One-line Summary:

Be Careful What You Wish For is a thrilling novel that explores the consequences of making impulsive decisions and the power of greed.

A Glimpse into the World of Wealth and Power

In Be Careful What You Wish For, author Jeffrey Archer takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of high finance, political intrigue, and personal ambition. The story revolves around the lives of the Clifton and Barrington families, whose paths become intertwined through a series of unexpected events.

The novel is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time of great social and political change. The Cliftons, a working-class family, find themselves at the center of a power struggle when Harry Clifton, a talented writer, is elected as the president of the Barrington Shipping Company. As Harry tries to navigate the treacherous waters of the business world, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and corporate espionage.

The Consequences of Impulsive Decisions

One of the central themes of Be Careful What You Wish For is the idea that impulsive decisions can have far-reaching consequences. As the characters in the novel chase their dreams and desires, they often fail to consider the potential fallout of their actions.

For example, Emma Barrington, a talented artist, falls in love with a powerful and charismatic politician, Giles Barrington. Despite warnings from her family and friends, Emma marries Giles, only to discover that he is not the man she thought he was. Her impulsive decision to marry him leads to a series of personal and professional challenges that she must overcome.

Similarly, Harry Clifton’s decision to run for president of the Barrington Shipping Company has unintended consequences. As he delves deeper into the world of high finance, Harry becomes a target for those who seek to undermine him and take control of the company. His impulsive decision to pursue power and success puts not only his own life at risk but also the lives of those he loves.

The Power of Greed

Another prominent theme in Be Careful What You Wish For is the destructive power of greed. Throughout the novel, characters are driven by their insatiable desire for wealth, power, and success, often at the expense of others.

The Barrington family, in particular, is plagued by greed. Giles Barrington, a member of Parliament, is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family’s reputation and secure his own political future. His sister, Emma, becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception and manipulation as she tries to protect her own interests.

As the story unfolds, readers witness the devastating consequences of greed. Lives are ruined, relationships are shattered, and the pursuit of wealth and power proves to be a hollow and empty endeavor.

Key Takeaways:

• Impulsive decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
• Greed can lead to destruction and ruin.
• The pursuit of wealth and power often comes at a great personal cost.

“Be careful what you wish for, it may come true, but not in the way you expect.”

In Be Careful What You Wish For, Jeffrey Archer weaves a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions. Through the lives of the Clifton and Barrington families, the novel explores the dangers of impulsive decisions and the destructive power of greed. As readers delve into the world of wealth and power, they are reminded of the importance of considering the potential consequences of our desires and actions.