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Тревата там е по-зелена
Всеки читател ще открие любимия си сюжет - изборът е голям: любов от пръв поглед в метрото; обратите в съдебната зала, където обигран адвокат е в състояние да води за носа съдебните заседатели; изобретателността на един дипломат от кариерата, изнамерил десетки начини да се сдобива с пари, воден обаче от благородни подбуди. Сред най-вълнуващите произведения в сборника е притчовият разказ за богаташа, който уж се разорява колкото да разбере кои от роднините и приятелите ще му се притекат на помощ и който остава изумен от резултатите.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2000
357 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
659 books12.4k 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 57 reviews
July 18, 2018
A short story from the year of short stories by Jeffrey Archer.
I really enjoyed reading this book but thought the ending was a bit lacking.
Would have liked the story to have lasted a bit longer with a twist to the tale.
However it was very well written and a very enjoyable story.
The short story collection has been a brilliant introduction to this author and I will certainly be looking for more books in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this book but thought the ending was a bit lacking.
Would have liked the story to have lasted a bit longer with a twist to the tale.
However it was very well written and a very enjoyable story.
The short story collection has been a brilliant introduction to this author and I will certainly be looking for more books in the future.
February 21, 2018
Great read.
Nice storytelling, realistic and captivating. Characters are very interesting and description of the bank is also accurate yet entertaining. I will love to read this story again.
Nice storytelling, realistic and captivating. Characters are very interesting and description of the bank is also accurate yet entertaining. I will love to read this story again.
July 1, 2018
Age old concept - every person thinks the other has a better life. Nicely told
July 11, 2018
The grass is always greener - indeed
This is yet another book borrowed from a nearby library.
This short story explains the meaning of the proverb through a chain of designations and the people who represent those designations; for what's more important us what role you gave at workplace and not who you are. From a homeless sleeping outside to the chairman of the bank - each envy the person next to him without knowing how much pressure it is to deal with the responsibilities that the job entails.
A nice read as always.
This is yet another book borrowed from a nearby library.
This short story explains the meaning of the proverb through a chain of designations and the people who represent those designations; for what's more important us what role you gave at workplace and not who you are. From a homeless sleeping outside to the chairman of the bank - each envy the person next to him without knowing how much pressure it is to deal with the responsibilities that the job entails.
A nice read as always.
November 27, 2018
Another throwaway line on which Mr Archer, master of the short story, weaves an unbroken line of threads as finely as a careful spider.
As it opens you think the story is about one thing; the homeless guy, Bill on his regular pitch outside the bank where he is quite a familiar person. His relationship with the doorman is pure class; it goes on beyond a mutual respect as we find out Bill knows a thing about financial matters and is proud, even as a vagrant to be associated with such a prestigious bank.
The clever aspect of this short story is that Bill gets up to walk the streets of the City of London and the focus falls on Kevin the 'meeter and greeter' outside the bank. No longer operating doors he is the bank's first public representation and he is passed by the various employees starting another Monday morning in this cut and thrust of this historic financial institution. He knows the more senior employees by name and greets them all, few notice or acknowledge his presence.
Thereafter, the story goes inside the bank. Like one continuous unedited first camera pans the focus moves with the hierarchy of the bank; moving up not just like the impressive elevator but in a loose personnel structure in seniority.
What is interesting is the higher we go the less satisfied everyone appears to become. It isn't just the lives they lead, it is also the status they are meant to aspire to personal matters but crucially the pressures associated with their own jobs. Yet each in their own way buys into the corporate dream of thinking they could seamlessly evolve into the position above them as easily as climbing another step. When they appear uncomfortable and ill at ease in their current role why would they think one rung up the corporate ladder would make them better people.
This is the essence of what the author explores with humour and a clever soundbite. Comparing happiness with status, contentment with income and suggesting a review of one's life is just as important as a business plan.
All I would add is it couldn't happen to a more deserving group of people. Bankrupt the bankers and house the homeless!!
