This Was a Man

I have rated this book five stars not just for its merit but also to reflect my adoration for this series.
Never before have I read 7 books of one series in 3 weeks. The Clifton Chronicles might not be the greatest work of literature, but it sure pushes the art of storytelling to new heights.

Jeffrey Archer does great justice to character building as an art-form while at the same time making sure he doesn't overdo it at the expense of the plot. I could write pages for all the characters, singing high praises but I would like to give a shout out to Lady Virginia Fenwick. I do not think I have ever disliked any character as much as her and I hope I do not come across a human being half as despicable as her. I would have preferred if she met with an ending befitting her standing but I guess that's what makes Jeffrey Archer a great author and me a lowly reader.

I will definitely be rereading the CC in entirety again, and would recommend it to my friends.

So, this was a weird, addictive series. A celebration of decent conservatism and of noble capitalim, which in real life do not exist. Everyone in this family saga is either extremely talented and clever, or extremely bad. Money is no problem. We are talking upper upper class, here.

The last book is just the closing of the curtain. But the earlier ones are full of intrigue and suspense. They read like a rollercoaster, so Archer certainly know how to time his plots.

It was a very pleasant yet never deep story, placed in politics and board rooms, and it gives you a glimpse of how some British conservatives must see their group.