Book review: A Prisoner of Birth

Jeffrey Archer's latest offering makes for a riveting read but lacks the controversial author-turned politician's magical touch..

I have always been a great fan of Jeffrey Archer's novels. Not only are they riveting reads but they also give us an insight into the various facets of a common man's personality and the extent he can go to earn a large sum of money, save himself from the law or seek revenge.

Twists and turns

True to its name, A Prisoner of Birth has all these characteristics and much more. It revolves around garage mechanic Danny Cartwright, an East End cockney, who proposes to his childhood sweetheart Beth Wilson. After Beth accepts Danny's proposal, they go to a nearby pub to celebrate with Bernie, Beth's brother. Four Cambridge University graduates - Spencer Craig, Lawrence Davenport, Gerald Payne, and Toby Mortimer, who call themselves the Musketeers make a pass at Beth.

Infuriated, Danny picks up a fight with the quartet. Eventually, one of the four guys stabs Bernie to death. Danny is held accused by the court and sentenced to 22 years of imprisonment at Belmarsh prison, one of the highest security prisons in the world. This is where the actual story begins.

At the prison, Danny shares a cell with Nicholas Moncrieff, a sophisticated British man. He educates Danny but is eventually murdered in the prison. Danny pretends to be Nicholas who leaves him his huge fortune. How Danny escapes the prison and proves his innocence forms the main crux of the story.

Thumbs up

The narrative is fast-paced. Archer tells us Danny and Nicholas's story brilliantly. As you read the novel, you feel you are actually watching a Hollywood film. Archer uses simple, lucid language and evocative imagery which helps the reader visualise the entire plot.

Thumbs down

But the problem lies with the sub-plot of Nicholas's uncle which dampens the pace to a certain extent. Once this plot's loose ends are tied up, Archer again takes us back to Danny's revenge plot. The renowned author builds it up like a perfect crescendo. But just when you think, the story couldn't be more perfect, the pace slackens again.

The climax leaves you surprised. Though Danny, Nicholas, Beth and Spencer Craig's characters are well-sketched, the other characters are not fully developed; they leave much to be desired.

Parting shot

Over all, the book leaves you glued to your seat but is not as impressive as Archer's earlier works. A Prisoner of Birth makes for a good one time read.