As it opens you think the story is about one thing; the homeless guy, Bill on his regular pitch outside the bank where he is quite a familiar person. His relationship with the doorman is pure class; it goes on beyond a mutual respect as we find out Bill knows a thing about financial matters and is proud, even as a vagrant to be associated with such a prestigious bank.
The clever aspect of this short story is that Bill gets up to walk the streets of the City of London and the focus falls on Kevin the 'meeter and greeter' outside the bank. No longer operating doors he is the bank's first public representation and he is passed by the various employees starting another Monday morning in this cut and thrust of this historic financial institution. He knows the more senior employees by name and greets them all, few notice or acknowledge his presence.
Thereafter, the story goes inside the bank. Like one continuous unedited first camera pans the focus moves with the hierarchy of the bank; moving up not just like the impressive elevator but in a loose personnel structure in seniority.
What is interesting is the higher we go the less satisfied everyone appears to become. It isn't just the lives they lead, it is also the status they are meant to aspire to personal matters but crucially the pressures associated with their own jobs. Yet each in their own way buys into the corporate dream of thinking they could seamlessly evolve into the position above them as easily as climbing another step. When they appear uncomfortable and ill at ease in their current role why would they think one rung up the corporate ladder would make them better people.
This is the essence of what the author explores with humour and a clever soundbite. Comparing happiness with status, contentment with income and suggesting a review of one's life is just as important as a business plan.
All I would add is it couldn't happen to a more deserving group of people. Bankrupt the bankers and house the homeless!!
January 27, 2018
Good read
A short story to make you sit up and think. Things aren't always as they seem in the outside. Brilliant
A short story to make you sit up and think. Things aren't always as they seem in the outside. Brilliant
April 25, 2018
A relevant read, something I am sure most of us would relate to.
April 30, 2020
I am reading Les Miserables and meanwhile read a short book in contemporary genre.
The Grass Is Always Greener is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale. .
Here the master storyteller have power packed the content without being verbose and putting the point across just in the most comely manner.
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The story begins with the Billy, a homeless guy who has a fixed shelter under the archway of a bank in London at night. He wishes to be in the place of the Door Attender of the bank. the Door Attender sighs to work at the reception, the Receptionist longing for the Administrative Assistant, Administrative Assistant wish to work as the Head of Personnel, Head of Personnel desiring for Chief Administrator, Chief Administrator wants the post of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer craves for the post of Chairman. But with every rung further up the ladder of their career problems become increasingly complex and finally the Chairman dreams of switching place with Billy! .
The story is all about the proverb 'the grass is always greener' and how this proverb actually is always in progress in our daily lives. Hence, with the series of people not happy with what they have, and their desire to be in the place of someone else.
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We always think that the next person is happier than us however, in this process, we tend to forget ourselves and our existing happiness in the small little things which comes and passes by without even realising it.
The Grass Is Always Greener is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale. .
Here the master storyteller have power packed the content without being verbose and putting the point across just in the most comely manner.
.
The story begins with the Billy, a homeless guy who has a fixed shelter under the archway of a bank in London at night. He wishes to be in the place of the Door Attender of the bank. the Door Attender sighs to work at the reception, the Receptionist longing for the Administrative Assistant, Administrative Assistant wish to work as the Head of Personnel, Head of Personnel desiring for Chief Administrator, Chief Administrator wants the post of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer craves for the post of Chairman. But with every rung further up the ladder of their career problems become increasingly complex and finally the Chairman dreams of switching place with Billy! .
The story is all about the proverb 'the grass is always greener' and how this proverb actually is always in progress in our daily lives. Hence, with the series of people not happy with what they have, and their desire to be in the place of someone else.
.
We always think that the next person is happier than us however, in this process, we tend to forget ourselves and our existing happiness in the small little things which comes and passes by without even realising it.
March 5, 2019
Archer is ridiculously gifted at creating characters
Imagine a collaboration between Brandon Sanderson and Jeffrey Archer; with Archer writing the characters and dialogue while Sanderson creates the world and plot. Lord knows BS struggles to write convincing dialogue. There you go, twenty word review done!
