From the internationally bestselling author Jeffrey Archer comes Only Time Will Tell, the first installment in his ambitious new series, The Clifton Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, this epic tale begins in 1920 when Harry Clifton, a dock worker in Bristol, discovers that “I was told that my father was killed in the war.” His world is turned upside down as he grapples with his identity and destiny. An unexpected gift propels him into an exclusive boys’ school, altering his path forever.
As Harry matures, he uncovers a shocking truth about his paternity—was he truly the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore working on the docks, or the firstborn son of a West Country society scion who owns a shipping line? The story spans from the ravages of World War I to the outbreak of World War II. Harry faces a pivotal decision: should he attend Oxford or join the navy and fight against Hitler’s Germany?
The narrative weaves through diverse landscapes, from the grimy docks of working-class England to the bustling streets of 1940 New York City, introducing readers to a colorful cast of characters. Only Time Will Tell is a gripping exploration of identity, family, and the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives.