The Master Storyteller

“Filibustering” is a well-known piece of political chicanery in which a speaker attempts to kill off a debate by talking non-stop until time runs out.

After watching him in action during the 5 Live Book Review I can confirm that the former MP and now peer of the realm Jeffrey Archer is a master of this dark art. 

Archer’s latest blockbuster Paths of Glory was one of the books myself, Joel Morris and Boyd Hilton were due to dissect on the Simon Mayo book review. 

Outside the studio, however, it became clear that this was news to both the Master Storyteller and his white-faced publicist, who thought they had been invited for a cosy chat with the stand-in presenter, Colin Murray. 

Unfazed at the prospect of having his book torn to shreds by the often acerbic 5 Live reviewers, Archer dealt with the problem as only a politician of 40 years’ standing can – by not allowing anyone else to get a word in. It was a virtuoso performance and one that I must remember if I ever get invited back on the show. 

He began – brilliantly – during the sports bulletin, interrupting a report about the Australian Grand Prix to ask his own questions of the bemused journalist, thereby extending the bulletin and eating into his own review time. 

Next he was asked to give a brief précis of his novel, which is a dramatised account of the mountaineer George Mallory’s doomed attempt to conquer Everest in 1924. 

When I was asked the same question when BAIT was reviewed I managed to splutter for about 30 seconds before lapsing into grateful silence. 

Archer, by contrast, was still going 10 minutes later. Perhaps Colin Murray should have shut him down, but he, like us, had been reduced to a narcotic dream state by The Master Storyteller. 

Suddenly it was time for the travel – and I remember catching Joel Morris’s eye and wondering the same thing: was Archer about to ask a question about the roadworks on the Hangar Lane Gyratory? 

Finally the reviews could no longer be postponed. Boyd kicked off, only to find himself embroiled with Archer in a debate about the book’s cover. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Joel’s flow was similarly interrupted. 

By the time it was my turn, it was nearly 3.45pm, the other featured writer, Peter Murphy, hadn’t even been mentioned, and Archer was very nearly home and dry. 

Ironically, every review was positive. The Master Storyteller has written a few duds in his time, but Paths of Glory is a ripping yarn reminiscent of his Kane & Abel glory days – and he proved that he can still talk the hind legs off a donkey. 

Archer has his critics, but I rather liked him. And with millions of sales around the world, the old rogue is clearly doing something right.