η ποικιλία όμως των χαρακτήρων, η σωστή τοποθέτησή τους στον χώρο και τον χρόνο, η ποικιλία τόπων δράσης (Νέα Υόρκη, Στοκχόλμη, Μπρίστολ, Λονδίνο, Λένινγκραντ, Βερολίνο, Σκωτία και πολλά άλλα), η στακάτη, κινηματογραφική αφήγηση είναι κάποια από τα χαρακτηριστικά που με ικανοποίησαν στην πορεία της ανάγνωσης. Ελπίζω ο συγγραφέας να καταφέρει να ολοκληρώσει σωστά και χωρίς βιασύνες την ιστορία των Κλίφτον και των Μπάρινγκτον. Προχωράμε στο τελευταίο βιβλίο λοιπόν που διαδραματίζεται τις δεκαετίες 1980 και 1990.
Πλούσιο, γεμάτο, εξίσου ανατρεπτικό και με μπόλικο σασπένς, το «Όταν έρθει η ώρα» αρχίζει να βάζει στην τελική ευθεία τους πρωταγωνιστές και τους δευτεραγωνιστές του, τους οποίους φυσικά δεν αφήνει στιγμή ήσυχους αλλά τους δοκιμάζει όλη την ώρα. Ξανά ανατροπές, εμπόδια, αλλαγές, παιχνίδια εξουσίας και μετοχών, πλούτη, μίση, πάθη κλπ. Και να που αχνοφαίνονται τα πρώτα πολιτικά βήματα της Μάργκαρετ Θάτσερ, στενής φίλης της Έμμα Κλίφτον. Μια προσωπικότητα που άλλαξε την ιστορία της Αγγλίας, μια γυναίκα που πάντα με συνάρπαζε και στενοχωρέθηκα αφάνταστα που αυτή η σιδηρά κυρία στο τέλος της ζωής της δε θυμόταν τίποτα λόγω των εγκεφαλικών που της κατέστρεψαν τη μνήμη! Ακόμη κι αν τα Χρονικά των Κλίφτον με είχαν κουράσει (που ούτε καν!) θα διάβαζα το επόμενο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς μόνο και μόνο για να δω πώς θα χειριστεί ο πανέξυπνος συγγραφέας τον απόηχο από τις αλλαγές που έζησε η Αγγλία κατά τη διάρκεια της πρωθυπουργίας της και σε τι θέση θα την τοποθετήσει μέσα στην ιστορία του.
Μου άρεσε πολύ η ερωτική περιπέτεια που έζησε ο Σεμπάστιαν Κλίφτον με την Ινδή Πρίγια Γκουμάν, κάτι που έδειξε τις κοινωνικές διαφορές στις κάστες της Ινδίας, παρ’ όλο που ήταν μέλος της Βρετανικής Κοινοπολιτείας μα πάνω απ’ όλα τη σκιώδη θέση της γυναίκας σε αυτήν τη χώρα, τουλάχιστον στα τέλη ακόμη και του 20ού αιώνα. Ο τρόπος που παρουσιάστηκε ο Σεμπάστιαν και οι κινήσεις που έκανε έδειχναν ξεκάθαρα τον ρομαντικό και σχεδόν απερίσκεπτο χαρακτήρα του, κάτι που μου έδειξε πως ο συγγραφέας μπορεί να ψυχογραφήσει τους χαρακτήρες μιας ιστορίας του σωστά και σε βάθος. Η ολοκλήρωση αυτής της ιστορίας ήταν ιδανική, γιατί αλλιώς θα έπρεπε πάλι να καταφύγουμε σε υπερβολικές ακρότητες για την αληθοφάνεια των γεγονότων.
Η λαίδη Βιρτζίνια Φένικ μπλέκει έναν πάμπλουτο Αμερικάνο στα δίχτυα της, ώστε να συνεχίσει να εξασφαλίζει λεφτά και κύρος. Η ιστο��ία της αρχίζει να αποκτά κι αυτή ουσία, μιας και γνωρίζουμε τον πατέρα της, που είναι εντελώς αντίθετος στη συμπεριφορά και τη νοοτροπία της κι από την άλλη δείχνει πόσο καιροσκόπα και ύπουλη είναι, μιας και δε διστάζει να παίξει με τη ζωή ενός αθώου παιδιού, το οποίο χρησιμοποιεί ως όπλο και επιχείρημα, αδιαφορώντας για την ψυχολογία του, το μέλλον του, τη ζωή του όλη. Το βιβλίο κλείνει με ένα πολύ μεγάλο και σοβαρό μπέρδεμα. Αν θα αποκαλυφθεί η απάτη της, είναι κάτι που θα το αφήσω στον αναγνώστη να το ανακαλύψει μόνος του.
