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No Room at the Inn
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, "And Thereby Hangs a Tale," comes this irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Richard has spent an idyllic month in Italy, soaking up the sun and the rich culture - even though his girlfriend decided at the last minute not to accompany him. Finding himself in the beautiful historic town of Monterchi, he spends his last few euros on a simple yet delicious meal. He is recommended the Albergo Piero for his stay that night. When he is told they have no rooms, the beautiful receptionist tells him to wait a moment - there might just be a room after all . . .
Richard has spent an idyllic month in Italy, soaking up the sun and the rich culture - even though his girlfriend decided at the last minute not to accompany him. Finding himself in the beautiful historic town of Monterchi, he spends his last few euros on a simple yet delicious meal. He is recommended the Albergo Piero for his stay that night. When he is told they have no rooms, the beautiful receptionist tells him to wait a moment - there might just be a room after all . . .
18 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
135 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
656 books12.5k 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 64 reviews
December 5, 2020
Perfectly fine very short story 😊
November 1, 2018
Clean Fantasy.
I hope for more but it's too short read. Good for one-shot reads. Bodily fantasies were more than any necessity it seems. Illicit Desires.
I hope for more but it's too short read. Good for one-shot reads. Bodily fantasies were more than any necessity it seems. Illicit Desires.
July 15, 2018
No room at the inn a short story by Jeffrey Archer from a year of short stories.
This was way too short a story to be anything meaningful and left me wondering why?
Very boring, very,very short and very predictable. I have read others from this series but this one was a disappointing read.
This was way too short a story to be anything meaningful and left me wondering why?
Very boring, very,very short and very predictable. I have read others from this series but this one was a disappointing read.
December 24, 2018
Quite a few of Archer’s short books have common phrases or sayings as their titles.
What better time to read No Room at the Inn as on Christmas Eve.
Sadly Jeffrey is not an honourable man; I’m not sure if he is even religious but this story is set in Italy and in essence is a million miles from Bethlehem in Judea.
This could be forgiven, as it is about exploring the wonderful treasures of Italy, were it not for the sexual attraction of his main character Richard.
He seems to have a way with women even though we despair for him in that this cultural trip as do to be undertaken with his long-term girlfriend but she finished with him prior to his pilgrimage to all things classical. Like some later day follower of the Grand Tour in Tuscany.
Yet we have him on his last night on his historic tour, with limited funds pondering if he should eat supper or take a room with a bath.
If it were just the complementary drink and sweet and the stolen peck on the young waitresses check I could have recovered my composure. But Richard down on his luck, running low on money appears to be ready to give the English a bad name abroad.
But in a twist at the end, is he the victim. It appears he may end up never forgetting this trip.
Equally, I guarantee you will find this a memorable short story that may regardless of your current disposition leave you happy you shared Richard’s story.
Marvellously naughty and perhaps a victimless crime.
What better time to read No Room at the Inn as on Christmas Eve.
Sadly Jeffrey is not an honourable man; I’m not sure if he is even religious but this story is set in Italy and in essence is a million miles from Bethlehem in Judea.
This could be forgiven, as it is about exploring the wonderful treasures of Italy, were it not for the sexual attraction of his main character Richard.
He seems to have a way with women even though we despair for him in that this cultural trip as do to be undertaken with his long-term girlfriend but she finished with him prior to his pilgrimage to all things classical. Like some later day follower of the Grand Tour in Tuscany.
Yet we have him on his last night on his historic tour, with limited funds pondering if he should eat supper or take a room with a bath.
If it were just the complementary drink and sweet and the stolen peck on the young waitresses check I could have recovered my composure. But Richard down on his luck, running low on money appears to be ready to give the English a bad name abroad.
But in a twist at the end, is he the victim. It appears he may end up never forgetting this trip.
Equally, I guarantee you will find this a memorable short story that may regardless of your current disposition leave you happy you shared Richard’s story.
Marvellously naughty and perhaps a victimless crime.
