Only Time Will Tell Read-a-Long! discussion

Chapters 1-10 (Maisie/Harry)

Ten chapters in and we’re about to switch from Harry’s story to Maisie’s (after a brief insight into Maisie’s story in the prelude).

I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks so far!

Who is your favorite character at this point? I am so intrigued by Old Jack. I have a feeling he knows a lot more than he lets on.

Harry meets and befriends two boys at school, Giles and Deakins. All three boys have such unique personalities: Giles comes from a wealthy family but has a bit of a rebellious side, Deakins is ingenious but socially challenged, and Harry comes from a humble background but has a musical gift. Which character is most like you as a child? Why?

Have any of you formulated your own questions and/or theories after reading the first 10 chapters? Share away!

*Comment below and we will randomly select one of you to win the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th book in the CLIFTON CHRONICLE series!*

Oops, I made comments on the LAST chapters when I meant to make them here. I'll just copy them to here and delete them from there.

I'm so angry with myself! I read this as an ARC before it was published in the U.S. So I assumed I could comment on the book. But now I know I'd have comments on the characters you mention if I had just read it. Maybe if I read the review I wrote, that will help me remember what I thought.

OK, I just read my review. While it did bring back memories, especially about how much I loved this book, my review was also careful not to say too much and spoil the story for someone who hasn't read it. So my thoughts on particular characters aren't much there, except that Hugo was the book's bad guy.

Also, these first chapters set up mysteries about the characters, such as 1) the claim, which Harry doubts, that his father died from a war injury and 2) who "Old Jack" is and why he lives where he does.

Probably when people begin discussing, I'll be reminded.

I wouldn't say that we're switching from Harry's story to Masie's. I'd just say we're switching viewpoints of the same story. This way, some of the things Harry doesn't know much about or know about at all, Maisie does.

Switching viewpoints like that was a great device the author used to set up mysteries that could be solved in another character's viewpoint.

What a great book so far! I sang in the choir when I was younger, so that aspect caught my attention right off the bat. I love that fact that Harry (so far) is one of those kids that people write off until that one person discovers their potential. Love the historical setting and perspective. Old Jack Tar seems like someone I would want to spend an afternoon or two with as well! Great read, can't wait to finish it and pass it on! My wife has already called dibs. ha!

I just read the first 10 chapters in one sitting.

So far, I am intrigued by Old Jack and have all kinds of speculations as to his relationship with Harry and Maisie.

Mr. Holcombe and Ms. Monday are the teachers every child deserves - those who see and nurture a child and who go out on a limb to support and further them. I wonder if the book will get back to either of them - particularly Ms. Monday because there were hints that she had a story of her own.

The brief mention of Giles's sister Emma was interesting. Is there a relationship, perhaps forbidden, coming?

I haven't quite finished Harry's story yet, but I was happy to leave it, where Giles must have owned up to his stealing, rather than allowing Harry to take the blame for it. I was very surprised, in the first place, to learn of his stealing to begin with, but he endears himself more by accepting responsibility.

So far, I'm very much enjoying the tale, and looking forward to getting back into it very soon. :)

Am finding thus book hard to put down. First chapters show the different characters and personalities that come into our lives. Harry starts by living what he knows, the docks. Then opportunities open so he learns the scholarly life and the sacrifice needed to advance. Harry also finds the satisfaction of working for those opportunities. He is unfairly judged for his past life but with advice from Old Jack, overcomes. He learns that sometimes wealth isn't a good character trait.

Now onto Maisie!

I just finished reading the first 10 chapters and love the book so far. Harry is my favorite character so far but his mother Maise is also dear to my heart. A hard working single mother, living on the edge of poverty, taking advantage of every opportunity to advance herself for the further meant of her family. She encourages her son to do the same....take advantage of every opportunity and work hard. Harry is turning out to be such a fine young man. I can't wait to see how his voice has changed and whether he received a scholarship.

I empathized the most with Harry, though. We never had much money growing up, and although it never bothered me much, I was aware that there were those who lived their lives far differently. Studying hard and relying on scholarships were both part of my formal education!

Now onto the next section!

At the start of Chapter 4 this was feeling a little bit like Harry Potter to me, haha.

I did notice in the first 10 chapters that things have a way of working out for Harry:

His mother and grandparents support him of a dream of lives outside the docks.

His teacher supports him and spends extra time teaching him even though he did not go to school for such a long time.

He gets selected to the choir.

The choir director goes out of her way to help him.

He gets the scholarship.

He makes friends who stand by him.

