A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
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Book Reviews of A Prisoner of Birth
Book Review: A Confession...
Summary: 4 Stars
Let's start with a quick confession: I read this novel without the slightest idea that it's a modern-day retelling of the "Count of Monte Cristo." More importantly, I've never read "The Count" nor seen it performed on the stage. In fact, I don't even know the basic storyline. Shame on me.
That said, I must say that I enjoyed "A Prisoner of Birth" and would recommend it to others -- if only for the wonderful British accents and highly inventive plot. Pick it up for your next vacation or plane trip.
THE STORY UNFOLDS: Our hero, Danny Cartwright, is a kind-hearted but illiterate East End mechanic when his best friend (and future brother-in-law) Bernie is suddenly murdered outside a pub. Danny is falsely accused by three aristocratic nasties and he ends up in Belmarsh Prison. By a simple twist of fate, Danny is incarcerated with a disgraced Scottish army officer named Nick Moncrieff and his big lunk of an Army friend. Nick encourages Danny to study and refine his manners. Following the unfortunate demise of Sir Nicholas, Danny assumes Nick's identity - just as he's about to be paroled.
Now free from prison, Danny proceeds to battle Nick's corrupt uncle Hugo Moncrieff for his grandfather's enormous fortune and world-class stamp collection. Meanwhile, he's also plotting revenge against his three rich accusers. Enter a host of lesser players, including various Swiss bankers, policemen, actors and lawyers. Stir this mix and you end up with an highly entertaining -- and very unpredictable -- denouement.
Fine stuff indeed. Thank you, Jeffrey Archer. Now I'll have to read the "Count of Monte Cristo" so I won't have to hang my head in shame for the rest of eternity.
Book Review: A classic tale
Summary: 4 Stars
The UK paperback edition's backcover hosts an exerpt from the Sunday Time's review of this book according to which Mr. Archer is "well placed to be the British John Grisham". This might be partly true in the sense that the legal technicalities of the trials Danny - the main character - is subjected to are finely explained and presented in a way which is never boring. However, this statement is also inaccurate as whereas Mr. Grisham's books often denounce the moral and systemic corruption of the US Legal system, in this book judges, lawyers and even prison institutions are mostly depicted as highly moral pillars of society...obviously with the exception of Mr. Spenser Craig, QC whom the reader will soon discover to be a veritable black sheep of his profession. The character of Mr. Frasier Munro, a Scottish lawyer who assists Danny in connection with his succession troubles brings the reader back to a concept of the legal profession which unfortunately I believe has long disappeared when lawyers still had a truly intense personal relationship with their clients and sincerely cared for them. The book has some slow passages, not many though. The last 50 pages are truly engaging, to be swallawed in half an hour intense page turning. Overall a very good read.Book Review: Relentlessly entertaining
Summary: 4 Stars
My first Archer. I know he went to jail, even though he's a peer of the realm. That's what democracy is all about. His detailed account of the prison life has the authentic touch. Some of the reviewers have mentioned the plot twists as predictable. Sure, once you read it, you think, of course! But before that, you are turning pages like an addict.
It is already blazoned across the book cover and inside, it is a modern reworking of The Count of Monte Cristo. Actually there is a good measure of the Three Musketeers: One for All; All for one, which actually is the main theme of the first part of the plot, leading to the Dantes revenge.
Characters are nice handled. But it is an action story and thank god, he spares us the usual fillers which go by the name of fleshing out the characters. Good old fashioned villains and virtuous protagonists. Danny, Moncreif and Big Al are another three musketeers. It's a pity . . . but no I will not spoil the pleasure of your reading through it. Old fasioned and greatly entertaining. Perfect to curl up with, either inside the bed during winter or on the beach during summer.
Book Review: A Prisoner of Archer
Summary: 4 Stars
Archer's retelling of Dumas' Monte Cristo keeps one a prisoner of the book until the very end. Of course, the story is hopelessly fantastic, improbable and exhilarating. One gets to love the characters, and all along hopes that the plot turns out well for the survivors. At times, the read is actually funny. One feature I found highly interesting is Archer's depiction of class difference and distinction. London Eastenders and Westenders are portrayed wonderfully as their personifications clash. Archer relies very much on the language used by people coming from diverse parts of the same city and on how they are likely to behave. What may surprise the reader is how he makes this pivotal to the successful outcome of his story. Then there are also the twists and turns of the story, which make it truly enjoyable. It is fun.Book Review: An old Archer fan is getting skeptical
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been reading Jeffrey Archer books for twenty years, and enjoyed this one, but found it to lack the deep and careful character development that was the shining feature of books like Kane & Abel, the Prodigal Daughter, and As the Crow Flies. The villains are villainous--and deliciously so--while the heroes are heroic--and creatively so--but none of the characters are truly knowable.
Archer's creative plot construction is alive and well as he improvises on Dumas, and the book deserves four stars when stacked against generally competitive fiction, but it is not one of the stars of Archer's canon.