Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Pan (2019), Edition: 01, 624 pages
Description
Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin. In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander's future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Loried
I've been a fan of Jeffrey Archer's novels for decades, so I was delighted to be able to read an advance copy of his latest, Heads You Win. Archer made it easy to follow what was happening with the story alternating between two scenarios. As always, it was an exciting read. He did a great job
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bringing the characters to life and combining fictional characters with real life people and events. This book had many elements- humor, romance, politics, business, family intrigue and much more. I highly recommend this entertaining book. Show Less
LibraryThing member GrandmaCootie
Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer is a rich saga with strong, amazing characters and a stunning, explosive ending. It’s not often I read a book and sigh with such satisfaction at the end, glad I took the journey offered by the author.
I hadn’t read anything by Jeffrey Archer in a while, so when I
In the beginning, especially, Alex and Sasha seemed very different. Were they shaped by their experiences on the boat and the way they were treated by each crew and those helping them to get settled in their new home? London was much gentler than New York; everyone seemed more authentic and less scheming, but there were challenges and rewards in both. And I couldn’t even begin to imagine how the two parts would come together. It wasn’t long, though, that I was so caught up in the story and the lives Sasha and Alex were leading that I forgot this was a What If and we didn’t know the result of the coin toss and instead just sat back and enjoyed the rolling tale of two lives.
Heads You Win was a totally satisfying book with an ending I did not see coming. Alex/Sasha and Elena keep me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next and if their successes would continue or if darker forces would prevail. The supporting cast of characters – both good and evil – were well developed and believable.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Jeffrey Archer for providing many hours of enjoyment. I was not required to submit a review and all opinions are my own.
I hadn’t read anything by Jeffrey Archer in a while, so when I
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received a surprise copy of Heads You Win in the mail from the publisher I was thrilled with the win but not quite sure what I was in for. Well, what I was in for was a thrilling ride across exciting times in history and continents and cultures. Sasha and Alex settle in Britain and America but Russia is always a significant player in their lives. Alexander and Elena’s future looked bleak after Alexander’s father was killed. To be honest, their life seemed rather bleak even before that, but Alexander had such promise, such potential. What bravery it must have taken to decide to make that leap. I have to admit that it took me a couple of chapters to realize how the book was structured, that we would be jumping back and forth between Sasha and Alex now, but it brought a smile to my face knowing we would see the “What if’s” in the way only Jeffrey Archer can present them.In the beginning, especially, Alex and Sasha seemed very different. Were they shaped by their experiences on the boat and the way they were treated by each crew and those helping them to get settled in their new home? London was much gentler than New York; everyone seemed more authentic and less scheming, but there were challenges and rewards in both. And I couldn’t even begin to imagine how the two parts would come together. It wasn’t long, though, that I was so caught up in the story and the lives Sasha and Alex were leading that I forgot this was a What If and we didn’t know the result of the coin toss and instead just sat back and enjoyed the rolling tale of two lives.
Heads You Win was a totally satisfying book with an ending I did not see coming. Alex/Sasha and Elena keep me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next and if their successes would continue or if darker forces would prevail. The supporting cast of characters – both good and evil – were well developed and believable.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Jeffrey Archer for providing many hours of enjoyment. I was not required to submit a review and all opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member melaniehope
I really liked this book, but I had to take a star away because I am just confused about the ending.
The book begins with Alexander and his mom Elena escaping from Russia in the 1960s. A coin is tossed and that determines whether Alex hides in a crate on a ship headed towards England or one on its
The book really kept my interest and I really enjoyed it. I only gave 3 stars because the last chapters really confused me. Who was who? Is there a book two? Was Sasha and Alexander two different families or just the same person using two different names playing both sides of the coin?
I received an ebook from Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
The book begins with Alexander and his mom Elena escaping from Russia in the 1960s. A coin is tossed and that determines whether Alex hides in a crate on a ship headed towards England or one on its
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way to America. From that point on the book is told in dual situations. One chapter is entitled Alexander and tells about his life in America. The other chapter is called Sasha and tells about his life in England. Who is Sasha? Alexander's nickname in his dual life?The book really kept my interest and I really enjoyed it. I only gave 3 stars because the last chapters really confused me. Who was who? Is there a book two? Was Sasha and Alexander two different families or just the same person using two different names playing both sides of the coin?
