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Tell Tale
Nearly a decade after his last volume of short stories was published, Archer returns with his eagerly-awaited, brand-new collection TELL TALE, giving us a fascinating, exciting and sometimes poignant insight into the people he has met, the stories he has come across and the countries he has visited during the past ten years.
Find out what happens to the hapless young detective from Naples who travels to an Italian hillside town to find out Who Killed the Mayor? and the pretentious schoolboy in A Road to Damascus, whose discovery of the origins of his father’s wealth changes his life in the most profound way.
Revel in the stories of the 1930’s woman who dares to challenge the men at her Ivy League University in A Gentleman and A Scholar while another young woman who thumbs a lift gets more than she bargained for in A Wasted Hour.
These wonderfully engaging and always refreshingly original tales prove not only why Archer has been compared by the critics to Dahl and Maugham, but why he was described by The Times as probably the greatest storyteller of our age.
233 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2017
1516 people are currently reading
3599 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 864 reviews
July 27, 2023
من کلاً خیلی طرفدار داستان کوتاه نیستم و رمان رو ترجیح میدم، ولی این مجموعه واقعاً داستانهای معرکهای داشت. خیلی وقت بود که داستانکوتاههای به این خوبی نخونده بودم. جالبترین نکته این بود که ضربهی کاری خیلی از داستانها درست توی خط آخر وارد میشد و اون لحظهای که با خودت فکر میکردی "داستان که داره تموم میشه. این همه حرف زد که چی؟" یکدفعه متوجه میشی که چی
November 22, 2017
Another author that I consider a natural born story teller. Although it has been ten years or more since he has graced us with his stories, these are the kind of stories one can imagine being told in a neighborhood bar or pub, or sitting in little cafe having coffee or tea. Indeed, many of these are from stories he picked up in his travels. There are of course some that he wrote just for this collection. Combined I found them to be amazingly complete, a rather varied look at the experiences of man or in some cases women.
I loved them all, but there were a few that for me were standouts. One called, "A Gentleman and a Scholar" was a poignant story about one of the first woman professors at Harvard. Her area of expertise is Shakespeare, her appointment to the all male domain not particularly welcome. At her first lecture, a contest of sorts ensues, one she cunningly wins. Four decades later, her last lecture before retirement, the hall is full, and what happens at the end cause my to have a lump in my throat.
The second is called, A Wasted Hour, and concerns a young woman, attending Standford, who accepts a ride from an elderly man. Surprising ending and based on an actual event.
Those two were stories he heard but the longest one in the collection is one he wrote for this book. It also happens to be the longest, and is called, The Senior Vice President and just loved the irony in this and the comeuppance that ensues. Clever, clever.
Anyway hope it will not be another ten long years before he writes his next collection of stories, but if they are as good as I found this to be, I will patiently wait.
ARC from Netgalley.
I loved them all, but there were a few that for me were standouts. One called, "A Gentleman and a Scholar" was a poignant story about one of the first woman professors at Harvard. Her area of expertise is Shakespeare, her appointment to the all male domain not particularly welcome. At her first lecture, a contest of sorts ensues, one she cunningly wins. Four decades later, her last lecture before retirement, the hall is full, and what happens at the end cause my to have a lump in my throat.
The second is called, A Wasted Hour, and concerns a young woman, attending Standford, who accepts a ride from an elderly man. Surprising ending and based on an actual event.
Those two were stories he heard but the longest one in the collection is one he wrote for this book. It also happens to be the longest, and is called, The Senior Vice President and just loved the irony in this and the comeuppance that ensues. Clever, clever.
Anyway hope it will not be another ten long years before he writes his next collection of stories, but if they are as good as I found this to be, I will patiently wait.
ARC from Netgalley.
May 9, 2018
Has O.Henry written all over it.
Jeffrey Archer is known for his strikingly unexpected endings. His stories consist of a beginning, a middle and an end. Not necessarily in the same order.
A collage of 13 intriguing and intelligent plots, Tell Tale reminds the reader to come out of the box. Twists and turns keep you fueled up. Specially the 100-word stories. (Not 99, not 101, exactly 100*)
Elegantly knitted, well-presented, quick-reads, smooth flow of writing. With a blend of real life inspired stories and fiction, the stories leave you guessing.
Who Killed the Mayor?, A Wasted Hour, A Gentleman and a Scholar, A Good Toss to Lose are some of my favorites.
The Harvard professor is painted with some dedication!
For me, the The Road to Damascus took the cherry fair and square.
The story View of Auvers-Sur-Oise is a tricky one to judge and comes in close second with the crispness of The Car Park Attendant.
Finally, the writer leaves you with the first 4 chapters of his next book, Heads You Win releasing on November 2018.
For Archer fans, this gonna be smooth. For outsiders, you would need time accustoming to the snap endings, blitzkrieg awkwardness and unconventional character portrayal.
A mark of a classic twist is that there is a background rising symphony playing in your mind.
