As the Crow Flies

About As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer

As the Crow Flies is a sweeping historical novel by Jeffrey Archer, first published in 1991 by HarperCollins. It follows Charlie Trumper, a boy from London’s East End who grows up with big dreams and a simple belief that an honest trader can make a name for himself. If you like family sagas that cover decades and carry you through a changing century, As the Crow Flies is a rewarding choice. Please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock, including the number of pages and the edition.

Lafz Bookstore in Srinagar stocks popular English novels for readers across Kashmir and India, and this Archer title is a long-time favourite on our shelves.

What As the Crow Flies is about

The story begins in the early twentieth century in the poor streets of the East End of London. Charlie Trumper dreams of running a fruit and vegetable barrow, as his grandfather did. When his grandfather dies, Charlie inherits a struggling business and, with the help of an enterprising friend, sets out to build a good name as an honest trader. The novel then spans more than sixty years, moving through the years before and during the First World War and reaching into other countries and continents. We will not reveal what happens along the way, so that you can enjoy each turn yourself.

Themes in the novel

• The rise from humble beginnings through hard work and determination
• Honesty and reputation in business, and what a good name is worth
• The way one generation’s choices affect the next
• Friendship, love and loyalty across class lines
• Life in a world that changes quickly around ordinary families

About the author

Jeffrey Archer is a British author whose novels have been read by millions around the world. He is known for generous plots, memorable characters and a storyteller’s gift for keeping a reader engaged from the first page. As the Crow Flies shows his talent for the long family saga, where the reader spends years with the same people and grows attached to them.

Why As the Crow Flies is worth your time

Historical fiction can teach as much as a textbook if it is written well. Through the story of one family, the reader sees how ordinary people lived in London in the early 1900s, how trade and markets worked, and how the First World War touched every household. The idea that honesty is the best foundation for a business is a lesson that appeals to students, shopkeepers and readers of every age. The book is also a good pick for anyone who wants to read a long novel in English, since the language is clear and the chapters carry the reader along.

Who should read this book

• Readers who love family sagas and historical fiction
• Fans of Jeffrey Archer who want a longer, richer story
• Students and young professionals who enjoy stories about building something from nothing
• Anyone looking for an engaging English novel to read over several weeks
• Book clubs and libraries that want a discussion-worthy title

How to enjoy the book

Because the novel covers many years, it helps to keep a short note of the main characters and the years in which important events happen. Read a few chapters at a time and let the story build. If a historical reference is unfamiliar, a quick search about the period adds to the pleasure. For a book club, ask each member what they think a good name in business means today and whether the idea of the honest trader still holds true.

A gift that lasts

A substantial novel is a generous gift. It suits a graduation, a new job or a birthday for a friend who enjoys storytelling. It also makes a valuable addition to a school, college or community library.

Edition details

Title: As the Crow Flies. Author: Jeffrey Archer. Language: English. First published in 1991. For the publisher, edition and page count of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar. Delivery takes about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days in the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote As the Crow Flies? The author is Jeffrey Archer.

What is the book about? It tells the story of Charlie Trumper, an East End trader, and follows his life and family over many decades.

Is it a standalone novel? It is a single, complete story, so you can read it on its own.

How quickly will it arrive? We dispatch the same day from Srinagar. Delivery is about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days across the rest of India.

Looking for more English books like this? Browse our English Literature collection or explore all Literature & Fiction. Follow Lafz Bookstore on Instagram for new arrivals and book recommendations.