Status
Available
Series
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Paperbacks (2012), Edition: First, 432 pages
Description
A second installment in a planned five-part series finds Harry despairing of a marriage to Emma and joining the Merchant Navy before assuming the identity of a fallen American soldier whose past proves even more turbulent than Harry's own.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ScoLgo
Plotting borders on the ridiculous but is relentlessly paced. It's difficult to stop reading this pulpy goodness - even though we know the oh-so-good main characters will triumph over the cardboard villains in the end and that a few secondary and tertiary characters will be needlessly killed off
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along the way. I can't rate this 2nd installment as more than 'average' but will continue with the series because the pages turn so very easily. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kingray
Can't wait for the next volume! Excellent
LibraryThing member MargaretdeBuhr
I loved the continuation for the story but felt that at the end it just dropped off so that the author would continue with the 3rd book. I feel ripped off by this- all the of the first two books could have been one, especially if the duplication of the storyline was left out. I do believe that
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Jeffrey Archer is a very talented writer. Show Less
LibraryThing member SeekingTruth
I liked the second book...The book was in two parts.
LibraryThing member mojomomma
An engaging story of mistaken identity, but carelessly written. One chapter begins with a character who goes to the bank "each Friday afternoon" to deposit her paycheck and the characters begin their conversation by greeting each other with "Good morning!" This kind of stuff drives me crazy. Each
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section is told from the viewpoint of a different character, so lots of back and forth over the same plotline as we see each characters point of view. Had I not read the first book in the series and liked it so well, I probably wouldn't have persisted with this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjmorrison1971
The Second in Archer's "The Clifton Chronicles" picks up from "Only Time will Tell" and cover WWII and 1946. The characters continue to for fill the roles set in the up in the first novel. Archer takes you on a roller coster roll ride and while he does keep all the major charters alive he does kill
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a few minor ones we meet that creates a sense of drama in the novel. The end of the novel leaves you hanging. Show Less
LibraryThing member brainella
Has Jeffrey Archer lost all ability to come up with something new? This is a soap opera wrapped in cliches. The plot is so predictible -- Americans are stupid, selfish and arrogant; Brits are classy, intelligent and brave. Been there done that. Perhaps it is time to retire.
LibraryThing member nyiper
Again, I, we, are left hanging, waiting for the third installment of this chronicle! Little did I know when I started another Jeffrey Archer book---an author I have thoroughly enjoyed. Somehow I thought there were only two books so I'm disappointed that I can't turn, now to the third book and will
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that be all or will it continue to a fourth book? The writing is great and it's fun to see the order in which the characters are presented. Just a few months and I can continue this story!!!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
Sins of the Father is book #2 in this family saga, and picks right up where the first one, Only Time will Tell, left off. It covers both American and British involvment in World War II, seen from the point of view of aristocrats and working class. It's not great literature, but it is an enjoyable
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read. I'd put it in the cozy category of family war sagas. Archer has a knack for leaving the reader hanging at the end of each chapter, and then really leaves the reader hanging at the end of the book. It's the only reason I'll get #3, Best Kept Secret, when it comes out because I can't stand not knowing what the answer is to #2. Show Less
LibraryThing member emkemi23
Jeffrey Archer keeps the magnificent characters, intricate plot, and surprises coming at an enjoyable pace in "The Sins of the Father." Once again, this great writer has left us anxiously waiting for the next installment of this most enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book through
I received a free copy of this book through
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Goodreads First-reads. Show Less
LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
The second book in the Clifton Chronicles picks up right where Only Time Will Tell left off, so it's advisable to read that book first. Harry Clifton arrives in New York City under an assumed name, hoping to start over, only to discover that the identity he took on belongs to a man accused of
On the whole, I liked this book even more than the first in the series. Harry's behind the scenes look at prison life was an interesting perspective (perhaps informed by the author's own time spent in jail?) and you felt Emma's pain and frustration as she searched for Harry. In this book, we saw more of Emma and her personality, making the reader realize what Harry saw in her and how well they fit together - something which I felt was missing in the first book when we first learned of their romantic relationship. Giles's war-time stories were a bit dull in the beginning when he was just in basic training but then became increasingly more poignant. Maisie's life always took the most interesting turns, and she remained my favorite character of the whole lot. Hugo once again showed himself to be rotten to the core, confirming my earlier "beef" with the series - the "good guys" are all so perfect while the "bad guys" have no redeemable qualities.