Four stars for the ten years it took to come back to short stories.
"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunes are all in confederacy against him."
Jeffrey Archer is known for his strikingly unexpected endings. His stories consist of a beginning, a middle and an end. Not necessarily in the same order.
A collage of 13 intriguing and intelligent plots, Tell Tale reminds the reader to come out of the box. Twists and turns keep you fueled up. Specially the 100-word stories. (Not 99, not 101, exactly 100*)
Elegantly knitted, well-presented, quick-reads, smooth flow of writing. With a blend of real life inspired stories and fiction, the stories leave you guessing.
Who Killed the Mayor?, A Wasted Hour, A Gentleman and a Scholar, A Good Toss to Lose are some of my favorites.
The Harvard professor is painted with some dedication!
For me, the The Road to Damascus took the cherry fair and square.
The story View of Auvers-Sur-Oise is a tricky one to judge and comes in close second with the crispness of The Car Park Attendant.
Finally, the writer leaves you with the first 4 chapters of his next book, Heads You Win releasing on November 2018.
For Archer fans, this gonna be smooth. For outsiders, you would need time accustoming to the snap endings, blitzkrieg awkwardness and unconventional character portrayal.
A mark of a classic twist is that there is a background rising symphony playing in your mind.
Four stars for the ten years it took to come back to short stories.
February 4, 2023
An entertaining collection of short stories
Like his collection A TWIST IN THE TALE, published now over thirty years ago, Jeffrey Archer’s TELL TALE makes liberal use of that O’Henry twist ending which, in the final two or three sentences explains an entire story or turns a reader’s expectations upside down with an entirely unexpected piece of information. The anthology is short and easily read in one or two settings. Frankly, that’s a good thing because, while the stories are for the most part enjoyable, knowing that twist is coming at the conclusion of story after story becomes predictable in its own right and ultimately boring.
My top rating in the collection goes to THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS (inspired by real events) which tells the story of the odd career choice of the scion of a wealthy family that owned one of the finest iron forging companies in the UK. Last place raspberries are awarded to THE HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME, a story in which Archer actually crafted three possible endings and asked his readers to choose whichever one they felt best suited their particular reading taste. I felt the entire anthology would have been greatly improved if the story had been omitted in its entirety.
TELL TALE is workmanlike, enjoyable but entirely forgettable brain candy created by a very accomplished story teller. Easily recommended but don’t be looking for any literary values or subliminal moral messages.
Paul Weiss
Like his collection A TWIST IN THE TALE, published now over thirty years ago, Jeffrey Archer’s TELL TALE makes liberal use of that O’Henry twist ending which, in the final two or three sentences explains an entire story or turns a reader’s expectations upside down with an entirely unexpected piece of information. The anthology is short and easily read in one or two settings. Frankly, that’s a good thing because, while the stories are for the most part enjoyable, knowing that twist is coming at the conclusion of story after story becomes predictable in its own right and ultimately boring.
My top rating in the collection goes to THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS (inspired by real events) which tells the story of the odd career choice of the scion of a wealthy family that owned one of the finest iron forging companies in the UK. Last place raspberries are awarded to THE HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME, a story in which Archer actually crafted three possible endings and asked his readers to choose whichever one they felt best suited their particular reading taste. I felt the entire anthology would have been greatly improved if the story had been omitted in its entirety.
TELL TALE is workmanlike, enjoyable but entirely forgettable brain candy created by a very accomplished story teller. Easily recommended but don’t be looking for any literary values or subliminal moral messages.
Paul Weiss
October 13, 2017
I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own. (Thanks to the publisher for mailing this to me!)
----
(my ARC copy has 227 pages)
Always exciting when an author you've heard alot about lives up to "the hype" about em:).
My short opinions of each story:
Unique : 3 stars... liked it okay but way too short, would have been better longer methinks.
Who Killed the Mayor?* : 4 stars .. That was interesting and amusing. The ending had me smiling and shaking my head.
View of Auvers-Sur-Oise* : 3.5 stars.. another one I would have loved to have novellas or more books after, the main guy intrigued me.
A Gentleman and a Scholar* : 3.5 stars... one of my favorites out of here... the ending again had me smiling, feel proud of another someone.
All's Fair in Love and War : 3 stars, one MC was a right bastard *glares* Originally 3.5 stars but changed my mind on thinking further. The writing isn't bad, just didn't connect with this one like the others.
The Car Park Attendant 3 stars... this guy and his wife had balls/guts and I share a certain opinion near the end, yet was rooting for em anyway.
A Wasted Hour : 4 stars. . That ending, loved it! That twist ending was one of my favorites... I didn't want it to end there *pouts*
The Road to Damascus* : 4 stars... that was something
"The Cuckold : 4 stars".. I had no sympathy for the one guy
"Holiday of a Lifetime* : Ending B was my favorite, C was too abrupt and A was alright but felt a bit rushed at the end."
