To Cut a Long Story Short

From the book blurb

From the master storyteller comes a masterful collection of fourteen riveting tales of elaborate confidence tricks, political chicanery, immoral behavior, and dangerously illicit affairs, rendered with the breathtaking narrative twists that have become the Jeffrey Archer hallmark.

Here are all new stories that will engross and astonish, peopled with a rich assortment of truly memorable characters: the intoxicating woman who appears to her lover only once every six years; the British diplomat who employs his rather creative -- if not entirely ethical -- financial talents for a greater good; the millionaire who declares himself bankrupt to test the love and loyalties of those closest to him.

This is Jeffrey Archer at the top of his form, as he offers us unique fables of our time and civilization, each one shining a harsh yet hypnotic light on that fascinating, complex being called "human.

Author

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.

He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married to Mary Archer, a scientist specializing in solar power. Outside politics, he is a novelist, playwright and short story writer.

What I think

Short stories always awe me. I don’t deny that there was a time when I didn’t like the genew at all. But, as the Locomente in me was born, I realsied that it is easy to convey something in many words than in few. Hence, it is toughest to cut a long story short! This realization made me read more short stories.

Jeffrey Archer’s To Cut A Long Story Short is a compelling collection of 15 short stories The book blurb gives an essence of the compilation and attracts potential readers.

The story begins with a story named “Death Speaks”. It is a retelling of an Arabian anonymous writer. It is super tiny and my favorite in the book.  The out of remaining 14 stories, there are a few based on true incidents. I enjoyed several of them. “The End Game” and “Crime Pays”. These two kept me glued to the same.

The author’s narrative flows with ease and each line builds anxiety within the readers. Some are truly intelligent when a few are emotional. I particularly enjoyed all the stories based on true incidents. It makes us wonder how crookedly (brilliantly) human minds can work!

But...

Some stories are not so short. And, the last one is no so good.

Should you read it?

You will enjoy many of the stories, if not all.

So, go for it!

Rating

3/5

Thank you

My Kindle for rekindling the joy of reading!!! Thanks for becoming a part of my life J