However, on the plus side, Archer dropped the use of both first and third person point of views and just stuck with third person ones. He once again covered the years from many different characters' perspectives, although there was less overlap of specific events now that the characters were spread out across the world in their various predicaments. Once again, Archer ended on a cliff-hanger, compelling the reader to move on the next book in the series.
One final note for audio book aficionados: Emilia Fox continued to narrate for the female characters, doing an excellent job in particular as Emma. For the male characters, Roger Allam was replaced by Alex Jennings. At first, the abrupt change was a bit jarring but once I got used to Jennings, I quite liked him as I felt he put more of an emphasis on distinguishing the different characters' voices and tones than Allam had done in the previous book.
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murder. Harry spends some time in prison while his beloved Emma decides she cannot bear being apart from him, even if they might be truly brother and sister, and she leaves England in search of him. Meanwhile, Giles joins the war effort, Hugo becomes more dissolute, and Maisie has several challenges - and triumphs - of her own to face.On the whole, I liked this book even more than the first in the series. Harry's behind the scenes look at prison life was an interesting perspective (perhaps informed by the author's own time spent in jail?) and you felt Emma's pain and frustration as she searched for Harry. In this book, we saw more of Emma and her personality, making the reader realize what Harry saw in her and how well they fit together - something which I felt was missing in the first book when we first learned of their romantic relationship. Giles's war-time stories were a bit dull in the beginning when he was just in basic training but then became increasingly more poignant. Maisie's life always took the most interesting turns, and she remained my favorite character of the whole lot. Hugo once again showed himself to be rotten to the core, confirming my earlier "beef" with the series - the "good guys" are all so perfect while the "bad guys" have no redeemable qualities.
However, on the plus side, Archer dropped the use of both first and third person point of views and just stuck with third person ones. He once again covered the years from many different characters' perspectives, although there was less overlap of specific events now that the characters were spread out across the world in their various predicaments. Once again, Archer ended on a cliff-hanger, compelling the reader to move on the next book in the series.
One final note for audio book aficionados: Emilia Fox continued to narrate for the female characters, doing an excellent job in particular as Emma. For the male characters, Roger Allam was replaced by Alex Jennings. At first, the abrupt change was a bit jarring but once I got used to Jennings, I quite liked him as I felt he put more of an emphasis on distinguishing the different characters' voices and tones than Allam had done in the previous book.
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LibraryThing member Jiraiya
The sins of the father is one of those ambiguous titles which may fit more than one character. But the most sinful AND the most fruitful of them is Hugo Barrington. The way the book is written simplifies reading. Each section carries its own motivations and villains. The most enjoyable passages for
The sins of the father unabashedly panders to being a commercial page turner. Having read a couple of Jeffrey Archer books about 20 years ago, I've come to the thought, having read this book, that the author has simplified his writing to confirm a boost in sales. The story has few surprises, for a historical novel where the main person is supposed dead. This choice may have forced the author when he decided not to make his protagonists suffer too much.
When Harry is incarcerated, I was totally certain that there will be grim accounts of him being subject to amorous advances from customers criminally tougher than Harry. The words rape and butt sex kept coming to me and I wanted such accounts to be dealt through quickly so we can move to saner things. But my fears were unfounded. I can offer no clearer evidence of how sanitized this book is than to mention the lack of prison rape.
Like I said, the writer treats his character with great care. The saddest chapter, IMHO, is the very first one. Each section of the book is dedicated to one character. And these sections consist of tiny arcs where good and bad things happen quickly and successively. The people concerned never suffer much, and if they do, it's not for long. The deaths of Terry Bates, Quinn and doubtlessly, Olga are rushed. I was so sad for Olga. Her motivations are fake, but this fake person suffered the most in the book. For me, her case is even more a waste of life than those fallen in war.
Jeffrey Archer had to write a book with conflict, but he does his utmost to keep rewarding his readers with a flurry of mini happy endings. What's more, the writer pitched a series of happy endings at the end and punctuated the book with a cliffhanger. Return of the King, eat your heart out. This is why I believe that the writer accepted the limitation on his imagination and embraced his book's paucity of originality. I think the author's first notes didn't differ from the final output in quality. And that is not a sin. I recommend this book to people who like to read bestsellers.
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yours truly were the Maysie Clifton and Hugo ones.The sins of the father unabashedly panders to being a commercial page turner. Having read a couple of Jeffrey Archer books about 20 years ago, I've come to the thought, having read this book, that the author has simplified his writing to confirm a boost in sales. The story has few surprises, for a historical novel where the main person is supposed dead. This choice may have forced the author when he decided not to make his protagonists suffer too much.