"Double or Quits : 3 stars.. Clever
The Senior Vice President : 4 stars... I like how
A Good Toss to Lose* : 4 stars... how bout that?:) Part of ending had me going
(*Inspired by real events, according to the bottom of the list of short stories)
My first of Jeffrey Archer, I have heard of his Clifton Chronicles but just haven't picked em up yet (for some reason, my library's overdrive only has book three)
Some stories were better than others (par for the course in some short story collections) but even though some I didn't like as much as the others, I still enjoyed them all and had trouble putting the book down at times. Some stories I can tell will continue to be favorites while others will grow on me more over time.
Some of these I wouldn't mind seeing adapted for a series of sorts on Netflix or something. The atmosphere in here would make for good viewing, in my humble opinion.
Would recommend.
----
(my ARC copy has 227 pages)
Always exciting when an author you've heard alot about lives up to "the hype" about em:).
My short opinions of each story:
Unique : 3 stars... liked it okay but way too short, would have been better longer methinks.
Who Killed the Mayor?* : 4 stars .. That was interesting and amusing. The ending had me smiling and shaking my head.
View of Auvers-Sur-Oise* : 3.5 stars.. another one I would have loved to have novellas or more books after, the main guy intrigued me.
A Gentleman and a Scholar* : 3.5 stars... one of my favorites out of here... the ending again had me smiling, feel proud of another someone.
All's Fair in Love and War : 3 stars, one MC was a right bastard *glares* Originally 3.5 stars but changed my mind on thinking further. The writing isn't bad, just didn't connect with this one like the others.
The Car Park Attendant 3 stars... this guy and his wife had balls/guts and I share a certain opinion near the end, yet was rooting for em anyway.
A Wasted Hour : 4 stars. . That ending, loved it! That twist ending was one of my favorites... I didn't want it to end there *pouts*
The Road to Damascus* : 4 stars... that was something
"The Cuckold : 4 stars".. I had no sympathy for the one guy
"Holiday of a Lifetime* : Ending B was my favorite, C was too abrupt and A was alright but felt a bit rushed at the end."
"Double or Quits : 3 stars.. Clever
The Senior Vice President : 4 stars... I like how
A Good Toss to Lose* : 4 stars... how bout that?:) Part of ending had me going
(*Inspired by real events, according to the bottom of the list of short stories)
My first of Jeffrey Archer, I have heard of his Clifton Chronicles but just haven't picked em up yet (for some reason, my library's overdrive only has book three)
Some stories were better than others (par for the course in some short story collections) but even though some I didn't like as much as the others, I still enjoyed them all and had trouble putting the book down at times. Some stories I can tell will continue to be favorites while others will grow on me more over time.
Some of these I wouldn't mind seeing adapted for a series of sorts on Netflix or something. The atmosphere in here would make for good viewing, in my humble opinion.
Would recommend.
December 31, 2017
It is always a pleasure to read something penned by the great Lord Jeffrey Archer, whose ideas seem never to run out as he presents them in a witty fashion. In this group of short stories, Archer presents the full gamut of his capabilities, showing that he can write something shorted than half a page, as well as a multi-part piece that spans many of the collection’s pages. Brilliant in his ideas, Archer tells tales of stamp collector, eager parking attendants, duplicitous insurance scammers, and those who want to ‘stick it to the man’. The reader will find themselves fully captivated in the stories and wishing the collection could go on forever. As intriguing as his Clifton Chronicles and some of his other epic novels, this short collection is worth every invested moment the reader takes to complete these fourteen stories.
I am filled with joy to find anything by Jeffrey Archer on my TBR shelf, especially his short stories. His list of ideas seems endless and he always finds ways to weave together masterful pieces that include a little punch at the end, as if the reader needed a jolt to end their reading experience. The vast array of characters in this collection is wonderful and Archer is able to develop those vessels of the narrative with such ease (and differentiates them so effectively). I can almost see the characters as they travel through the story, which is surely the sign of a quality writer. The stories are also wonderful for their variety as well as poignant lessons embedded in the text. Even when Archer is faced with stunning limitations (one hundred words exactly, due in 24 hours), he is able to deliver something eyebrow-raise worthy. What a master at the craft he has remained over four decades. There will be some who bemoan his legal issues, and such trolls have emerged on Goodreads. It is surely they who are the jealous folk, incapable of writing themselves out of a wet paper bag (and, trust me, their troll comments prove that point). Sit back and enjoy this collection! It will not be something you regret.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for offering your fans such a wonderful post-Clifton collection of writing. I have no doubt that you will continue to amaze us with all your ideas for years to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I am filled with joy to find anything by Jeffrey Archer on my TBR shelf, especially his short stories. His list of ideas seems endless and he always finds ways to weave together masterful pieces that include a little punch at the end, as if the reader needed a jolt to end their reading experience. The vast array of characters in this collection is wonderful and Archer is able to develop those vessels of the narrative with such ease (and differentiates them so effectively). I can almost see the characters as they travel through the story, which is surely the sign of a quality writer. The stories are also wonderful for their variety as well as poignant lessons embedded in the text. Even when Archer is faced with stunning limitations (one hundred words exactly, due in 24 hours), he is able to deliver something eyebrow-raise worthy. What a master at the craft he has remained over four decades. There will be some who bemoan his legal issues, and such trolls have emerged on Goodreads. It is surely they who are the jealous folk, incapable of writing themselves out of a wet paper bag (and, trust me, their troll comments prove that point). Sit back and enjoy this collection! It will not be something you regret.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for offering your fans such a wonderful post-Clifton collection of writing. I have no doubt that you will continue to amaze us with all your ideas for years to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 9, 2020
Quite frankly, I don’t read short stories as I simply prefer a much longer read, and also the disaster that Things a Map Won’t Show You - Stories from Australia and Beyond was, which was the opposite of enjoyable. However, I picked this book up from the shelf in a hotel room and as I had read Paths Of Glory by Archer just this year, I decided to give this book a go.
