Jeffrey Archer Reflects on Marriage, Career, and Final Novel

Jeffrey Archer, the internationally acclaimed novelist, has announced the release of his final novel, "Adam & Eve," set during World War II. The book, published next month, is described by Archer as his most ambitious and best work to date. He states that at 86, he feels unable to undertake another project of this scale, choosing to conclude his writing career on a high note. Archer writes all his novels in longhand with a felt-tip pen and has stipulated in his will that no posthumous works be published to avoid disappointing his readers.

In a candid interview, Archer, known for his prolific output and vibrant personality, also spoke about his 60-year marriage to Dame Mary Archer, an eminent scientist. Despite acknowledging his own flirtatious nature and past infidelities, which were publicly documented, he credits their enduring union to a deep mutual respect and a shared philosophy on facing life's challenges. Dame Mary, who has herself overcome bladder cancer, commented that there are "worse things in life than infidelity," citing illness and debt as greater marital hardships. The couple faced near bankruptcy in 1974 when Archer lost his savings, a crisis that Dame Mary helped them navigate by securing a teaching position at Cambridge University.

Archer's career, marked by over 300 million book sales worldwide, has funded a significant art collection and multiple homes. However, Dame Mary is gradually selling off pieces from this collection to benefit her charities, including a children's hospital in Cambridge. The couple, who have two sons and five grandchildren, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a large party at their second home in Grantchester, Cambridge.

Reflecting on his past, Archer mentioned ambitions he didn't fulfill, such as winning an Olympic gold medal or becoming Mayor of London. He had been a candidate for Mayor of London but resigned after lying in a libel case. Despite critical reviews, his readers have consistently applauded his storytelling prowess. He acknowledges that his genre of writing might not win literary prizes but asserts that strong sales indicate audience satisfaction. He also touched upon his two-year prison sentence for perjury and perverting the course of justice, noting that he used his time to write diaries that later became bestsellers. He recounted being protected in prison by a fellow inmate and maintained friendships with individuals he met during that period, including a murderer he visited for five years after his release.

Archer also reminisced about his close friendship with former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who appointed him deputy chairman of the Conservative Party. Thatcher was a frequent guest at their Christmas parties. The couple has recently held the final iterations of these gatherings and their garden parties, marking a new chapter as Archer concludes his writing career. Despite the limitations of aging, Archer maintains a zest for life, particularly appreciating intelligent and capable women, and remains an active participant in cultural pursuits like cricket and theatre. He and Dame Mary continue to maintain active lifestyles, engaging in activities such as swimming and gym workouts.