Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Crisp and Witty: A Captivating Read for All


This article offers a truly engaging experience. It is designed to be an easy read, perfect for those just beginning their reading journey. However, don't be fooled by its simplicity. As you progress through the text, you'll find that it is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The language used is concise and sharp, making it a pleasure to read. The author's witty remarks and clever wordplay add an extra layer of entertainment to the story. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of the humorous moments and gasping in surprise at the unexpected plot developments.
Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, this article is sure to captivate you from beginning to end. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you discover the many delights that this crisp and witty piece of writing has to offer.

July 15,2025
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Opinion
This is an exceptionally engaging collection of short stories.

Each one takes a series of events that are typically regarded as a monotonous routine and transforms them into a dramatic and intriguing myriad of occurrences. It's truly remarkable how the author manages to breathe life into these ordinary scenarios and make them captivating.



Recommendations
I would highly recommend this book to anyone 10+ years of age.

Surprisingly, it's a very flexible book in terms of age range; almost anyone can read it and find enjoyment. Whether you're a young reader looking for an exciting adventure or an adult seeking a quick and engaging read, this book has something to offer.



Summary
The twelve different stories are set across various time periods.

For example, there's a story about a royal minister traveling to China in what appears to be the 1700s or 1800s, and then his great-great-grandson auctions off something related to that journey to get him out of poverty in the 1960s.

Another story is about a thirteen-year-old Roman boy in 1 AD having strange encounters as he returns home. These diverse settings and characters add depth and variety to the collection.



Questions
After conducting some research, I discovered that Jeffrey Archer (the author) is planning to write more books in 2020.

I can't help but wonder if they will be similar to this one. This collection is so exciting and unique that more like it would surely be appreciated by readers around the world.

It will be interesting to see if Archer can maintain the same level of quality and creativity in his future works.

July 15,2025
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I have kept this book for more than 30 years.

Back then, I was deeply in love with the stories it contained, and I read it multiple times.

However, when I re-read it now, I have found that they have not stood the test of time.

Although I can still see the sparkle that once made me love them, it makes me a bit sad.
July 15,2025
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The dustbin is full of waste.

This sight is all too common in our daily lives. The waste accumulates day by day, filling up the limited space in the bin.

It consists of various items such as food scraps, paper, plastic bottles, and other disposable materials.

The overfilled dustbin not only looks unsightly but also poses potential health and environmental risks.

If not properly managed, the waste can attract pests, emit unpleasant odors, and even contaminate the surrounding area.

It is essential for us to be more conscious of our waste disposal habits and take steps to reduce the amount of waste we generate.

Simple measures like recycling, composting, and reducing unnecessary consumption can go a long way in keeping our dustbins from overflowing and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.
July 15,2025
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A couple of truly great stories were artfully mixed

with some rather mediocre ones. The great stories had the power to captivate the reader from the very first sentence,

transporting them to different worlds and making them feel a wide range of emotions.

They were filled with rich characters, engaging plots, and beautiful prose.

On the other hand, the mediocre stories lacked that certain something.

They didn't quite have the same level of depth or excitement.

The characters seemed flat, and the plots were predictable.

However, despite the presence of the mediocre stories, the overall collection still had its charm.

The great stories shone through and made it worth reading.

They left a lasting impression on the reader and made them eager to discover more great literature.

In conclusion, while the collection had its highs and lows, it was still an interesting read.

July 15,2025
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Years ago, I read a few short stories that left a deep impression on me. Since then, those stories have often lingered in my mind, making me eager to explore more. Recently, I finally decided to buy the book that contains all those stories. As I started reading, I was immediately drawn back into that wonderful world of words and emotions.


The stories in the book are truly excellent reads. Each one is unique, with its own captivating plot, well-developed characters, and profound themes. Some of them made me laugh out loud, while others brought tears to my eyes. It's amazing how a few pages can have such a powerful impact on our hearts and minds.


Read old love years back and bought the book now to read all the stories. This sentence perfectly captures my experience. The old love for those stories has resurfaced, and I'm enjoying every moment of reading them again. It's like reuniting with old friends and rediscovering the magic that made them so special in the first place.

July 15,2025
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Jeffrey Archer is renowned for his clean and elegant prose, which is truly ideal for short stories. This was once again brought to my attention after reading this remarkable collection.

It consists of twelve stories that, given their brevity, could have easily devolved into hollow vignettes. However, due to the author's masterful storytelling, they have achieved a different level of depth and engagement.

Among my personal favorites are "The Coup," "The First Miracle," "Broken Routine," "Old Love," and "The Hungarian Professor." These stories, with their unexpected twists and sometimes unpleasant aftertastes, have a way of lingering in your mind long after you've finished reading.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates well-crafted short stories that can pack a powerful punch in a relatively short space. It's a testament to Archer's skill as a writer that he can create such memorable and thought-provoking tales within the confines of a short story format.

July 15,2025
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I truly loved the book.

It is an outstanding collection that consists of twelve short yet fabulous stories.

Among them, I liked 'The Coup' and 'Old Love' the most.

Both of these stories are like mini novels, with rich characters and engaging plots.

I would have loved to see both of them developed into full-fledged novels.

The author is undoubtedly a seasoned short story writer.

His/her ability to create vivid worlds and tell compelling stories in a short space is remarkable.

The book is a great read for anyone who enjoys short stories or wants to explore the art of storytelling.

I highly recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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Oh my god! It's so boring. I don't know what to do. There's nothing interesting going on around me. Everything seems so dull and uneventful. I feel like I'm just sitting here, wasting my time. I wish something exciting would happen. Maybe I could go on an adventure or meet new people. But for now, all I can do is complain about how boring it is. I guess I'll just have to find something to do to pass the time. Maybe I'll read a book or watch a movie. But even that doesn't seem very appealing at the moment. Ugh, this is so frustrating!

July 15,2025
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I read this story in English several years ago. At that time, I was really attracted by its unique charm. However, as time passed, I gradually forgot the exciting plot twists.

Now, when I look back at it, it seems quaintly dated. The language and the setting might have been considered old-fashioned even back then. But despite its outdated appearance, there is still something about it that catches my attention.

Perhaps it's the nostalgia it evokes, or the fact that it represents a different era in literature. Even though the story may not be as relevant or engaging as it once was, it still holds a special place in my heart. It serves as a reminder of my early days of reading in English and the joy that books can bring.

Overall, although this story may be quaintly dated, it has its own value and charm that makes it worth revisiting from time to time.
July 15,2025
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Among the well-written short stories, "Old Love" stands out the most for me.

It is a captivating tale where wit and love are beautifully intertwined. From the very first page, it had me completely hooked, unable to put it down.

The story unfolds with a charm and elegance that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The characters are vividly drawn, and their emotions are palpable.

The author's use of language is masterful, creating a rich and detailed world that we can easily immerse ourselves in.

"Old Love" is not just a story about love; it is also a story about the power of wit and how it can enhance and deepen a relationship.

It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the true meaning of love.

Overall, "Old Love" is a remarkable short story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read.
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