This book, was much the opposite of the other short story collection that I had read. Good writing by an established author(quite a famous one at that) in which the stories were all good and left me wanting for more. Yes, I gave this book a five star as it exceeded my expectations for short stories given my previous bad experience though was it really five star material, no probably not, but as it was better than expected, I’m giving this rating. 9/10
This book, was much the opposite of the other short story collection that I had read. Good writing by an established author(quite a famous one at that) in which the stories were all good and left me wanting for more. Yes, I gave this book a five star as it exceeded my expectations for short stories given my previous bad experience though was it really five star material, no probably not, but as it was better than expected, I’m giving this rating. 9/10
October 1, 2017
I found this lighthearted compilation of short stories with twist endings an okay read. It was a bit twee and predictable for my taste.
I won this book on Goodreads. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the book in exchange for an honest review.
I won this book on Goodreads. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2018
Jeffrey Archer returns with a collection of short stories that leave a lot to be desired. The stories followed no particular theme but what was common among them is 'the twist'. Archer outdid himself with his crime collection A Twist in the Tale. This one didn't come close.
It has 15 stories that range from the second world war to ''modern day''. They cover the themes of redemption, war, friendship, corruption, thievery, adultery and even murder.
I bought this book the day I went to finalise my exit interview at my former workplace. Perhaps that is darkening my mood towards it.
This is not Archer's best short story collection. It is a damn sight better than his novels which I find clunky, boring and like a poor man's Dan Brown [I don't know what that could mean considering I think Brown is a pseudointellectual's Jeffrey Archer].
If you are looking for an anthology to knock your socks off, read A Twist in The Tale. If you are looking for a collection of short stories to pass the time, you're better off reading To Cut a Long Story Short or And Thereby Hangs a Tale.
It has 15 stories that range from the second world war to ''modern day''. They cover the themes of redemption, war, friendship, corruption, thievery, adultery and even murder.
I bought this book the day I went to finalise my exit interview at my former workplace. Perhaps that is darkening my mood towards it.
This is not Archer's best short story collection. It is a damn sight better than his novels which I find clunky, boring and like a poor man's Dan Brown [I don't know what that could mean considering I think Brown is a pseudointellectual's Jeffrey Archer].
If you are looking for an anthology to knock your socks off, read A Twist in The Tale. If you are looking for a collection of short stories to pass the time, you're better off reading To Cut a Long Story Short or And Thereby Hangs a Tale.
July 6, 2025
کمکم یاد گرفت که با صدای شلیک گلوله هم میتوان خوابید.
August 27, 2023
چهارده داستان جذاب و خواندنی که ویژگی بیشترشون ضربه ناگهانی ای که در لحظه آخر به خواننده وارد میشه و تکلیف قصه را مشخص می کنه.
September 1, 2017
Having read almost all of Jeffrey Archer’s considerable body of work, I think it is fair to say I am a fan. Ever since I opened up As the Crow Flies nearly 30 years ago, I’ve sought him out and often read his new stuff just as soon as it comes out. And so it was with great anticipation that I discovered just a couple of days ago that he had this new short story collection coming out in October 2017.
While I thoroughly enjoy Archer’s novels, I think his short story writing is even better and absolutely among the very best in existence. They are addicting…like eating potato chips. You can’t read just one Jeffrey Archer short story without diving into the next. They are often simple stories of people who have a certain genuineness about them and therefore highly relatable for most readers.
This collection contains 13 stories, every one of them well written, clever and intriguing. There is a wide variety of stories to be found among the collection, including historical settings, twist endings, very short (100 words) to quite long. The final story is actually the first 4 chapters of Archer’s forth-coming novel. And finally, as has been Archer’s habit in recent collections, several of the tales are based on actual stories the author has encountered during his travels.
