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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I think I accidentally listened to an abridged version of this, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment.
The story was full of life and vividity. A story about one man who lived... I never expected to enjoy it as I did.
The WWI part, in my opinion, was the best, likely because it's an area of interest to me. Anyway, I thought it was brilliant, and I want to read more Jeffrey Archer in the future.
The story was full of life and vividity. A story about one man who lived... I never expected to enjoy it as I did.
The WWI part, in my opinion, was the best, likely because it's an area of interest to me. Anyway, I thought it was brilliant, and I want to read more Jeffrey Archer in the future.
Certainly one of my favourite and quite an underrated book!This is a historical fiction book that takes place in the 20th century. It follows the life of Charlie Trumper, The protagonist who is humble, simple, ambitious and a very hard working man.This story moves from his childhood with his grandfather from who he learns the basics of business and selling of Grocery. Then, one unfortunate day, his grandfather suddenly dies leaving Charlie the floundering business. With the help of Becky Salmon, an enterprising young woman, he sets out to make a name from himself as "The honest trader". But the brutal times of the World War I takes Charlie far from home and into the path of a dangerous enemy who's legacy of evil follows Charlie and his family for generations.This story shows us that if there is a will there is always a way, and we need to work hard to achieve our dreams and ambitions.
I was totally surprised by this book. I thought it was going to be a thriller/mystery but it's nothing like that. The book follows Charlie Trumper from his childhood to his retirement. Spanning decades, Charlie survives two wars, a spiteful wealthy snob and some serious set backs as he builds his empire of retail establishments. The characters are wonderfully drawn and, although I've never been to England, I felt right there with him in the slums of London. You end up routing for him and his family and so desperately want him to trounce is enemy. It is a long book and felt like it in some parts and that's the reason it didn't get 5 stars. Otherwise, I'd highly recommend it.
A nice Archer again. Although if you read so many of his books you start to discover a pattern.
I wasn't offered this book for twopence! Not even a penny or 'alf a penny! No, I got this one for about 300 rupees!
Charlie Trumper's earliest memory is of hearing his grandfather's sales patter (like the one written above) from behind a fruit and vegetable barrow
Classic rags to riches story of a chap from Whitechapel who makes his way into the snobbish upper classes of London while still retaining his cockney accent (Yeah, basically how Jason Statham talks when he's angry)
The story follows themes similar to Kane and Abel like revenge, betrayal, plottwists, long-held grudges, and nail-biting company board meetings, just a bit stretched in the middle but oh so worth it in the end!
Charlie Trumper's earliest memory is of hearing his grandfather's sales patter (like the one written above) from behind a fruit and vegetable barrow
Classic rags to riches story of a chap from Whitechapel who makes his way into the snobbish upper classes of London while still retaining his cockney accent (Yeah, basically how Jason Statham talks when he's angry)
The story follows themes similar to Kane and Abel like revenge, betrayal, plottwists, long-held grudges, and nail-biting company board meetings, just a bit stretched in the middle but oh so worth it in the end!
This book spans many years and takes its time to tell the story of Charlie and the lives that surround him. It was mostly faintly slow moving but I did enjoy it overall.
A masterpiece. Having stumbled upon few works of Archer, I always knew this was going to be another amazing novel. But what didn't occur to me was how awe-inspiring it would be, leaving me astounded by the end.
The plot was sheer brilliance, spanning from 1900 to 1971 it's woven around the life of Charlie Trumper, the honest trader, and the characters supporting the story, his rise from his Grandpas barrow at East End to his own department store, Trumper's. Being published in 1991, it couldn't have gone easy for Archer relate to a story commencing 41 years even before his time with all the history-altering incidents such as two World Wars and whatnot. What decorated this were small twists and how the small web of characters interconnected despite their contrasting nationalities and origins. I'm utterly sure this can be recommended as a simple guidebook to those dealing in commerce plus a handbook to anyone else on how to reach the peak from zero. A must read, and one of my favorites.
The plot was sheer brilliance, spanning from 1900 to 1971 it's woven around the life of Charlie Trumper, the honest trader, and the characters supporting the story, his rise from his Grandpas barrow at East End to his own department store, Trumper's. Being published in 1991, it couldn't have gone easy for Archer relate to a story commencing 41 years even before his time with all the history-altering incidents such as two World Wars and whatnot. What decorated this were small twists and how the small web of characters interconnected despite their contrasting nationalities and origins. I'm utterly sure this can be recommended as a simple guidebook to those dealing in commerce plus a handbook to anyone else on how to reach the peak from zero. A must read, and one of my favorites.
what a beautifully written piece of writing. Gripped me from the first word to the last one. Definitely recommend anyone to read this!