I received an ebook from Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
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LibraryThing member nyiper
I LOVE the way Jeffrey Archer writes and I have read nearly all of his books and short stores------however, I must admit....although once again I loved READING this novel....I came to the end with a question---are we getting another book with this "group" of characters? I feel a little "left out
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there....." Show Less
LibraryThing member VanessaCW
This story begins in Leningrad in 1968 when 12 year old Alexander Karpenko’s father is assassinated by the KGB after he stands in opposition to them. Alexander decides to escape Russia with his mother, Elena, and leaves their fate to the toss of a coin. Will they go to England or America? Now
I found Heads You Win entertaining and fun, even if it’s a little predictable at times. It’s a ‘sliding doors’ scenario where the story takes the reader on two journeys, one set in London and the other set in New York, a ‘what if’ situation. It’s an interesting concept. I did get a little confused at times, trying to keep up with which country I was in and who was who in each alternating chapter, but I found it very readable nevertheless. It’s fast paced and engaging. There’s some humour running through it, as well, which is always welcome. It’s something of a page turner, too, as I was intrigued to find out how it was all going to turn out. The ending is unusual, a bit different, and I was left thinking about it for a while afterwards. In fact, I’m still thinking about it!
An enjoyable and worthwhile read.
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there’s the twist!I found Heads You Win entertaining and fun, even if it’s a little predictable at times. It’s a ‘sliding doors’ scenario where the story takes the reader on two journeys, one set in London and the other set in New York, a ‘what if’ situation. It’s an interesting concept. I did get a little confused at times, trying to keep up with which country I was in and who was who in each alternating chapter, but I found it very readable nevertheless. It’s fast paced and engaging. There’s some humour running through it, as well, which is always welcome. It’s something of a page turner, too, as I was intrigued to find out how it was all going to turn out. The ending is unusual, a bit different, and I was left thinking about it for a while afterwards. In fact, I’m still thinking about it!
An enjoyable and worthwhile read.
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LibraryThing member Bonnie.Franks
This ARC was sent to me by St. Martin's Press and I thank them profusely!
I am not going to repeat what you can find out about this book on the book cover. It is a writing endeavor that only someone with excellent skills for creating characters and stories could even dream of, let alone write. I was
And the ending???? Wow. Loved this book.
I still have the characters running around in my mind and will for some time. Thank you Jeffrey Archer and St. Martin's Press.
I am not going to repeat what you can find out about this book on the book cover. It is a writing endeavor that only someone with excellent skills for creating characters and stories could even dream of, let alone write. I was
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hypnotized. I couldn't wait for the next chapter to see where it was going. I think the word epic is overused, so I will have to settle for tremendous. I was right there in the book and hated to leave it at any point. And the ending???? Wow. Loved this book.
I still have the characters running around in my mind and will for some time. Thank you Jeffrey Archer and St. Martin's Press.
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Why was I so surprised by the ending? The clues were there, forget the clues it was almost a hammer strike to the head. It was like a bolt of lightning and I am still wandering around wondering how I got so absorbed in the story that I missed the logical conclusion. That is the definition of great
The juxtaposition of the main characters with different lives in different countries over three decades was brilliant, interesting and engrossing. I charged through each section and then KAPOW that ending.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC
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writing and Sir Jeffrey Archer is at the top of his game.The juxtaposition of the main characters with different lives in different countries over three decades was brilliant, interesting and engrossing. I charged through each section and then KAPOW that ending.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC
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LibraryThing member jfe16
The assassination of Konstantin Karpenko sets in motion the events that will change the lives of his wife and son forever.