Εξίσου ικανοποιημένο με άφησε και το τέλος του Ανατόλι Μπαμπάκοφ, μιας και η πορεία και οι δράσεις του και όλη αυτή η περιπέτεια που έζησε και αναστάτωσε τον δυτικό κόσμο επιστεγάστηκαν με την απονομή του βραβείου Νομπέλ, οπότε ο μεν συγγραφέας βρήκε την ευκαιρία να πλατειάσει (χωρίς στιγμή να βαρεθώ, το ξανατονίζω) περιγράφοντας το παλάτι της Στοκχόλμης, το πρωτόκολλο με τον βασιλιά, ακόμη και την τελετή της απονομής, από την άλλη οι άσοι που εξακολουθεί να βγάζει από το μανίκι του με άφησαν και πάλι άφωνο. Η ανατροπή της ιστορίας αυτής ήταν κάτι αναπάντεχο, αν και έχω στο πίσω μέρος του μυαλού μου πως η κίνηση αυτή ίσως να μην είναι και απόλυτα αληθινή από μεριάς των Σοβιετικών. Κι εδώ έρχομαι στην περίπτωση της Κάριν, της γυναίκας που αγάπησε ο Τζάιλς Μπάρινγκτον με πάθος και η οποία χωρίς δισταγμό, από αγάπη γι’ αυτόν, έπαιξε τον ρόλο του διπλού πράκτορα για μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα. Οι συνθήκες παιχνιδιού, οι επιρροπές από το ανατολικό μπλοκ, η αυστηρή γραμμή του κόμματος και πολλά άλλα χαρακτηριστικά αποδόθηκαν ρεαλιστικά, συναρπαστικά και οι τελευταίες σελίδες του βιβλίου με συγκίνησαν αφάνταστα.
Το «Όταν έρθει η ώρα» παραμένει ένα καλό βιβλίο, γεμάτο μυστικά, εκπλήξεις και αναποδιές, ευτυχώς με λιγότερα πρακτικά δικών ή πλατειασμούς, κι αρχίζει να προετοιμάζει σιγά σιγά τους ήρωές του για το τέλος. Μέχρι στιγμής, αν εξαιρέσεις το γεγονός πως κάποια κεφάλαια, όσο καλογραμμένα κι αν ήταν ή αν έκοβαν την ανάσα, θα μπορούσαν να λείπουν, τα Χρονικά των Κλίφτον είναι μια καλογραμμένη ιστορία, με εύρος γνώσεων και ταυτόχρονα σωστό στρατη��ικό σχεδιασμό από μεριάς του συγγραφέα. Κάποια επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα είναι απαραίτητα μιας και μιλάμε για επτά βιβλία, η ποικιλία όμως των χαρακτήρων, η σωστή τοποθέτησή τους στον χώρο και τον χρόνο, η ποικιλία τόπων δράσης (Νέα Υόρκη, Στοκχόλμη, Μπρίστολ, Λονδίνο, Λένινγκραντ, Βερολίνο, Σκωτία και πολλά άλλα), η στακάτη, κινηματογραφική αφήγηση είναι κάποια από τα χαρακτηριστικά που με ικανοποίησαν στην πορεία της ανάγνωσης. Ελπίζω ο συγγραφέας να καταφέρει να ολοκληρώσει σωστά και χωρίς βιασύνες την ιστορία των Κλίφτον και των Μπάρινγκτον. Προχωράμε στο τελευταίο βιβλίο λοιπόν που διαδραματίζεται τις δεκαετίες 1980 και 1990.
February 28, 2017
This is the sixth book in the Clifton Chronicles, a family saga which follows Harry Clifton, his family, friends, and enemies starting from the 1920's until the 1990s. We pick up the story in the 1970s, immediately following the cliffhanger ending in the prior book of the series, Mightier Than The Sword. Harry has become a successful author and his wife, Emma, is still running Barrington Shipping. Her brother Giles is a Member of Parliament but is working hard to get the woman he loves out of East Germany. Harry and Emma's son, Sebastian is the director of the bank and his former girlfriend, Samantha, reappears with a surprise. Margaret Thatcher, MI6 and the KGB all make an appearance. There are plenty of bad guys to interact with the good guys, and I'm happy to say one of the very worst, Lady Virginia Fenwick, makes her appearance with the well constructed manipulation of a wealthy American.
This book follows the same format as the previous books in the series and naturally, ends with a big cliffhanger. I am totally hooked by this series and have listened to all of them in audio, narrated by the brilliant Alex Jennings. I don't recommend reading these books out of order since they are essentially one long story. This book sets us up for the seventh and final book in the series, This Was A Man. I've already purchased a large box of tissues. If you like a long family saga filled with the good, the bad and the political, you might find this series as addictive as I have.
This book follows the same format as the previous books in the series and naturally, ends with a big cliffhanger. I am totally hooked by this series and have listened to all of them in audio, narrated by the brilliant Alex Jennings. I don't recommend reading these books out of order since they are essentially one long story. This book sets us up for the seventh and final book in the series, This Was A Man. I've already purchased a large box of tissues. If you like a long family saga filled with the good, the bad and the political, you might find this series as addictive as I have.
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