A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer

Book Summary:

A Prisoner of Birth is a gripping thriller and legal drama by Jeffrey Archer, released in 2008. The story is a modern retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, set in contemporary England. The novel follows the life of Daniel Cartwright, a working-class man who is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.

Daniel, a young and promising man, is accused and convicted of the murder of his best friend, a crime he did not commit. The murder, which takes place in a posh London restaurant, involves a case of mistaken identity and a vicious betrayal. Daniel is sentenced to 22 years in prison, but he is determined to seek revenge and clear his name. During his time in prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, an old man named Solly, who helps him in the process of plotting his escape and eventual revenge.

After escaping from prison, Daniel takes on a new identity as “Jules,” using his resources and intellect to infiltrate the upper echelons of society. His journey leads him to exact revenge on those who wronged him, using clever manipulations, strategy, and legal maneuvering. Along the way, Daniel also discovers the true story behind his wrongful conviction and confronts the men responsible for framing him.

The novel explores themes of justice, revenge, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature. As Daniel works to destroy those who betrayed him, he learns that revenge is a double-edged sword, and the pursuit of justice is not always as straightforward as it seems.

About the Author: 

Jeffrey Archer is a British author, politician, and former businessman, born on April 15, 1940, in London, England. He is known for his compelling storytelling, often weaving intricate plots filled with twists, turns, and suspense. Archer's writing spans a wide range of genres, including thrillers, historical fiction, and legal dramas, and he has achieved worldwide success with many of his novels.

Archer’s career in politics has been just as high-profile as his writing career. He served as a Member of Parliament, the Mayor of London, and even as the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. His political career, however, was marred by scandal, leading to his conviction for perjury and false accounting in the early 2000s, which resulted in him serving a prison sentence.

Despite the controversies surrounding his political career, Archer has found immense success as an author. His debut novel, Kane and Abel (1979), is considered one of his finest works and became an international bestseller. Some of his other notable works include The Clifton Chronicles series, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, and The Prodigal Daughter. Many of his novels, including A Prisoner of Birth, feature themes of ambition, power, betrayal, and revenge.

Archer's works have sold over 300 million copies worldwide, and he remains a significant figure in contemporary fiction. His ability to craft suspenseful and entertaining stories has earned him a loyal following, despite his tumultuous personal history.