Certain that their lives are in danger, Elena and Alexander stow away inside a crate destined for the hold of a container ship, an escape arranged for them by Elena’s
With mother and son secured inside the crate, the narrative becomes parallel “what-if” stories, one imagining their lives in America, the other imagining their lives in England. After thirty years, the stories come together in a surprising twist to answer the question of Alexander’s true destiny.
Woven into the tale are the history and political details of the time in which the story is taking place, bringing a strong realism to the events taking place. There are twists and unexpected occurrences in each of the timelines of the story; yet, while the unique narrative is truly inventive, some readers may find the continual switch between the two unfolding stories a bit difficult to follow, even with chapters titled to denote which timeline they are reading.
For those who wonder about “the road not taken,” this exploration of two possible futures is likely to pique their interest; however, there are times in each timeline when things seem to fall into place far too easily. Nevertheless, the story commands the reader’s attention and keeps the pages turning.
Recommended.
Certain that their lives are in danger, Elena and Alexander stow away inside a crate destined for the hold of a container ship, an escape arranged for them by Elena’s
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brother, Kolya. A toss of a coin determines whether they will hide inside a crate bound for England or inside a crate bound for the United States.With mother and son secured inside the crate, the narrative becomes parallel “what-if” stories, one imagining their lives in America, the other imagining their lives in England. After thirty years, the stories come together in a surprising twist to answer the question of Alexander’s true destiny.
Woven into the tale are the history and political details of the time in which the story is taking place, bringing a strong realism to the events taking place. There are twists and unexpected occurrences in each of the timelines of the story; yet, while the unique narrative is truly inventive, some readers may find the continual switch between the two unfolding stories a bit difficult to follow, even with chapters titled to denote which timeline they are reading.
For those who wonder about “the road not taken,” this exploration of two possible futures is likely to pique their interest; however, there are times in each timeline when things seem to fall into place far too easily. Nevertheless, the story commands the reader’s attention and keeps the pages turning.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
I read very few political thrillers, but for Archer I make an exception. From the beginning one is aware that they are in the hands of a author who has perfected his craft, has a firm grasp of his characters and the plot. His prose is written with clarity, his storyline flows seamlessly. What an
Russia, Alexander's father, a dockworker, secret orginizer of those in opposition to communism, is murdered by the KGB, an act that alters changes their future. His uncle, also s worker on the dock, helps he and his mother escape, they have no other option. Their are two vessels leaving, one for New York and one for England, a flip of the coin determines where they will be heading.
So begins a twin storyline, a storyline that follows them to both locations, or what would have been their lives after chosing which destination. That I found this not at all confusing, so interesting in fact, is the genius, in my opinion, of this author. Where their lives take them will eventually intersect but with very different endings. The last line is a zinger, dare I say brilliant, and I did not see it coming.
ARC from Netgalley.
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unusual but perceptive, history in the making, storyline this turned out to be.Russia, Alexander's father, a dockworker, secret orginizer of those in opposition to communism, is murdered by the KGB, an act that alters changes their future. His uncle, also s worker on the dock, helps he and his mother escape, they have no other option. Their are two vessels leaving, one for New York and one for England, a flip of the coin determines where they will be heading.
So begins a twin storyline, a storyline that follows them to both locations, or what would have been their lives after chosing which destination. That I found this not at all confusing, so interesting in fact, is the genius, in my opinion, of this author. Where their lives take them will eventually intersect but with very different endings. The last line is a zinger, dare I say brilliant, and I did not see it coming.
ARC from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
It is 1968 in Leningrad, Russia. Alexander Karpenko's father has been assassinated by members of the KGB due to his involvement in the formation of a labor union. With the help of others, Alex and his mother who was being harassed by an office of the KGB, have an opportunity to escape by stowing
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away on a ship. However, there are two choices: the USA or Great Britain. In this novel we follow Alex and his mother in two separate directions, seeing how each choice would have played out. In each a childhood friend of Alex's reappears - Vladimir. There were a number of interesting historical references as the characters conducted their lives but the ending was a bit disappointing and predictable. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
"Heads You Win", is an extremely difficult book to review without giving too much away. Suffice to say it was an intriguing, suspense-filled political drama spanning thirty years and two continents. It had me turning pages as I tried to guess where the plot was heading and left me gasping when I
Well done, Mr Archer, "Heads You Win" is definitely going to be another hit for you.