Imagine a collaboration between Brandon Sanderson and Jeffrey Archer; with Archer writing the characters and dialogue while Sanderson creates the world and plot. Lord knows BS struggles to write convincing dialogue. There you go, twenty word review done!
November 3, 2020
3.5/5. Nice read as always.
January 7, 2018
A funny story from a master of short fiction
Archer effortlessly glides through various characters of his story, mopping up their emotions and thoughts, tied together by an olden but golden truth about human psychology, also the title of the story, that 'grass is always appears greener on the other side'. The plot could've been a bit more sound. Otherwise the story is very entertaining. Enjoy!
Archer effortlessly glides through various characters of his story, mopping up their emotions and thoughts, tied together by an olden but golden truth about human psychology, also the title of the story, that 'grass is always appears greener on the other side'. The plot could've been a bit more sound. Otherwise the story is very entertaining. Enjoy!
April 6, 2018
Its a short story and a page turner. I am sure you will not be able to put it down till you finish this. You actually connect with the characters they feel real and alive, it seems more like a real life story but a fast read.
July 22, 2021
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The Grass Is Always Greener:
The Year of Short Stories,
by Jeffrey Archer.
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From the top of the ladder to the very lowest, here depicted by the author st a midsized bank in England but just as applicable in most corporate structures if not most places where career is key word, everyone looks to replace on on the next higher rung, knows he'd refuse friendly family invitations suggested by the wife, and at the same time, opines that the one on the lower rung has no such problems as he himself does.
And the delightful tying up of the two ends!
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"As he stepped out onto the pavement, something caught his eye. He turned to see an old tramp settling down for the night in the far corner underneath the arch.
"Bill touched his forehead in a mock salute. ‘Good evening, Chairman,’ he said with a grin. ‘Good evening, Bill,’ Sir William replied, smiling back at him.
"If only they could change places, Sir William thought, as he turned and walked towards his waiting car."
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July 21, 2021 - July 22, 2021.
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April 7, 2021
This book was both a detailed illustration of the proverb from which the title is derived, and a laboured and padded attempt to stretch what could have been a snappy bit of flash fiction into 8000 words or so of story.
It is another very short book, just a short story really, as is hinted by the “Year of Short Stories” label on the cover image. I downloaded this book when the whole series was offered free as ebooks from Amazon, but now that I look back they are nowhere to be found. I can only assume that this is because they are now combined into one or more (paid) anthologies rather than being available as individual titles.
The story starts from the viewpoint of Bill, a homeless man who has been a fixture in the streets around the building that is home to a London bank. Bill observes the coming and going of several of the bank staff, from the doorman to the chairman. As his description progresses, though, we begin to see that he envies the doorman who has an outdoor life like Bill, but also has a home and family to go to at the end of the day. The viewpoint then shifts to the doorman, who has a lot more worries than Bill gave him credit for, and in turn is envious of the man on the reception desk, and covets his job.
By this point, I could already see where the story was going. All the significant characters had been introduced in the first few pages, and now it was just an exercise in working our way up the ladder of envy all the way to the chairman of the bank. As he is at the top of the hierarchy, you might think that the envy would stop here, but it turns out that he is being held responsible for some poor decisions and forced to resign.
In what passes for a twist, as the chairman leaves the building for the final time, he looks over and wonders how much simpler life would be in Bill’s position, so the circle is complete.
What Archer does bring to this simple story is the depth of his characters. Nobody in the whole parade comes across as a stereotype, and their motivations are distinct and engaging. For me, though, that was not really enough. As soon as the story hopped from one person to another and began to repeat itself, I knew where it was going, and the rest of the book was just a slog to get to the end.
It is another very short book, just a short story really, as is hinted by the “Year of Short Stories” label on the cover image. I downloaded this book when the whole series was offered free as ebooks from Amazon, but now that I look back they are nowhere to be found. I can only assume that this is because they are now combined into one or more (paid) anthologies rather than being available as individual titles.