The housemaster looks the other way when Harry breaks the rules.

His friend confesses when Harry is about to be punished.

Chapters 1-10 are full of a lot of things that work out for Harry. So far, the only setback has been that his voice changes and he is no longer able to sing. Yet, even with that, the possibility of another way exists to the education he seeks. I wonder what the coming sections will bring. I don't think life will continue to work out that easily.

There are parts of different characters that I like. Overall, I like Harry and Maise; they show that hard work, honesty, listening to the wisdom of others, and loyalty pay off. I love the wisdom and mystery of Old Jack. Giles and Deakins are loyal and helpful to their mates. And applause for instructors like Mr. Holcombe, Miss Monday, and Mr. Frobisher that champion the cause of students with potential and determination that need a leg up and encouragement for success.

There is a bit of Harry's observing skills that I always had. Great for maneuvering in sticky situations. Like Harry also, would not think of stealing, but would also not rat out my friends; just confront and leave. And I was not a great scholar like Giles, and really didn't like to study. Otherwise, I don't see much of me in these three characters.

The mystery, of course, is what happened to Harry's father and when. And Uncle Stan seems to know something and Hugo Barrington is acting mysterious. My question is -- Who is Harry's father and is it who he thinks it is?

Well onto Chapter 11.....

I just got to Maisie's narration of her marriage but I won't give any secrets away. I like Old Jack a lot. He's helped Harry to improve where Uncle Stan just wants to bring Harry down. He has some wonderful friends in Giles and Deakins. So far everything seems to work out for Harry; I'm just wondering when everything doesn't turn out so rosy (could be the beginning when he starts having problems with his singing voice).

I would say that I'm a mix between Harry and Deakins (humble beginning and a little socially challenged). I definitely don't have a musical background! People ask me to stop singing; I might make their ears bleed! LOL

I just started this book last night and could not put it down. Read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I'm up to chapter 8 and truly enjoying the way the characters are developing. Old Jack is an interesting guy and I can't wait to see what else Harry will learn from him. I like the friendship that is developing between Harry and Deakins and Giles. It reminds me of the Harry Potter trio.

Nada wrote: "I wonder what the coming sections will bring. I don't think life will continue to work out that easily...."

You don't think so, huh?

Melissa wrote: "The mystery, of course, is what happened to Harry's father and when...."

Actually, the book is full of mysteries. Even in the first ten chapters, there's more than one mystery. For instance, isn't Old Jack a mystery? Yes, he is.

I am just into the section about Hugo and I must say I was shocked to learn how Harry's father died! But not shocked to learn that Hugo was complicit. I'm thinking that Hugo is responsible for the fire at Tilly's also. I too wonder about Old Jack, a likeable character and a mystery.

Beth wrote: "Nada wrote: "I wonder what the coming sections will bring. I don't think life will continue to work out that easily...."

You don't think so, huh?"

Life and books are never that simple, right? I am looking forward to the coming intrigues.

Beth wrote: "Melissa wrote: "The mystery, of course, is what happened to Harry's father and when...."

Actually, the book is full of mysteries. Even in the first ten chapters, there's more than one mystery. For..."


Yes, I should of been clearer, I meant that there are many mysteries, but I was focusing on Harry's father and who really is his father; but, of course, there is Old Jack.

Melissa wrote: "Yes, I should of been clearer, I meant that there are many mysteries, but I was focusing on Harry's father and who really is his father; but, of course, there is Old Jack..."

Probably that's the biggest mystery of the book. In my opinion, though, this book gets high ratings because of it's MANY mysteries.

Nada wrote: "Beth wrote: "Nada wrote: "I wonder what the coming Life and books are never that simple, right?..."

Actually, some books are that simple.Those books certainly don't get high ratings from me. They're the kind of books with predictable endings.

In the case of this book, I loved it almost to the end. As I recall (it's been a year or so since I read it), oh, heck, I'm not going to tell you what I thought of the end. Most people will love it and be glad that Book 2 is already out so they can read it right away. I'm glad it ends the way it does.

The first 10 chapters do a remarkable job of developing the characters and making them real. Starting from the child's point of view gives us a chance to grow into the characters with Harry. Jack intrigues me and leaves me wondering if he might end up exposed as a distant relative.

The solid work ethic and emotional turmoil work off each other to make you stay on the edge of your seat to see if Harry will follow what he has been taught, or if he will begin to look the other way when it is convenient.

Now I remember why I enjoyed Jeffery Archer's book before. There are so many layers to absorb and work off each other.

