The Sins of the Father

Clifton Chronicles, Book 2

By: Jeffrey Archer

Narrated by: Alex Jennings, Emilia Fox

On the heels of the international best seller Only Time Will Tell, Jeffrey Archer picks up the sweeping story of the Clifton Chronicles….

Only days before Britain declares war on Germany, Harry Clifton, hoping to escape the consequences of long-buried family secrets, and forced to accept that his desire to marry Emma Barrington will never be fulfilled, has joined the Merchant Navy. But his ship is sunk in the Atlantic by a German Uboat, drowning almost the entire crew. An American cruise liner, the SS Kansas Star, rescues a handful of sailors, among them Harry and the third officer, an American named Tom Bradshaw. When Bradshaw dies in the night, Harry seizes on the chance to escape his tangled past and assumes his identity.

But on landing in America, he quickly learns the mistake he has made, when he discovers what is awaiting Bradshaw in New York. Without any way of proving his true identity, Harry Clifton is now chained to a past that could be far worse than the one he had hoped to escape.

©2012 Jeffrey Archer (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

excellent storyline

Held my attention throughout. Can't wait to continue. The readers are most talented and expressive.

Excitingly wonderful sequel!

Where does The Sins of the Father rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

There are many audiobooks that I would read over again, all different in nature and character. I would put The Sins of the Father and it's predecessor Only Time Will Tell in the top 6.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters remained true to their natures from the first book. These are people one not only likes, but comes to know as friends. Rooting for them to triumph over circumstances is as natural as wishing the best in the world for a loved friend or family member.

Which scene was your favorite?

Perhaps the fun of seeing Emma and Mr. Ginsberg triumph over Sefton Jelks. But all of the scenes were wonderful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could have done that. However, to do so would have deprived me of the joy of the book over a few sittings when I had to wait for nearly a year for this sequel. Now that's it's over, I find myself on pins and needles awaiting the last book of the trilogy!

Any additional comments?

As authors go, Jeffery Archer has never faild to acquit himself. He writes well, knows his characters and takes the time to develop them, and he has the ability to write scenes that are very satisfying to the reader. Even when one is left hanging to wait for the next book, one doesn't mind the discomfort because the wait will have been worth the time.

The Clifton Chronicles

Jeffrey Archer always has me on the edge of my seat, wanting more! Great storyteller!

Loved it!

Archer has done it again. I have read several books and Jeffrey Archer always delivers a good read. Whether it’s a stand-alone or book in a series, Jeffrey Archer keeps the reader’s attention. This book could stand on its own; although it is the second in a series. It has unusual twists and turns throughout the plot and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. I found myself always cheering for Harry and Emma, regardless of whatever plight they were in.

As always with his books, I have already looked up the expected date for the next book to be out and all I can say is … please, Mr. Archer, HURRY!

Great author. Great books

Would you listen to The Sins of the Father again? Why?

If you were worried at all that the first book was not as fast paced as you would like fear not. Sins of the Father takes it up a notch.

Awesome!

Jeffrey Archer is the consummate storyteller and Alex Jennings really brings the characters to life. This is the first series of this length I’ve ever ‘read’ but it has been well worth it. Driving has become a pleasure!

Characters, relationships, cliffhangers!

I did not want to put this book down. Told through the eyes of its main characters -- both the heroes and the villains -- this novel reminded me of the days when I loved to read in order to travel to a different place, time, and even consciousness. A coming of age story including friendships that cross both class and generational lines, it takes us back to the British Isles between wars. Meanwhile, it is also a "family history mystery", in which finding one's future remains inextricably tied to dealing with the buried secrets of those who came before you. I cheered for the heroes and agonized when they were in peril; I likewise remained fascinated by the cleverness, luck, and sheer will of their adversaries. But most of all, I could not stop wondering what would happen next.

the joy of listening

When I discovered audio cassettes, I was thrilled, then audible books completed the pleasure and I was able to retire my Fisher Price tape recorder.

Archer is a master story teller

Where does The Sins of the Father rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have never been disappointed reading or listening to anything written by Jeffrey Archer. This is the second book in a series and both have been truly outstanding.

Ridiculous ending

I thoroughly enjoyed the book with the exception of the last hour. The story was engaging but the last chapter was probably one of the most boring chapters I have ever heard. I’m sure some would disagree, those that enjoy British legal dramas perhaps. But ugh, it was soooo long and did not resolve the story. I would have rated this 5 stars but I feel cheated by the ending.
Performances were very good, but I found Fox’s attempts at an American accent were painful.