The story starts from the viewpoint of Bill, a homeless man who has been a fixture in the streets around the building that is home to a London bank. Bill observes the coming and going of several of the bank staff, from the doorman to the chairman. As his description progresses, though, we begin to see that he envies the doorman who has an outdoor life like Bill, but also has a home and family to go to at the end of the day. The viewpoint then shifts to the doorman, who has a lot more worries than Bill gave him credit for, and in turn is envious of the man on the reception desk, and covets his job.
By this point, I could already see where the story was going. All the significant characters had been introduced in the first few pages, and now it was just an exercise in working our way up the ladder of envy all the way to the chairman of the bank. As he is at the top of the hierarchy, you might think that the envy would stop here, but it turns out that he is being held responsible for some poor decisions and forced to resign.
In what passes for a twist, as the chairman leaves the building for the final time, he looks over and wonders how much simpler life would be in Bill’s position, so the circle is complete.
What Archer does bring to this simple story is the depth of his characters. Nobody in the whole parade comes across as a stereotype, and their motivations are distinct and engaging. For me, though, that was not really enough. As soon as the story hopped from one person to another and began to repeat itself, I knew where it was going, and the rest of the book was just a slog to get to the end.
July 2, 2024
Още със заглавието веднага те препраща на една мисъл - в хода на нашето ежедневие е илюзорното желание да сме в обувките на някой друг, защото ни се струва че там ще сме по-щастливи. Поредицата от недоволни от това, което имат и желанието да бъдат на мястото на някой друг.
В тези истории има за всеки по нещо - от разказа за богаташа, който решава да върже приятели и роднини, като им казва, че е разорен с идеята да види кой ще се притече на помощ, като остава изумен от резултата.
В "Както небето и земята" историята се върти около двама братя - единият с назряващ талант още в училище, окрилен от възможността да стане живописец, докато Джон все още не знае какво ще прави с живота си. Разказа проследява живота на артиста, който "изпреварва времето си" с неясни и неразбираеми за публиката картини, докато Джон работи във фирма за автомобилни губи, създава семейство, инвестира в акции.
Художникът тъне в мизерия, защото "само малцина знаели наистина колко струва", като вече е неспособен да продаде дори и една картина, докато брат му се опитва да го подкрепи като купува някои.
Историята е с неочакван край, като изводите остават за читателите.
В тези истории има за всеки по нещо - от разказа за богаташа, който решава да върже приятели и роднини, като им казва, че е разорен с идеята да види кой ще се притече на помощ, като остава изумен от резултата.
В "Както небето и земята" историята се върти около двама братя - единият с назряващ талант още в училище, окрилен от възможността да стане живописец, докато Джон все още не знае какво ще прави с живота си. Разказа проследява живота на артиста, който "изпреварва времето си" с неясни и неразбираеми за публиката картини, докато Джон работи във фирма за автомобилни губи, създава семейство, инвестира в акции.
Художникът тъне в мизерия, защото "само малцина знаели наистина колко струва", като вече е неспособен да продаде дори и една картина, докато брат му се опитва да го подкрепи като купува някои.
Историята е с неочакван край, като изводите остават за читателите.
March 29, 2020
I don't do book reviews.....
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
January 17, 2019
I liked this book, the way the story begins with the homeless guy on the pavement and moves upwards into the lives of higher officials of the corporate bank revealing the intrigues and paradoxes of their lives is compelling. The twist comes when the narrative completes a full 360-degree circle and ends with the bank chief feeling envious of the homeless guy and his supposed easy life, makes it both comical and sad at the same time. We are forced to think on the real meaning of existence! Great reading!
December 24, 2017
I really liked it. The quick peek into the lives of 7 individuals in the hierarchy of a bank. Each stop steps into the unique shoes of the individual at his own mark in life - with his own trials, challenges and aspirations around the corporate later and in their personal lives. For a short story, Archer has created a well spun story with sufficient depth that doesn't make one leave thinking someting is missing. I enjoyed it!
