As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer - Book Review

Though published in 1991, I could lay my hands on its 2003 edition only recently. As usual, the narration is gripping and though one would like to finish reading it in one sitting, it is not possible because of the bulky nature of the book, unlike his earlier books. The story of a boy, who starts his life as a street vendor and by hard work, luck and a little bit of illegitimate activity, becomes a leading businessman. The progress through various phases, starting as his grandfather’s assistant behind the barrow, selling fruits in their area, going step by step to owing a shop and eventually a building complex is told by Archer in a vivid manner.

Growing up under the guidance of a hardheaded grandfather, and a permanently drunk father, Charlie learns the trick of the trade and takes over the grandpa costermonger business on his death. The three younger sisters and the eldest only five, he manages the household and the business. What is astonishing about the whole story is Archer’s knowledge of the trials and tribulations of the life of a street vendor. All the more so, for an aristocrat like Archer. As Charlie grows in stature and amasses wealth, he is helped by his female companions. Even as a costermonger, working with his grandfather he had innovative ideas to improve business, even if some of which were disasters. By showing Charlie as being unethical in improving his business, Archer brings to light the usual practices of top business houses.

From successful acquisitions of shops against the machinations of his rivals to building an enormous shopping complex, Charlie is depicted as a man with purpose, but all the time keeping his grandfather as his mentor. The human side, with his love for his family of mother and sisters, revenge when cheated apart from his ambition is all part of the story. His sense of not forgetting those who helped when he was in dire financial straits shows what a complex character Archer has painted in Charlie. All the other characters are in the story, only to highlight the multifaceted nature of Charlie bringing out his true character.