Taken together, this is a great collection and will please Archer’s many fans and can also serve as a nice entry for those looking to sample his material. Highly Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free electronic copy in return for an honest review.
While I thoroughly enjoy Archer’s novels, I think his short story writing is even better and absolutely among the very best in existence. They are addicting…like eating potato chips. You can’t read just one Jeffrey Archer short story without diving into the next. They are often simple stories of people who have a certain genuineness about them and therefore highly relatable for most readers.
This collection contains 13 stories, every one of them well written, clever and intriguing. There is a wide variety of stories to be found among the collection, including historical settings, twist endings, very short (100 words) to quite long. The final story is actually the first 4 chapters of Archer’s forth-coming novel. And finally, as has been Archer’s habit in recent collections, several of the tales are based on actual stories the author has encountered during his travels.
Taken together, this is a great collection and will please Archer’s many fans and can also serve as a nice entry for those looking to sample his material. Highly Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free electronic copy in return for an honest review.
November 11, 2017
Not much for short stories, but since these are the first writings post "Clifton Chronicles," I gave it a listen. "Senior VP," is far and away the best of the lot. Alone, it would easily be 4-5 star material, but then, there are other stories to consider as well. Hence, 6 of 10 stars
June 16, 2019
O meu primeiro contacto com o escritor inglês Jeffrey Archer foi com a saga dos Clifton, da qual acabei por ler apenas os dois primeiros volumes (conta com um total de sete). Fiquei com a ideia de voltar a tentar outras obras de sua autoria e a oportunidade perfeita surgiu agora, com a publicação de Contador de Histórias, que a Bertrand Editora teve a simpatia de me enviar – também no âmbito da visita do autor a Portugal no início deste mês.
Contador de Histórias reúne em si 13 histórias distintas, sendo oito delas inspiradas em acontecimentos reais. O chavão “a realidade ultrapassa a ficção” aplica-se aqui na perfeição, quando lemos sobre todos os habitantes de uma pequena cidade italiana que querem assumir a culpa do assassinato do respetivo Presidente da Câmara ou que um homem enriqueceu a explorar um parque de estacionamento que não lhe pertencia, durante anos a fio.
Há vários leitores que afirmam não gostar particularmente de contos. Não me incluo nesse lote, e por isso tenho vindo a descobrir, ao longo dos anos, vários autores sublimes nessa arte que é contar uma história marcante em relativamente poucas palavras. Vem-me de repente à memória o fantástico Richard Yates (Onze Anos de Solidão é um portento), as micro-narrativas de Juan José Millás (Os Objetos Chamam-nos) ou de Bruce Holland Rogers (Pequenos Mistérios), e a recém-descoberta (por mim) Maria Judite de Carvalho, cujo primeiro volume das suas Obras Completas me arrebatou por completo.
É seguro afirmar que gosto de contos e, pessoalmente, tendo a apreciar mais este formato narrativo quando a sua sublimidade se revela a nível de enredo e de escrita, tendendo o meu gosto pessoal para histórias com cariz menos convencional a nível de estrutura e que abordem temas relacionados com a (por vezes deprimente) condição humana. Tudo isto para explicar o motivo pelo qual estas histórias não me conseguiram arrebatar, ainda que lhes reconheça uma caráter curioso e divertido, conseguindo o autor muitas vezes surpreender o leitor com as reviravoltas finais. É um livro que entretém e que se lê de forma bastante descontraída, conseguindo cumprir o seu objetivo.
Talvez seja um pouco presunçoso da minha parte afirmar isto, mas vou arriscar na mesma: acho que Contador de Histórias tem bastante potencial para agradar aos leitores que, por norma, afirmam não gostar muito de contos. Será que estou certa? Fica ainda a nota final, transmitida pelo autor no Meet & Greet com alguns dos seus leitores, de que em 2020 irá sair em inglês uma edição especial ilustrada dos melhores contos do autor, escolhidos pelos seus leitores.
Contador de Histórias reúne em si 13 histórias distintas, sendo oito delas inspiradas em acontecimentos reais. O chavão “a realidade ultrapassa a ficção” aplica-se aqui na perfeição, quando lemos sobre todos os habitantes de uma pequena cidade italiana que querem assumir a culpa do assassinato do respetivo Presidente da Câmara ou que um homem enriqueceu a explorar um parque de estacionamento que não lhe pertencia, durante anos a fio.
Há vários leitores que afirmam não gostar particularmente de contos. Não me incluo nesse lote, e por isso tenho vindo a descobrir, ao longo dos anos, vários autores sublimes nessa arte que é contar uma história marcante em relativamente poucas palavras. Vem-me de repente à memória o fantástico Richard Yates (Onze Anos de Solidão é um portento), as micro-narrativas de Juan José Millás (Os Objetos Chamam-nos) ou de Bruce Holland Rogers (Pequenos Mistérios), e a recém-descoberta (por mim) Maria Judite de Carvalho, cujo primeiro volume das suas Obras Completas me arrebatou por completo.