August 28, 2019
Страхотна книга!... с нея открих разказите! Изключително майсторски и увлекателно написана. Докато четеш разказа, не можеш да се откъснеш от страниците, а когато го прочетеш стоиш няколко минути и мислиш. Когато поне донякъде се отърсиш от преживяното заедно с героите искаш и още, и още и продължаваш със следващия... до един момент, в който усетиш, че следващата затворена страница неусетно е станала корицата!
December 20, 2020
A look at the inner workings, and interpersonal relationships of personnel who work at a well known and established bank. Everyone involved seems to think that they could do the job that someone above them much better. All characters of the story from the homeless guy who sleeps outside in front of the bank, to the chairman of the board thinks that their situation and position in life could and should have been better. If they only knew the truth.
November 2, 2022
For a short version story format, Archer has created an interestingly spun story with sufficient depth that doesn't make one leave thinking something is missing.
The story is a quick peek into the lives of 7 individuals in the different hierarchies of a bank.
Each one wants to step into the unique shoes of another individual, with their own trials, challenges and aspirations around the corporate later and in their personal lives. Loved the book
The story is a quick peek into the lives of 7 individuals in the different hierarchies of a bank.
Each one wants to step into the unique shoes of another individual, with their own trials, challenges and aspirations around the corporate later and in their personal lives. Loved the book
September 16, 2018
Interesting but not captivating
This was an interesting take on people's perspectives. Looking at their world views one after another was curious, but everyone was a little bit whiny, which I suppose was necessary for the story to work but still.
It was interesting, and it made me think, but it didn't captivate me and make me want to read more
This was an interesting take on people's perspectives. Looking at their world views one after another was curious, but everyone was a little bit whiny, which I suppose was necessary for the story to work but still.
It was interesting, and it made me think, but it didn't captivate me and make me want to read more
March 17, 2019
The master of story telling
Even though this is a short story - very short 22 pages, JA never fails in being the master of story telling. He sets the scene and and immerses the reader totally within the emotions of the story. Enjoyable read, which makes you think - you really never know what's going on in other people's lives
Even though this is a short story - very short 22 pages, JA never fails in being the master of story telling. He sets the scene and and immerses the reader totally within the emotions of the story. Enjoyable read, which makes you think - you really never know what's going on in other people's lives
July 16, 2021
A short and simple read. Indeed the grass is always green on the other side. The story beautifully describes the full circle life comes around to. We always believe that the other person has it easy and envy their life. But seldom do we know what burdens the other person shoulders. The storyline effortlessly transitions from one character to another and is engrossing.
December 24, 2017
Quite engaging
If you can add one plus one, the theme of the story is evident after reading the title of the book and the first two pages. (spoiler) But why would an ex-Chairman want to switch places with a homeless person?
If you can add one plus one, the theme of the story is evident after reading the title of the book and the first two pages. (spoiler) But why would an ex-Chairman want to switch places with a homeless person?
July 5, 2019
Good start gor beginners...
A short story that is written in perspective of every character in the storyline. All wishes for care free life, but none appreciated the life that was given to them.
A short story that is written in perspective of every character in the storyline. All wishes for care free life, but none appreciated the life that was given to them.
July 2, 2021
Boring
Alright. Anyone who reads it would know just a few min in the book whats it about and what would happen. I am sure grass is greener on the other side for every one but the ending, to form the loop wasn't so intriguing. Didnt even feel real.
Alright. Anyone who reads it would know just a few min in the book whats it about and what would happen. I am sure grass is greener on the other side for every one but the ending, to form the loop wasn't so intriguing. Didnt even feel real.
August 31, 2017
This story confirms the Law of compensation
'Our wills & fates do so contrary run that our thoughts are overthrown.
The means may be ours but their ends none of our own.'
'Our wills & fates do so contrary run that our thoughts are overthrown.
The means may be ours but their ends none of our own.'
December 2, 2017
Predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews