Archer’s latest novel is the first part of a generational trilogy
centering on Harry Clifton in the gritty city of Bristol, England. His
father goes mysteriously missing one day, leaving Harry in the care of
his mother, grandparents and drunken Uncle Stan who, like Harry’s
father, works on the docks. Only time will tell if Harry will better his
lot in life? Fortunately for him, a host of guardian angels hovers — a
choir mistress, a generous and forgiving teacher, a considerate prep
school master and an eccentric outcast who lives in an abandoned
railroad car — doling out words of wisdom.
Blessed with a heavenly singing voice, Harry is accepted to the
nose-in-the-air St. Bede’s school. Think Charles Dickens meets Jane
Austen. Only time will tell . . . if Harry will be accepted and
eventually successful? Thanks to his new best friends and his own
“cleverness” at academics, he is, on both accounts.
But here he meets the first villain: Mr. Barrington, his best
friend’s father, his mother’s first lover and the boss who had a role in
Harry’s dad’s disappearance.
Harry is a caricature in a cast straight from central casting.
Despite his ghetto background, everything Harry touches turns to gold.
Even when he learns his mother is turning tricks to pay for his
education, he loves her even more. In British fashion, the story is
driven by the white lies they tell. Heaven forfend the truth be told
fully for fear it will offend someone.
And even when the truth comes out (Harry learns he may be the
first-born son of the evil Mr. Barrington and heir to his vast estate),
secrets remain.
Harry runs away to spare his friends and family from harmful truths and winds up in New York, where his story will continue.
Will that be enough to drive two sequels? Only time will tell.