É seguro afirmar que gosto de contos e, pessoalmente, tendo a apreciar mais este formato narrativo quando a sua sublimidade se revela a nível de enredo e de escrita, tendendo o meu gosto pessoal para histórias com cariz menos convencional a nível de estrutura e que abordem temas relacionados com a (por vezes deprimente) condição humana. Tudo isto para explicar o motivo pelo qual estas histórias não me conseguiram arrebatar, ainda que lhes reconheça uma caráter curioso e divertido, conseguindo o autor muitas vezes surpreender o leitor com as reviravoltas finais. É um livro que entretém e que se lê de forma bastante descontraída, conseguindo cumprir o seu objetivo.
Talvez seja um pouco presunçoso da minha parte afirmar isto, mas vou arriscar na mesma: acho que Contador de Histórias tem bastante potencial para agradar aos leitores que, por norma, afirmam não gostar muito de contos. Será que estou certa? Fica ainda a nota final, transmitida pelo autor no Meet & Greet com alguns dos seus leitores, de que em 2020 irá sair em inglês uma edição especial ilustrada dos melhores contos do autor, escolhidos pelos seus leitores.
August 6, 2018
Jeffrey Archer's short stories is proof of his mastery with the 'show do not tell' technique. As short stories have a limited number of words, if you miss one tiny detail, you will have to read the whole short story again to understand the ending.
But that's what makes Archer's short stories so excellent. No word, sentence or character is wasted. My favourites are his 100-word flash fiction, The Car Park Attendant, A Wasted Hour and The Senior Vice President.
But that's what makes Archer's short stories so excellent. No word, sentence or character is wasted. My favourites are his 100-word flash fiction, The Car Park Attendant, A Wasted Hour and The Senior Vice President.
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I am not usually a short story reader but this came at a perfect time. I was staying with my grandkids and could only read in short spurts so it worked out well. As in any collection, there were some stories I liked better than others but overall it was an interesting grouping.
I enjoyed the story of "Who Killed the Mayor" with it's lovely twist ending. I admired the couple who set up an illegal business in "Car Park Attendant". "A Wasted Hour" would have been great but it was set in Calif. and obviously written by an Englishman. The set up never would have happened in Calif. and it spoiled a story that would have been lovely.
This collection had a nice variety of stories and I enjoyed the one where the author provided three different endings for the reader to select from. If you like short stories this would be a great read for you.
Thank you Net Galley for a copy of this copy in exchange for a fair review.
I am not usually a short story reader but this came at a perfect time. I was staying with my grandkids and could only read in short spurts so it worked out well. As in any collection, there were some stories I liked better than others but overall it was an interesting grouping.
I enjoyed the story of "Who Killed the Mayor" with it's lovely twist ending. I admired the couple who set up an illegal business in "Car Park Attendant". "A Wasted Hour" would have been great but it was set in Calif. and obviously written by an Englishman. The set up never would have happened in Calif. and it spoiled a story that would have been lovely.
This collection had a nice variety of stories and I enjoyed the one where the author provided three different endings for the reader to select from. If you like short stories this would be a great read for you.
Thank you Net Galley for a copy of this copy in exchange for a fair review.
September 24, 2020
4.5 Stars
I received this book a few years ago in a Goodreads giveaway and just never got around to it till recently. A few pages into the first story I really wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish or continue with the collection. The narration felt very off until I realized that reading it feels like someone around a campfire telling you a story. Most of the stories felt this way and the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. I ended up being a big fan of that first story, “Who Killed the Mayor”, and then “Senior VP”. I think these were my favorites in the bunch. You feel like you’re reading a pretty simple story and then BAM! Twist. Loved these stories and would happily pick up another collection by Jeffrey Archer.
I received this book a few years ago in a Goodreads giveaway and just never got around to it till recently. A few pages into the first story I really wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish or continue with the collection. The narration felt very off until I realized that reading it feels like someone around a campfire telling you a story. Most of the stories felt this way and the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. I ended up being a big fan of that first story, “Who Killed the Mayor”, and then “Senior VP”. I think these were my favorites in the bunch. You feel like you’re reading a pretty simple story and then BAM! Twist. Loved these stories and would happily pick up another collection by Jeffrey Archer.
June 24, 2019
I always loved Archer’s stories. He has a love for crooks who usually get away with their schemes. Also some nice stories about teachers, authors, inspectors and more. But mostly crooks.
December 6, 2019
I’ve always enjoyed Archer. He knows how to hold the reader’s attention. However, this Is the first time I’ve laid my hands on his short stories and I found them very well written and quite fun too.
I like how short all the stories in book are. They are surprisingly short but nicely twisted at the same time. I like the plot twists and the unexpected endings that is capable of grasping the reader. Fantastically done. I liked almost all the stories, yes there were one or two that wasn’t very impressive but isn’t that normal?
I finished it in 7 hours. Can’t remember the last time I finished a book in 7 hours..