June 20, 2019
To be frank, there’s nothing really to write home about for this short read. These are stories from his longer story collections meant to engage new readers and pull them to those collections. As such, this story makes me want to read Archer's work more. So mission accomplished in that respect.
October 9, 2020
Quick & Good.
Short stories by Archer are always a treat for bookworms.
Short stories by Archer are always a treat for bookworms.
June 7, 2018
A nice sweet read. Nothing too great about it, but a lovely little read while waiting in the waiting room. Jeffrey has been writing some nice short reads subtly conveying a whole story without actually putting it in words... something without a beginning and the end, just with what matters.
December 9, 2018
7.85/10 for a short story and it was good
July 11, 2018
I think I had read this before when I joined a nearby library. But I don't always remember titles.
The story in itself was very predictable. But then with Archer, even if you don't like the story, you like how it is told. What I liked was the mention of R K Narayan's Malgudi days.
The story in itself was very predictable. But then with Archer, even if you don't like the story, you like how it is told. What I liked was the mention of R K Narayan's Malgudi days.
February 4, 2018
Indeed, a master storyteller
No doubt on The Times describing "Jeffery Archer" as "probably the greatest storyteller of our age". This book proved it. It was the first story I read by Jeffrey and I thoroughly loved it.
No doubt on The Times describing "Jeffery Archer" as "probably the greatest storyteller of our age". This book proved it. It was the first story I read by Jeffrey and I thoroughly loved it.
October 27, 2018
I enjoy reading Jeffrey Archer stories, these short stories are so subtle, simple yet so many layers to it.
The story is based in Italy, has all Italian touch including Italian Woman.
Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!
The story is based in Italy, has all Italian touch including Italian Woman.
Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!
July 11, 2022
Another short story from The Year of Short Stories
May 7, 2018
So this doesn't really do much - a very short 18 page read. This is the first of anything I've ever read written by Jeffery Archer so I was expecting much more. I kept expecting something extraordinary to happen in this extremely ordinary story like someone getting murdered getting jumped or whatever but then it is just what it is - an ordinary story. The narration throughout was pretty engaging though, and I think when you reach the end (and it just... ends. No twists or suspense) you realise that the simplicity and craft of the story was in its ordinariness and so you're just like, okay. And you move on in life.
This didn't really add much into my life in any way but didn't really take from it either (especially time, because, well its a super short read) so this gets 3 stars.
This didn't really add much into my life in any way but didn't really take from it either (especially time, because, well its a super short read) so this gets 3 stars.
March 5, 2018
This is the first story I have read written by Jeff Archer. I am thoroughly enticed and excited after finishing the short story. I can definitely say, I am gonna love his work. The future titles that I am going to read. Now about the story, the reason I loved it so much is that I could relate to it. In a very few words, the writer has made the point very much bold and highlighted that 'anything can happen' and 'there can be good memories within bad times'. Loved the book. And I am definitely gonna start reading more of Archer's works.
December 21, 2017
Predictable but interesting
The style actually had me thinking if a ghost would suddenly turn up... :) The inclusions of other works of art, literature, architectural description etc was a draw factor for me..
The style actually had me thinking if a ghost would suddenly turn up... :) The inclusions of other works of art, literature, architectural description etc was a draw factor for me..
January 9, 2018
Nice, enjoyable read.
Nice, enjoyable read. But there's not much of a twist in the end. Id give it a 3.5 but obviously that's not permitted. I'd recommend this story to anyone looking for a short, breezy read.
Nice, enjoyable read. But there's not much of a twist in the end. Id give it a 3.5 but obviously that's not permitted. I'd recommend this story to anyone looking for a short, breezy read.
April 14, 2015
Just about ok, for the descriptions of Tuscany. Not his his usual style though- no 'twist in the tale' with this one. A pity...
December 16, 2017
Twist right at the last word, just when I thought it's too cheesy.
December 26, 2017
Short but sweet
I was not sure which girl it was going to be coming. The unexpected ending had me laughing out loud.