Beth wrote: "Nada wrote: "Beth wrote: "Nada wrote: "I wonder what the coming Life and books are never that simple, right?..."

Actually, some books are that simple.Those books certainly don't get high ratings..."

I agree and disagree. I agree because most of the books that stay with me are the ones that make me think. On the other hand, sometimes I am in the mood for a simple story - something that touches my heart or makes me feel good without necessarily a complex idea behind it.

I just read the next section - Harry''s mother's in one sitting. Looking forward to discussing that.

Love the book so far! Old Jack seems to know more than he lets on so far. Can't wait to see how his character develops.

I really like Harry. I feel his low self esteem as he gets to know the school and other things he hadn't learned.

I also felt like I was reading Harry Potter when they stared talking about his boarding school. And the name being Harry didn't help that any.

Can't wait to read more!

Sarah,

I thought the exact same thing! haha

I just started the book, Harry is just getting through is first day at the new school. But I think there's so much more to Old Jack than meets the eye. Who is he really? For those of you who know, DON'T tell me. I'm looking forward to having it revealed as I read more.

Looking back over the comments I have to agree I thought of Harry Potter. Guess Harry is a very common name in England.

Old Jacks story is a classic and brings to mind the suffering of more modern soldiers returning from war.

I thought Giles plan for not attending Eton was the reason for his stealing. Seems he had an other plan and it worked.

When Giles Mother left home with Emma, I thought she was very brave! But I was shocked that she left Grace behind! Why did Giles and Harry feel that they had to chase after her? Why hadn't Elizabeth left a note for Giles?

We were left to assume how Maisie was earning her money, but what a shock for Harry to learn! Moms will do anything for their children!

I seem to be in the minority in that I did not think of Harry Potter except for the name. This book reminds me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's Woman of Substance series. Probably more so in Maisie's sections but I'll take those comments to that thread.

I find myself reading this in a consumptive manner - very quickly. I was not happy at the end of the Harry section because I wasn't told what his score was, so I was going to go through the book to find it, but then I decided to just read on, and I am glad I did. I'm enjoying this book as my introduction to the author and frankly, to this genre. I wouldn't have thought I would enjoy it this much!

Nada wrote: "I seem to be in the minority in that I did not think of Harry Potter except for the name. This book reminds me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's Woman of Substance series. Probably more so in Maisie's s..."
I agree about Maisie. I enjoy reading about STRONG women.

Don wrote: "I find myself reading this in a consumptive manner - very quickly. I was not happy at the end of the Harry section because I wasn't told what his score was, so I was going to go through the book to..."
I feel this is a very fast paced story and should be read fast. I'm almost done and wondering how this one is going to end. I've many ideas but will know soon!

Just finished! This is an easy, fun, fast paced read with many surprises. I gave it 4 stars.

Enjoying so far. Have a feeling that Old Jack has had a bigger hand in Harry's success so far, other than the obvious of helping him study and encouraging him. Of course he IS the mystery figure. I'm sure more will be revealed.Hard to pick favorites so close to the beginning, although Harry seems to be a straight up guy. Looking forward to hearing all of the other characters' viewpoints and stories.

I can't wait to find out just what connection Old Jack has to Maisie and Harry, other than being the best friend they could possibly have in their lives.

Loving this book so far and looking forward to finding out what happened to Harry's father, who Old Jack Tar REALLY is, what's up with Hugo Barrington, among all the other stories within the story. And after everyhting else has gone smoothly for Harry, does he make his scholarship or not? Can't wait to find out...

Really enjoying the book so far. It is my first Archer novel and I was excited to see that another book is the Kindle deal today. I snatched that right up!

I get the feeling that Harry's voice changing is a portent of other changes ahead. I am excited for a bit more backstory in the next section. Maybe we will learn more about the adult characters. Many of them are acting mysteriously. From Stan to Old Jack to Hugo. Even Mr. Deakin felt like he owed a debt. Was it just to Harry or is something else involved? Done typing for now- I have to go read!

I can't put this book down! I can't say that I have a favorite character but I love the complexity of the relationships and the layers of intrigue.

The way Giles takes the lead for Harry with regards to manners and helping Harry know what to do is endearing. Actually, I like the way all three boys look out for each other.

Old Jack is quite the mystery and I think he's more involved with Harry's successes than we are privy to at this point. Stan is infuriating and pathetic in his attempts to keep Harry and his mom from bettering themselves and their situation.

I can hardly wait to see what we learn next!

Certainly an engaging book that I began today as I flew across country. Had to pace myself so I could save enough to keep me occupied on the return flight.

