Love, Life and Emotion are the key ingredients of any Archer novel. And all of them have been put to good use in this epic saga about the rags to riches story of a costermonger’s grandson. For those of you who have read ‘Kane and Abel’, this might seem like a rather cheap imitation; but I have to admit it inspires the same emotions and evokes the same gripping suspense as the former; the only thing it lacks is perhaps the stunning Archer climax. Overall, I would definitely rate this book as one among the five best books, a wonderful read!!!
Charlie Trumper, the grandson of a costermonger has no visions with his life. The only thing he dreams of doing is to push his barrow and sell fruits for the rest of his life. And his childhood ambition is to own the world’s biggest barrow that sells everything. This is his story, the coming to age of a young boy. The little boy, who once sold oranges on the street with his grandfather, is catapulted into the first Great War. And, from then on, he never looks back as he sets out to achieve his childhood ambition. Through ups and downs, he builds up his own empire. On the way, he discovers love and friendship not to mention some enemies. But young Charlie overcomes all odds to retain both his love as well as his dream.
Just as all seems to be going well, an old enemy resurfaces and promises to destroy everything Charlie has ever treasured. And, Charlie has to once again rise to face the challenges and hurdles that life puts forth in front of him or risk losing everything he spent his whole lifetime in achieving…..
The story is basically a ‘Rags to Riches’ fiction. But what is impressive is the way the story is crafted and put forth. It’s about facing the difficulties life hurls at you, about overcoming all odds and about fulfilling your dreams whatever the cost.
Or as Archer puts it,
“ If your Dream is big enough, not even your enemies can stop you”.