When Harry is incarcerated, I was totally certain that there will be grim accounts of him being subject to amorous advances from customers criminally tougher than Harry. The words rape and butt sex kept coming to me and I wanted such accounts to be dealt through quickly so we can move to saner things. But my fears were unfounded. I can offer no clearer evidence of how sanitized this book is than to mention the lack of prison rape.
Like I said, the writer treats his character with great care. The saddest chapter, IMHO, is the very first one. Each section of the book is dedicated to one character. And these sections consist of tiny arcs where good and bad things happen quickly and successively. The people concerned never suffer much, and if they do, it's not for long. The deaths of Terry Bates, Quinn and doubtlessly, Olga are rushed. I was so sad for Olga. Her motivations are fake, but this fake person suffered the most in the book. For me, her case is even more a waste of life than those fallen in war.
Jeffrey Archer had to write a book with conflict, but he does his utmost to keep rewarding his readers with a flurry of mini happy endings. What's more, the writer pitched a series of happy endings at the end and punctuated the book with a cliffhanger. Return of the King, eat your heart out. This is why I believe that the writer accepted the limitation on his imagination and embraced his book's paucity of originality. I think the author's first notes didn't differ from the final output in quality. And that is not a sin. I recommend this book to people who like to read bestsellers.
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LibraryThing member labdaddy4
A very easy read - fast paced - easy to follow. Too often succeeding books in a trilogy (series) are rather "thin" and do not measure up to the first book. This is an exception. While most of the character development was accomplished in the first volume, each of the primary players continue to
I do not especially like "cliff-hanger" endings, but it is what it is.
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become richer and fuller.I do not especially like "cliff-hanger" endings, but it is what it is.
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LibraryThing member librarian1204
Story moves along from where the first book left us. The ending of course is a cliff hanger .
LibraryThing member Hana.Dooren.Richter
A very pleasant and fast reading - it may not be existentialist or full of "new weird" ideas and sometimes posh philosophy but it is incredibly eloquent. I have read almost all of Jeffrey Archer's books and will continue to do so because the stories feel true and believable. Plus he serves just the
The Sins of the Father will certainly not disappoint.
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right amount of good fortune and misery without being overtly naive or depressing.The Sins of the Father will certainly not disappoint.
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LibraryThing member Frederika.Roberts
I hadn't read any Jeffrey Archer books for years and I really enjoyed this one. The only reason it got 4 stars and not 5 is that I felt, all the way through, as if I was reading the background story to something that was about to happen or be unveiled, and it kind of felt 'unfinished' at the end.
Very enjoyable read though and beautifully constructed. The pages kept on turning themselves and I couldn't put it down, even late at night when I really needed to sleep!
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Very enjoyable read though and beautifully constructed. The pages kept on turning themselves and I couldn't put it down, even late at night when I really needed to sleep!
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LibraryThing member reb922
I loved Only Time Will Tell and the way in which Archer told the story from different characters points of views in different chunks of time. This managed to tell multiple sides of the story that not all characters were privy to. Sins of the Father does the same picking up as Harry arrives in New
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York and it arrested for the crimes of the dead man whose name he claimed in order to protect Emma. The story mainly follows Harry and Giles and their experiences during the war and Emma's attempts to find Harry whom she refuses to believe died crossing the Atlantic. Some a few other characters also pick up the story weaving a engrossing story with enough questions and intrigue to keep the reader interested and will to pick up the next few novels in the series. The ending will also be a help in readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member csayban
A great follow-up to Only Time Will Tell. Archer loses none of the momentum of the first installment and builds on the lives of the characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. This is a series that is impossible to put down. Already ordered the next two in the series and can't wait to read
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them. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tony2704
Great read. Cant wait for the next instalment of the Clifton Chronicles, such a great storyline. Archer at his best
LibraryThing member Pmaurer
2nd segment of the Clifton Chronicles. Great multi generational story of the life of Harry Clifton, this time as a young man. Better than the first segment, due to the story being told by only one character, instead of being retold by many. Conclusion of this book was much too abrupt.