I don't know if this was because I was tired or because I identified so much with Harry, but on several occasions I found myself moved to tears. By the purchasing of the watch for Maisie and by his finding such success in music.

You can sense the agony as Harry suffers his first few days at St. Bedes.

I guess I am not the first to find that this section of the book reminds me of Harry Potter! An underprivileged boy unexpectedly finds himself in boarding school with a class of people he is not familiar with and feels out of place, but he finds two friends: one who is from his own class of people and very smart, the other who struggles more with grades but comes from an important family. Old Jack's relationship with Harry reminds me of Dumbledore's relationship with the other Harry. Both are wise, mentor figures who know much more about Harry than they let on. Both seem to be working behind the scenes to help Harry succeed. It cannot be a coincidence that the prefect who bullied Harry was removed from his position immediately after Harry told Old Jack what was happening. Jack obviously has influence and probably had something to do with Harry getting a scholarship to St Bedes to begin with.

Agh bur keep reading

I have really enjoyed the book so far. Harry is my favorite character and Stan is my least favorite at this point. I am also curious about Mr. Deakins selling Harry the 16-shilling watch for 5 shillings. Do someone else pay for the rest of the ladies watch? Was it old Jack? Did mr Deakins Also curious about Hugo reaction to Harry meets him. Hopefully I will find out more able Old Jack soon. On to read about Massie.

I have heard good things a about Jeffrey Archer books, but this is my first time reading one. I love it so far.

A question was asked earlier about who is our favorite character. It has to be Jack Tar for me. He is very intriguing and I can wait to discover how the mystery surrounding him unfolds.

It was discouraging to read about Harry's difficulties at St. Bedes. However, Harry has an incredible support system surrounding him, including his friends. I wonder why people are so attracted to Harry and go to the lengths they do to help him?

There are a lot of interesting elements that have been laid out so far and I can't wait to see how they develop.

While I came to like Maisie as the story went on, I was not at all impressed with her decision to lose her virginity even though it wouldn't be with the one she chose.

I am loving this story so far. Harry is my favorite character. He just seems so good and grounded. Like how he wouldn't steal and actually took the candy back each week that was stolen when he could have easily justified keeping it. Going to school was so important to him and his future but he wouldn't rat out his friend even though the consequences could have been severe.

I like Maisie but I was also surprised that she just jumped into bed with a complete stranger.

I am looking forward to the rest of the book.

I too was surprised about Maisie's decision to have a one night stand. Especially when it seemed like her soon to be husband was such a kind man. Surely she couldn't be so naive not to consider what would happen. Really liking Harrys voice so far in the story too.

I was also surprised by Maisie's decision to have a one-night stand, especially when she was so close to getting married but I guess her frustration at being abandoned by Arthur may have led to her making the decision she did. I have a feeling that whomever the lover turns out to be, it will be a defining part of the story. Maisie warmed to me as it seems she's redeeming herself by throwing her efforts behind being the best single parent she can be.

Like Nada, I saw the brief mention of Emma as significant...I think I might be able to guess where that one goes....

I think everyone needs an Old Jack in their lives - a wise mentor figure who gives them a push in just the right direction when they're starting to veer off track. I wonder what Jack's story is...he mustn't be all he seems. I think he's my favourite character so far because there's so much unknown about him and he's so underestimated but the character I think I'm most like is Deakins. I think socially awkward but intelligent is probably more like me than Harry or Giles.

so enjoyable. I wish I had more reading time right now. I was also surprised that a virgin from that time would have a one night stand Kelly.

Loving the boys relationship and hope they stay in the book all through.

I have finally gotten round to starting this and wish I hadn't waited so long. I like all the characters but would really like to know more about Old Jack and if he's really that old. Of course, like everyone, i want to know about Harry's Dad. Good way to end this section without giving us his result. Looking forward to hearing Maisie's explanation for her actions in the next section, although i get the feeling that all will not be revealed. So far a really enjoyable read.

This book is living up to Archer's other books. I am finding it hard to put down at the moment. The only inconsistency for me is Maisie losing her virginity to a stranger. This just does not fit in with the times, or what I can see of her character so far. Jack Tar is intriguing and mysterious. He will surely turn out to be some honourable, prestigious person who has become "fragile" mentally for some reason we will learn.

What I love about Harry is his honesty in returning the candies to the Tuck, but not betraying his friend. What I love about Giles is his honesty to Frobisher in not hesitating to come clean with his stealing in order to clear his friend. Both boys show character, but not persnickety righteousness. They are obviously not cut from their father's cloth!