Skip to main content

A Prisoner of Birth

A Prisoner of Birth is the latest belted out by Jeffrey Archer. After reading books like Not a penny more Not a penny less and Kane and Abel,(Actually I've read all his books) this book disappointed me a little because it looked like it was the modern Count of Monte Cristo(Alexandre Dumas). Archer has himself stated that A Prisoner of Birth has been inspired from The Count of Monte Cristo, but since I had enjoyed the latter, I also liked the former, albeit in a somewhat different manner.
The story starts with that of a happy young man Danny Cartwright,who is getting engaged to his long-time lover Beth and also becomes the head of the garage in which he works, and which is owned by his betrothed's father. To celebrate the occasion, the trio comprising of the young couple and Beth's brother Bernie, also Danny's best friend go to a pub. But things go awry and they get engaged in a brawl with four other men in the same bar, who call themselves The Musketeers. In the process, one of the Musketeers kills Bernie and in an attempt to save him, Danny gets injured and covered in blood. The only witness to what truly happened is only Beth, whose alimony doesn't count in the court and the barman, who is paid to keep his mouth shut. As a result, Danny is sent to prison for 22 yrs.

His cellmates are Nicholas Morceiff and Big Al, and the story goes on about how he spends his time in jail, Beth's visits, a failed reappeal, his growing friendship with Nick and how he learns all that Nick has to teach him, for instance to read and write and how to conduct himself. Just a few days before Nick's release, he gets killed by another prisonmate, who kills him mistakenly as Danny Cartwright due to their close resemblance. So Danny replaces Nick and gets out of prison, and first sorts out Nick's family problems as his uncle tries to take over the property and estate left to him by his grandfather. Also the way he avenges the injustice rendered to him by the Musketeers with the help of his lawyer Alex forms the further narration of the book.

The book is definitely well written and if this is the modern Count of Monte Cristo, I'm certain there can't have been a better one. So I'd recommend reading it atleast once, on a free evening with a cuppa tea/coffee in one hand and the book in other, not that I read it that way :-)
Labels:

Comments

Mel said…
Hey Arjun, thanks for dropping by at my blog. You're blog is awesome, so nice to find a place with grate books reviews. I will come back more often. Meanwhile, feel free to check my other blog as well: http://mel-brazil.blogspot.com

Take care.
Mel
September 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Vedang said…
personally, i like the count of monte cristo better! :D jeffrey archer doesn't write great stories, but he has a knack for writing them in a very easy-to-get, engaging way.
His best, I feel, were Not a Penny More, and Kane & Abel
September 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Akansha Agrawal said…
@vedang
Yeah it had a certain feel to it, and being a fan of everything French(the old culture),I did enjoy it immensely.
October 1, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Post a Comment

Also read

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
1 comment
Read more

The Camel Club by David Baldacci

A twisty conspiracy, a vigilante group, and a world-shaking terrorist plot—David Baldacci’s The Camel Club delivers intrigue, tension, and surprises. This review explores its highs, lows, and what makes it a must-read. Also, don’t miss recommendations for five thrilling reads to curl up with this December. What Makes The Camel Club A Gripping read? David Baldacci’s The Camel Club is a masterclass in blending suspense, action, and political intrigue. Set in the heart of Washington, D.C., the story follows Oliver Stone and his ragtag group of conspiracy theorists. They witness a chilling murder, setting off a chain reaction that reaches the corridors of power. Alongside Secret Service agent Alex Ford and intelligence chief Carter Gray, we’re drawn into a labyrinth of plots within plots. Who Are The Camel Club, and Why should You Care? The titular club is a quirky mix of outcasts, each bringing unique skills to the table. At the centre is Oliver Stone, an enigmatic man with a shadowy p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Who the F Are You? by Harinder Singh Pelia — A sharp, kind kick to become unignorable | Book review

In this impatiently kind review I walk you through Harinder Singh Pelia's Who the F Are You?  a short practical guide to finding your unfair advantage and making it impossible to ignore. The book pairs a Minimum Viable Self framework with bite sized exercises and honest case studies. If you want clarity without theatre, this book gives you a plan. Have you ever felt invisible despite working hard? What is the book about in a few lines? The book's central promise is simple: find your unfair advantage, sharpen it and make it impossible to ignore. Pelia lays out a five step process built around the Minimum Viable Self framework. Rather than offering lofty pep talk, the book gives short exercises, prototypes and feedback loops so readers can test how they show up. It is candid, occasionally blunt, and emphatically practical. Harinder Singh Pelia’s Who the F Are You?  was published in 2025 by Penguin, the hardback spans 206 pages and wears its intent on its sleeve. The co...
Post a Comment
Read more