cover image Only Time Will Tell

Only Time Will Tell

Jeffrey Archer, read by Roger Allam and Emilia Fox. MacMillan Audio, unabridged, 10 CDs, 13 hrs., $39.99 ISBN 978-1-4272-1146-0%E2%80%A8

In this first installment in Archer's new Clifton Chronicles series, Harry Clifton, a dockworker's son from Bristol, England, must grapple with the truth about his fa- ther's history and forge his own identity at the outbreak of WWII. The novel features narration by seven major characters, with Allam tackling the male voices and Fox handling the females. While Allam's work represents the lion's share of this recording, Fox ably holds her own%E2%80%94and her portrayal of Harry's spunky and deter- mined mother is a definite standout. Allam demonstrates a masterful range of vocal mannerisms and dialects. His rendition of heroic, emotionally wounded Old Jack and diabolically evil shipping executive Hugo Barrington rank among his most memorable. The compelling story and engaging narration combine for a mesmerizing listening experience. A St. Martin's hardcover. (Aug.)