Only Time Will Tell (2011) is 1st of the 7 books in the Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer.

Excellent.

The narrative spans the years 1920 to 1940, tracing the early life of protagonist Harry Clifton in Bristol, England. 

• The Mystery of Parentage: Raised by a single mother, Harry grows up believing his father died a war hero. He eventually discovers dark family secrets that tie him to the wealthy Barrington shipping dynasty, forcing him to question his true identity.
• A Changing Destiny: Though expected to follow his uncle into the grueling dockyards, Harry’s exceptional singing voice earns him a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, altering his future completely.
• The Outbreak of War: The novel follows Harry through his university years and culminates as the Second World War erupts, forcing him to choose between attending Oxford or enlisting to fight Nazi Germany.

The character I enjoyed most — of many — is Harry Clifton’s close friend and mentor, Old Jack Tar.

Wisdom personified.

Harry’s rise from poverty to high academic prowess is inspirational.

Cliffhanger ending …