I was not sure which girl it was going to be coming. The unexpected ending had me laughing out loud.
January 4, 2018
Nice story
It was very nice story. Simple yet elegant and to the point. It was worth 30 minutes of cozy entertainment.
It was very nice story. Simple yet elegant and to the point. It was worth 30 minutes of cozy entertainment.
February 1, 2018
But room in the ......
Very short story, wish I was Richard 😂😱
Would love Jeffrey Archer to make the story longer as taught very short
Very short story, wish I was Richard 😂😱
Would love Jeffrey Archer to make the story longer as taught very short
March 25, 2018
Must read! What an excellent book
You will get amazed after reading this book. Really a master story teller. I want to read more from this author.
You will get amazed after reading this book. Really a master story teller. I want to read more from this author.
March 29, 2018
Good story
April 10, 2018
Hmmm... not sure what I should make of this one...
May 2, 2018
Loved it! Ingenious!
May 31, 2018
Ending changed my total perspective and mood towards the story.....I think that's the beauty of short stories.
January 29, 2021
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.
This story describes a day in the life of a man who is taking a cultural break in Italy before returning to his fiancee. Unfortunately, he has spent almost all his money on travel and sightseeing, and after charming his way into a cheap meal, he tries to find somewhere to stay for his last night of the trip. The first place he tries is much too expensive, so he heads down to the only other choice, where he faces a dilemma. Despite his pleading, it seems there is no room available, and all his charm and pleading seems to count for nothing until he is offered a chance at a “standby”. After that, the story heads off in an unexpected direction.
There is the usual delightful detail that you would expect from a Jeffrey Archer book, and there is a strong sense of place and character in the whole story. We get little character details, even from the minor characters, and all in all the whole thing was very enjoyable.
This story describes a day in the life of a man who is taking a cultural break in Italy before returning to his fiancee. Unfortunately, he has spent almost all his money on travel and sightseeing, and after charming his way into a cheap meal, he tries to find somewhere to stay for his last night of the trip. The first place he tries is much too expensive, so he heads down to the only other choice, where he faces a dilemma. Despite his pleading, it seems there is no room available, and all his charm and pleading seems to count for nothing until he is offered a chance at a “standby”. After that, the story heads off in an unexpected direction.
There is the usual delightful detail that you would expect from a Jeffrey Archer book, and there is a strong sense of place and character in the whole story. We get little character details, even from the minor characters, and all in all the whole thing was very enjoyable.
July 10, 2021
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No Room at the Inn, by Jeffrey Archer.
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Artfully, author leads one through the young man's journey of art in Italy, briefly, succinctly, until his almost penury at the last leg in a small village has him seeking a room at a modest inn, and be told by the beautiful receptionist that there was none, but if he waited hiding on top floor till midnight, perhaps a booking might fall vacant!
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
No Room at the Inn, by Jeffrey Archer.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Artfully, author leads one through the young man's journey of art in Italy, briefly, succinctly, until his almost penury at the last leg in a small village has him seeking a room at a modest inn, and be told by the beautiful receptionist that there was none, but if he waited hiding on top floor till midnight, perhaps a booking might fall vacant!
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Read
July 10, 2021................................................................................................
................................................................................................
No Room at the Inn, by Jeffrey Archer.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Artfully, author leads one through the young man's journey of art in Italy, briefly, succinctly, until his almost penury at the last leg in a small village has him seeking a room at a modest inn, and be told by the beautiful receptionist that there was none, but if he waited hiding on top floor till midnight, perhaps a booking might fall vacant!
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
No Room at the Inn, by Jeffrey Archer.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Artfully, author leads one through the young man's journey of art in Italy, briefly, succinctly, until his almost penury at the last leg in a small village has him seeking a room at a modest inn, and be told by the beautiful receptionist that there was none, but if he waited hiding on top floor till midnight, perhaps a booking might fall vacant!
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
April 25, 2019
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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews