May Book of the Month

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas was the inspiration for this outstanding novel of suspense. Like Edmund Dantes, the principal character in the classic 1844 novel, Danny Cartwright is on top of the world. His childhood sweetheart Beth Wilson has agreed to marry him. They decide to celebrate with style and meet Beth’s brother Bernie in a tavern on the right side of town. A terrible tragedy occurs on this memorable evening, and Danny is unfairly sentenced to a crime that he did not commit. Also, like Edmund Dantes, Danny escapes from prison and through both meticulous planning and a little luck Danny puts into action a plan to seek revenge and bring down those individuals who ruined his life. Throughout the ordeal Beth never wavers in her support of Danny. Where others have doubt, she knows that he is innocent, and it is her love that keeps focussed on the path to right some terrible wrongs.

A brilliant novel of revenge and redemption. Archer writes prison scenes with great authority. Archer was found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at a 1987 trial and was sentenced to four years in prison. Like Nick Moncrief, a principal character in the novel, Archer also kept a prison diary. The secret world of Swiss banking is also revealed in the novel. Highly recommended. (HPL Librarian Review)