Product Description

In 1951 Dan Archer, with his wife Doris, looked over the farm and their grown up children, Jack, Philip and Christine with hope for the future. The farm would be the least of his worries over the years as he watched his children make their way in the world. Phil, finally married Grace, daughter of the local landowner, George Fairbrother - but the marriage was destined to end in tragedy Christine had no trouble attracting men, but finding the right one was another matter. And when she finally married would she ever be able to have the child she so desperately wanted? Jack, married to Londoner Peggy, had two daughters, Jennifer and Lillan, and a son, Tony. But Jack's chosen career of running The Bull would prove a disaster for a man with a weakness for drink. And young Jennifer's pregnancy by a father she refused to name would shock the whole family. "The Archers: Family Ties" introduces us to the events which started the longest running soap opera in the world and created a national institution.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #756143 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 322 pages

About the Author
Joanna Toye worked on the production team of 'The Archers' for nine years between 1980 and 1995, and began writing for the drama in 1984. Her previous books include the 'Dangerfield' novelization, 'Shula's Story', and 'The Archers Trilogy'.

Customer Reviews

Nicely done once more but...
As with the other two volumes in this set, the amount of plot to get through is staggering and yet compellingly written. These stories I'm more familiar with from the program and the adaptation is strong and recalls the show without harming the novelization's flow.

My only complaint is that this volume leaves us short of the 50th anniversary events in Ambridge. Hopefully there will be one more short volume recounting the "Inheritance" storyline.

Still, a wonderful read.

Compelling story with fascinating detail.
All the books in this trilogy are brilliant but Joanna Toye's really excelled herself with 'Back To The Land' which covers the years 1987-2000. It's compelling in its story and fascinating in recalling the detail of 'The Archers' plotlines from the past thirteen years. Having said that, it could stand alone as a great read even if you're not a fan of the Radio 4 soap - It's just a pity we've got to wait for another few years to pass before there can be another volume.

A sentimental journey through an epic story of a family.
An almost impossible task (16 years of an intricate storyline in one volume) elegantly accomplished by Ms. Toye. Having only had sporadic exposure to this wonderful radio drama, (at least until it can now be heard on the Internet live from BBC Radio 4), this book is a great guide to the characters and places even in today's show. (Jennifer's recent reaction to a photo of a boy named Paddy was significant after reading this book) I was most impressed by the detail which helped bring The Archers and their surrounds into my mind's eye. An enjoyable read for a rainy Sunday.