LibraryThing member Tess_W
Archer's second book in the Clifton Chronicles is certainly a page-turner! It is plot driven and it clears up the trouble and the "death" of young Harry Clifton. WWII surely plays a big part in this installment. One of the most enjoyable parts was near the end when I, as an American, learned much
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about the Parliamentary System. Events on the last page of this book require that one read the next in the series! Show Less
LibraryThing member TerriBooks
Book 2 in the Clifton Chronicles --- moves more quickly and has more "what next?" moments than the first book, so it is a quick read. I feel that whole blocks of some of the main characters time is missing, e.g., what happened to Giles between his escape from the POW camp and the end of the war,
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and such. Nevertheless, the missing pieces do move the story along at a blistering pace at times. Another cliffhanger for the ending; I think a truly great author could do better than depend on such gimmicks. If we like the people and are interested in their story, we'll be back for the next book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jodeneg
I loved the first book but this one wasn't quite as good. I still enjoyed it but compared to the first it didn't grab me as much.
I will be going on to the third in series!!
I will be going on to the third in series!!
LibraryThing member ccookie
This is the second book of Jeffrey Archer’s series, The Clifton Chronicles. I received the first book as an Amazon freebie and was hooked.
First words:
~"My name is Harry Clifton"~
Loved it! I listened to this audio book over 4 days and could hardly stop. Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller. I
Ok, sure, some of the action is way too much of a coincidence and I find I have to suspend my disbelief but that is ok, this is fiction, not reality; this is a story. It is kind of like watching a soap opera. Can one more horrible thing happen to this family? But that is ok, this is fiction, not reality; this is a story after all. And a well written, well crafted story it is. I really care; I truly want to know what happens next to each and every one of these characters. I will be disappointed when the series ends.
Again, I really appreciated the story told from multiple points of view and found that this style enriched my experience of the novel. Emeila Fox reads the chapters written from a woman’s perspective and Alex Jennings reads the male perspective. Although Roger Allam did a good job with the narration of Book One: Only Time Will Tell, I found Alex Jennings to be even more enjoyable.
I am definitely on to Book 3: Best Kept Secret
4 stars
First words:
~"My name is Harry Clifton"~
Loved it! I listened to this audio book over 4 days and could hardly stop. Jeffrey Archer is a master story teller. I
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like his simple way of writing. Characters are real and believable. Ok, sure, some of the action is way too much of a coincidence and I find I have to suspend my disbelief but that is ok, this is fiction, not reality; this is a story. It is kind of like watching a soap opera. Can one more horrible thing happen to this family? But that is ok, this is fiction, not reality; this is a story after all. And a well written, well crafted story it is. I really care; I truly want to know what happens next to each and every one of these characters. I will be disappointed when the series ends.
Again, I really appreciated the story told from multiple points of view and found that this style enriched my experience of the novel. Emeila Fox reads the chapters written from a woman’s perspective and Alex Jennings reads the male perspective. Although Roger Allam did a good job with the narration of Book One: Only Time Will Tell, I found Alex Jennings to be even more enjoyable.
I am definitely on to Book 3: Best Kept Secret
4 stars
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LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
In the second book of the Clifton Chronicles, young Harry Clifton is looking forward to a future with his true love, Emma Barrington. That is, until a family secret tears them apart and Harry escapes into the merchant marine, where he's now presumed dead. The reader knows Harry isn't dead. He
Meanwhile, back in England, Emma becomes convinced Harry is still alive, leaves her son with Harry's mother, Maisie, and heads for New York to follow up on her hunch. Her brother, Giles Barrington is fighting at Tobruk, where we meet one of his old enemies, currently his commander.
This is pure melodrama and if you're a fan I urge you to start with the first book of the series, Only Time Will Tell. Fortunately, I am able to suspend disbelief when I'm reading and am totally hooked. I've already picked up the third book, Best Kept Secret. Be advised, this series is really one long book, each ending with a cliffhanger. I'm grateful there are five others published so I won't have to wait to find out what happens next.
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conveniently took on the identity of a dead man and upon arrival in New York was immediately arrested for that man's crimes. Meanwhile, back in England, Emma becomes convinced Harry is still alive, leaves her son with Harry's mother, Maisie, and heads for New York to follow up on her hunch. Her brother, Giles Barrington is fighting at Tobruk, where we meet one of his old enemies, currently his commander.
This is pure melodrama and if you're a fan I urge you to start with the first book of the series, Only Time Will Tell. Fortunately, I am able to suspend disbelief when I'm reading and am totally hooked. I've already picked up the third book, Best Kept Secret. Be advised, this series is really one long book, each ending with a cliffhanger. I'm grateful there are five others published so I won't have to wait to find out what happens next.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012
Physical description
7.49 inches
ISBN
1250010403 / 9781250010407