A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
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Book Reviews of A Prisoner of Birth
Book Review: Archer bounces back with a brilliant bestseller
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been reading Archer's books since the age of 13 (yes, they are that readable) and at 24 still open each new novel with much anticipation (yes, the plots continue to entertain).
But of late I've been disappointed. Sons Of Fortune was a chore to complete (perhaps I expected another Kane and Abel). False Impression was slightly better and Cat O'Nine Tales was alright. But I started to wonder if we would ever see another As The Crow Flies (in my opinion, that was his last truly remarkable book).
Then came A Prisoner Of Birth. Written in the simple style which Archer is known (and panned by critics) for, its riveting storyline captures the reader's attention from the very first chapter (I won't say page - that's a bit of a stretch). This was one book I found myself reading whenever I could - before bed, during meals and yes, in the bathroom.
I won't talk about the plot, as there are many first-class reviews on Amazon.com that already do. But I will say that I particularly enjoyed the many sub-plots scattered throughout the novel. There are always a few intriguing mysteries that appear and are resolved after a few chapters. This results in a sprinkling of 'little twists' that the reader gets to savour every now and then.
All in all, to paraphrase the protagonist, this novel is a 'real diamond', one that made me chuckle, cry and curse. It's probably Archer's finest since Kane and Abel. To quote another of the characters - 'Chapeau, Archer'.
Book Review: Modern day spin on a tale similar to The Count of Monte Cristo
Summary: 5 Stars
A modern day spin on the premise of The Count of Monte Cristo. Two men share a jail cell--one from the wrong part of London, convicted for a murder he didn't commit and the other an aristocrat jailed for a dereliction of duty in the military. Ironically, they look enough alike to be brothers. During confinement, they become close friends. The aristocrat takes it upon himself to teach Danny, an uneducated laborer, to read and schools him in the manners of a gentleman. When something unprecedented happens, Danny takes over his friend Nicholas' identity, assets and freedom via a parole Nicholas had earned. What happens from that time on, is a tapestry of events, challenges, joys and much more, woven so expertly by Sir Jeffrey Archer. The intrigue is great, the twists present the unexpected and it is a book I could read over several times, each time discovering another nuance.
ARLISS ADAMS
www.devils-dance.com
The Twist of Fate series
Devil's Dance
The Devil's Due
Book Review: A BOOK YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN!
Summary: 5 Stars
I actually listened to the audio version, which was extremely well done. It's unabridged, thirteen cassettes, and I couldn't wait to get in my car to listen to the next installment. Think a modern day Count of Monte Cristo, with many added twists.
I liked it so much, that I'll read the print version, as well. Two men share a jail cell--one convicted for a murder he didn't commit and the other an aristocrat jailed for a dereliction of duty in the military. Ironically, they look enough alike to be brothers. During confinement, they become close friends. The aristocrat takes it upon himself to teach Danny, an uneducated laborer from the wrong part of London, to read and schools him in the manners of a gentleman. When something unprecedented happens, Danny takes over the identity, assets and freedom via parole, of his friend Nicholas. What happens from that time on, is a tapestry of events, challenges, joys and much more woven so expertly by Sir Jeffrey Archer.
I've always been a fan of his writing, and this is no exception. Be prepared to become addicted to this story and keenly interested in what happens to the characters. An excellent read!
[...]
Book Review: Good Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Our hero Danny Cartwright is celebrating his engagement to his love
Beth Wilson. He winds up in an altercation with four upper crust college
friends. His friend ernard Wilson is killed as a result.He is actually killed by Spencer Craig. He belongs to a group called the Musketeers. This group is made up of Spencer Craig a lawyer,Gerald Payne a real estate person,Lawrence Davenport an actor. and Toby Mortimer a drug addict. The Musketeers testify against Danny Cartwright and he is convicted. He is sentenced yto Belmarsh a tough prison. Hiscellmate is Nick Moncrief. Moncrief teaches Danny how to read and actually educates Danny. Nick is killed in prison and in a case of mistaken identity Danny
takes his place. He is released from prison early. He immediately begins planning his vengance. You are treated to courtroom drama,financial shenanigans and many other exploits by Danny as he becomes Nick Moncrief.
There is also a surprise end ing. An excellent book.
Book Review: A normal day.......
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a fan of Jeffrey Archer since Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less and I too agree that he is one of the best story tellers today.
The back cover states, "the author spent five years in the House of Commons, sixteen years in the House of Lords and two years in Her Majesty's prisons...." This book was written after that time spent in prison in which he kept extensive diaries.
Prisoner of Birth is a fascinating story about two mates/friends that were celebrating at a pub and one of them ended up dead and the other ended up in prison. He weaves together the life in prison, the lives of police, the lives of lawyers, the lives of judges, the life of parole boards and the lives of everyday normal people.
You will find this book hard to put down and you will wonder what kind of movie it will turn out to be.