Customer Reviews

A Prisoner of Birth

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A Prisoner of Birth, the newest novel by Jeffrey Archer, is a fantastic book! In true Archer style, he lays out a compelling story that envelopes the reader from the very first pages. Framed for a crime he did not commit, Danny Cartwright is sentenced to 22 years in prison. Using his time wisely, he vows to reclaim his life and inflict revenge on those who put him in prison. The characters in this book are rich and well developed. Jeffrey Archer always has a way of surprising the reader and he does it several times - each brilliantly - in this book. I have read every novel by Archer and I feel this is one of his very best since his early days as a writer. A thick volume, this book is over 400 pages - but the time spent with every page is well worth it. While some books are lacking in the completeness of their stories, this one is a full, satisfying book. Archer is a world class author!

I enjoyed this book as I have other Jeffery Archer stories. Full of detail and well told with an unexpected twist at the end

I have read most of his books and I must say this one is one of the best I have read

Archer comes up with another gem in A Prisoner of Birth. Showing that even in these modern times, the class system in the UK is still in effect, Archer pens a tale where a supposedly lower class person gets the best of the upper class. Apparently, this story is a retelling or re-visioning of the Dumas classic The Count of Monte Cristo, but since I've never read that one, I can't comment.

However, this story does stand on its own. The characters are complex, Archer gives just enough detail that the surprises later in the story bring you back to the events that happened. The book is engaging and intriguing and one can't put it down as you just need to know what's going to happen next The story is intricately crafted and detailed and makes a lot of sense. The prison scenes are very realistic (probably based on Archer's own experience "serving" 2 years "in Her Majesty's prisons").

If you're intrigued at all by the outline of this story but not sure you want to read or purchase this book, do. You won't be disappointed. This one could easily be made into a movie and would do well. Hey, there's an idea and hopefully it happens.

Sir Jeffrey has come through with another sizzler of a crime story, as only he can effortlessly produce. The plot covers the life and times of Danny Cartwright, a young tradesperson in modern England, who becomes embroiled in an unfortunate set of circumstances that deprives him of his liberties and lands him in jail for the murder of his best friend. Archer very carefully and deliberately lays out the chain of events that will take Danny on one amazing journey to clear his name and get justice. Taking care of business along the way will include learning to control emotions, becoming more street smart, and patiently waiting for the right moment to mete out revenge on those who originally caused his downfall. What he plans is creative, artful, and suspenseful. As usual, Archer is a master at stitching together a complex tale based on a host of lively, interactive characters and a maze of intricate detail. As this novel was conceived while Archer was serving out his sentence for perjury, much of what he describes about the daily British prisons is credible. The following features may make this book worth reading:
A. the author tells an interesting and compelling story, in which most loose-ends are accounted for;
B. the story offers a lot of supporting detail to help the reader through passages like the various court hearings and trials;
C. the story encompasses a number of big legal issues along the way on matters related to inheritance and succession laws;
D. the story moves around the country and puts the reader in touch with various landmarks;
E. the story is a modern version of an old favourite, "The Count of Monte Cristo" .

As a mystery with lots of twists this is a great book. Very light read which is great as a travel book but will keep your interest. Chapters are very short which is another good reason it is great as a travel book or a great read when you are in a very busy time of life or work. The story is very good and all the differents twists keep your brain engaged. As a piece of literature it is not. Language is average and there's just enough descriptive passages for you to get an idea of character development. I did enjoy this book but as an very light read. Would pick another Archer book to take travelling with me.

This work of fiction is undeniably one of the most engrossing, powerful and head-spinning I have read in a long time. The story flows well even though it is predictable at times. I had to ignore the improbabilities to focus on the protagonist exploits. This novel caught me from the first pages with its numerous spins and turns and its great characterization. I quickly became hooked and had trouble putting it down.

Danny Cartwright, who was about to marry his childhood sweetheart, suddenly finds himself accused, convicted and incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. After being mentored by a cell mate, Danny puts his new found knowledge to work. He cleverly escapes under the radar, amasses a huge fortune, a title and plots revenge against those who framed him.

Some reviewers refer to this as a modern version of Alexander Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo". I do not know if this was Mr Archer's intention but he surely delivered a fascinating, edge of your seat thriller. This fiction is written with revenge and justice as its major themes, it is easy to sympathize with Danny.

This novel is a blast, an experience I recommend.

Jeffrey Archer's Prisoner of Birth is a real page turner and keeps readers guessing all the way till the end with gripping story (I spent 2 sleepless nights reading this!). It has great courtroom scenes at the beginning and end sandwiched between which are compelling in-depth dwelling of prison life and a nice impersonation story. The lead characters are likable and have interesting persona. The only negatives are few plot holes one of which is hard to ignore. Having read Archer's few novels, I can safely say this is his best after Kane and Abel.

Again, Archer did not disappoint. This book further solidified my love for Archer's fiction. Also provided one of the most profound quotes that have stuck with me.

I would recommend 1000 times. Great great novel.

One of the best books I have read in a long time. Liked the twists and turns in the story.