I like how short all the stories in book are. They are surprisingly short but nicely twisted at the same time. I like the plot twists and the unexpected endings that is capable of grasping the reader. Fantastically done. I liked almost all the stories, yes there were one or two that wasn’t very impressive but isn’t that normal?
I finished it in 7 hours. Can’t remember the last time I finished a book in 7 hours..
June 6, 2019
Adorei! 😁 Jeffrey Archer escreve de forma brilhante. E eu que nem gosto muito de contos, fiquei rendida a estes. 😉
Os dois contos que mais gostei foram "Quem matou o presidente da câmara?" e "O funcionário do parque de estacionamento"
Os dois contos que mais gostei foram "Quem matou o presidente da câmara?" e "O funcionário do parque de estacionamento"
May 5, 2022
Let me begin by saying that I really admire the fact the Jeffrey Archer writes short stories. In addition to the stack of novels under his belt, his prolific nature overflows into these shorter works.
Many of the stories close with a sort of punch line and I half-expected to hear a drum rimshot. In the story The Holiday of a Lifetime, he offers three different endings-punchlines and readers can choose which path to choose. Punchlines are a cool way to end a story, I just think he overdid it a tiny bit. In jokes, the embellishment part usually is boring and completely unnecessary, just get to the punchline. In these stories, getting their is most of the fun.
Mild Spoiler Ahead
I like how the criminals don't always have the law catch up to them in the end.
Many of the stories close with a sort of punch line and I half-expected to hear a drum rimshot. In the story The Holiday of a Lifetime, he offers three different endings-punchlines and readers can choose which path to choose. Punchlines are a cool way to end a story, I just think he overdid it a tiny bit. In jokes, the embellishment part usually is boring and completely unnecessary, just get to the punchline. In these stories, getting their is most of the fun.
Mild Spoiler Ahead
I like how the criminals don't always have the law catch up to them in the end.
January 30, 2018
NETGALLEY # 3
2018 Reading Challenge: alliteration in the title
Many thanks go to Jeffrey Archer, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tell Tale is the sixth volume of short stories archer has produced, but the first of his that I've read. I'm a huge fan of his fiction, especially the Clifton Chronicles, so I was excited to give his tales a try.
RTC
2018 Reading Challenge: alliteration in the title
Many thanks go to Jeffrey Archer, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tell Tale is the sixth volume of short stories archer has produced, but the first of his that I've read. I'm a huge fan of his fiction, especially the Clifton Chronicles, so I was excited to give his tales a try.
RTC
December 31, 2017
This is a collection of fourteen short stories, some of which were inspired by real life stories.
The book opens with a hundred-word story called ‘Unique’. I suppose for a hundred-word story, it does deliver but completely fails to set the mood for the book. Thus, it falls on the second story ‘Who Killed the Mayor’ to set the tone for the collection. ‘A Gentleman and a Scholar’ has to be my favourite story in the book. It chronicles the journey of a woman entering the world of academics at a time when it was monopolized by men. The ending of the story left me with an impression. ‘The Road to Damascus’ is probably my second favourite in the collection. It is about discovery and irony. ‘All's Fair in Love and War’ has to be my least favourite in the collection.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
The book opens with a hundred-word story called ‘Unique’. I suppose for a hundred-word story, it does deliver but completely fails to set the mood for the book. Thus, it falls on the second story ‘Who Killed the Mayor’ to set the tone for the collection. ‘A Gentleman and a Scholar’ has to be my favourite story in the book. It chronicles the journey of a woman entering the world of academics at a time when it was monopolized by men. The ending of the story left me with an impression. ‘The Road to Damascus’ is probably my second favourite in the collection. It is about discovery and irony. ‘All's Fair in Love and War’ has to be my least favourite in the collection.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
November 30, 2020
Normalerweise bin ich nicht der Typ für Kurzgeschichten, da diese hier aber von Jeffrey Archer geschrieben wurden, dessen Romane ich sehr mag, wollte ich natürlich auch dieses Buch von ihm lesen. Und ich wurde auch nicht enttäuscht.
Der Autor erzählt 15 ganz verschiedene Geschichten. Einige hat er selbst erfunden, die anderen hat er auf seinen Reisen selbst erlebt. Die Geschichte "Beichte" wurde von dem Autor Rupert Colley beigesteuert.
Mir hat wirklich jede Geschichte gefallen, sie brachten mich zum Lachen, zum Schmunzeln, zum Nachdenken, ich konnte mich über sie wundern, habe aber auch ein paar Tränchen vergossen.
Ich habe die Geschichten immer zwischendurch gelesen und fühlte mich bestens unterhalten.
Der Autor erzählt 15 ganz verschiedene Geschichten. Einige hat er selbst erfunden, die anderen hat er auf seinen Reisen selbst erlebt. Die Geschichte "Beichte" wurde von dem Autor Rupert Colley beigesteuert.