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read the last page. Well done, Mr Archer, "Heads You Win" is definitely going to be another hit for you.
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LibraryThing member Elainedav
Jeffrey Archer is such a brilliant storyteller. I loved this book.
Alexander and his mum have to escape from Lenningrad following the murder of dad/husband at the hands of the KGB. They escape in a crate on board a ship. At the docks they quickly have to decide whether to board a ship to the UK or
As you would expect from an Archer novel, there are loads of twists and turns throughout and a couple of times I thought the stories of Alex and Sascha were about to converge. They almost do right at the end, but obviously this can't happen as they are essentially the same person.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Alexander and his mum have to escape from Lenningrad following the murder of dad/husband at the hands of the KGB. They escape in a crate on board a ship. At the docks they quickly have to decide whether to board a ship to the UK or
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to America. The rest of the book tells both of the stories - Alex grows up in New York and becomes a successful businessman whereas his alter ego Sascha grows up in London and becomes a politician.As you would expect from an Archer novel, there are loads of twists and turns throughout and a couple of times I thought the stories of Alex and Sascha were about to converge. They almost do right at the end, but obviously this can't happen as they are essentially the same person.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member mslourens
It's all about politics and business with Jeffrey Archer, lately. I'm not that interested about these subjects and think he is repeating himself: the Clifton Chronicles are also about those subjects, with a bit different background.
LibraryThing member amaraki
Like Doublemint gum: (blast from the past) double your pleasure, double your fun, get "heads you win" and double your stories. The story/ies clipped along at a nice pace, though my interest petered out towards the end--perhaps because I returned from vacation and it was more suitable as a beach
Don't know why the author chose this parallel stories idea, to show how clever he is or perhaps to make it absolutely clear on the last page that this was complete fiction--although we all suspected who Vlad really was.
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read.Don't know why the author chose this parallel stories idea, to show how clever he is or perhaps to make it absolutely clear on the last page that this was complete fiction--although we all suspected who Vlad really was.
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LibraryThing member rmarcin
I love Jeffrey Archer books -- and have devoured each one. However, the ending to this one left me a bit confused.
The story is about Alexander and his mother, Elena, who flee Communist Russia. They flip a coin to determine if they should get on a cargo ship to England or to the US. The story is
The story then follows Alexander and Elena's lives over the next 30+ years. Very entertaining.
My criticisms are that the book got a little long in the last 1/3 of the book going through a lot of government posturing and banking regulations. Some of it reminded me of the Clifton Chronicles, and even had some reference to the Barrington line. I also was confused about the mix-up and recognition of some of the characters late in the book.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book, and Jeffrey Archer remains one of my very favorite authors.
#HeadsYouWin #JeffreyArche
The story is about Alexander and his mother, Elena, who flee Communist Russia. They flip a coin to determine if they should get on a cargo ship to England or to the US. The story is
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then told in 2 alternating versions - one if they went to the UK and one if they went to the US. The story then follows Alexander and Elena's lives over the next 30+ years. Very entertaining.
My criticisms are that the book got a little long in the last 1/3 of the book going through a lot of government posturing and banking regulations. Some of it reminded me of the Clifton Chronicles, and even had some reference to the Barrington line. I also was confused about the mix-up and recognition of some of the characters late in the book.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book, and Jeffrey Archer remains one of my very favorite authors.
#HeadsYouWin #JeffreyArche
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LibraryThing member thewestwing
Guess the twist from near the beginning, which is always a bit of a letdown. Felt the book could have been condensed a bit more. Overall I finished it not feeling satisfied with the ending.
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
Started off really interesting, but often the good story gets lost in political rhetoric. I hated the ending - such a cop out. Not sure where Archer was headed with the story originally, but the ending felt very "meh" and unsatisfying.
Language
Physical description
6.97 inches
ISBN
152901171X / 9781529011715