Mir hat wirklich jede Geschichte gefallen, sie brachten mich zum Lachen, zum Schmunzeln, zum Nachdenken, ich konnte mich über sie wundern, habe aber auch ein paar Tränchen vergossen.
Ich habe die Geschichten immer zwischendurch gelesen und fühlte mich bestens unterhalten.
June 6, 2019
8,5 de 10*
Foram várias as pessoas que me aconselharam a leitura da saga Clifton, de Jeffrey Archer. Ainda não tive oportunidade de a ler, mas a curiosidade ficou espicaçada, e foi por isso que, com entusiasmo, iniciei a leitura de "Contador de Histórias", o livro de contos do autor.
Apesar de toda a reserva que tenho com os contos, gostei bastante deste livro. A escrita é fluída e tornou-se, para mim, muito fácil entrar dentro das histórias.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Foram várias as pessoas que me aconselharam a leitura da saga Clifton, de Jeffrey Archer. Ainda não tive oportunidade de a ler, mas a curiosidade ficou espicaçada, e foi por isso que, com entusiasmo, iniciei a leitura de "Contador de Histórias", o livro de contos do autor.
Apesar de toda a reserva que tenho com os contos, gostei bastante deste livro. A escrita é fluída e tornou-se, para mim, muito fácil entrar dentro das histórias.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
August 25, 2018
Джефри Арчър пише с примамлива лекота: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/r...
”Кой уби кмета?” е предназначен да задава вкуса на целия сборник – и го прави по най-добрия начин. В едно идилично италианско градче се настанява зъл тип, който нарушава вековното спокойствие на местните. Скоро той е убит, а един млад полицай се оказва в небрано лозе, когато всеки един от жителите претендира да е извършителят. Разследването се закучва, а една красива девойка съвсем размътва ума му. Следва друг криминален разказ, в който един полицай с увлечение по изкуството се оказва в къщата на могъщ престъпник, за да извърши първия си арест – но проблемът е за какво точно да го уличат.
Издателска къща БАРД
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/r...
”Кой уби кмета?” е предназначен да задава вкуса на целия сборник – и го прави по най-добрия начин. В едно идилично италианско градче се настанява зъл тип, който нарушава вековното спокойствие на местните. Скоро той е убит, а един млад полицай се оказва в небрано лозе, когато всеки един от жителите претендира да е извършителят. Разследването се закучва, а една красива девойка съвсем размътва ума му. Следва друг криминален разказ, в който един полицай с увлечение по изкуството се оказва в къщата на могъщ престъпник, за да извърши първия си арест – но проблемът е за какво точно да го уличат.
Издателска къща БАРД
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/r...
October 20, 2021
This is my first and probably my last Jeffrey Archer. Not that I didn’t enjoy Tell Tale but I have now experienced his short stories and am not interested in the subjects of his novels.
The fourteen stories that make up Tell Tale are both diverse and interesting and each has a twist in the tale. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t guess the twist, particularly in A Wasted Hour and The Road to Damascus, my favourites. I am also appreciative of the fact that Archer has marked with an asterisk the stories inspired by real events and for me these are the best of the fourteen. Three and a half stars.
The fourteen stories that make up Tell Tale are both diverse and interesting and each has a twist in the tale. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t guess the twist, particularly in A Wasted Hour and The Road to Damascus, my favourites. I am also appreciative of the fact that Archer has marked with an asterisk the stories inspired by real events and for me these are the best of the fourteen. Three and a half stars.
September 5, 2022
Jeffrey Archer is a favorite author, has been for years. This is just more of what I have come to expect, excellence.
May 16, 2021
Eigentlich ein typischer Fehlkauf....
Ich dachte, es handle sich um den nächsten Roman von Archer....
Das Buch stellte sich dann aber als Sammlung 14 Kurzgeschichten heraus....
Und was soll ich sagen....ich bin begeistert....!
Kurzgeschichten sind eigentlich überhaupt nicht mein Genre.....aber Jeffrey Archer hat mich überzeugt.....man kann in fünf bis 25 Seiten ebensolch tiefe Charaktere und Spannungen aufbauen, wie in 300 Seiten eines umfassenden Romanes.
Kurzweilig, spannend, lustig, emotional....
Wirklich gelungener Band mit absoluter Leseempfehlung!
Ich dachte, es handle sich um den nächsten Roman von Archer....
Das Buch stellte sich dann aber als Sammlung 14 Kurzgeschichten heraus....
Und was soll ich sagen....ich bin begeistert....!
Kurzgeschichten sind eigentlich überhaupt nicht mein Genre.....aber Jeffrey Archer hat mich überzeugt.....man kann in fünf bis 25 Seiten ebensolch tiefe Charaktere und Spannungen aufbauen, wie in 300 Seiten eines umfassenden Romanes.
Kurzweilig, spannend, lustig, emotional....
Wirklich gelungener Band mit absoluter Leseempfehlung!
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