A prisoner of birth by Jeffrey Archer

"A prisoner of birth", by Jeffrey Archer. This book is published in 2008 by Saint Martin's paperback and has 624 pages. It is said that this is a contemporary retelling of Alexander Dumas' Count of Monte Christo.

Danny Cartwright, a young man from working class, is celebrating his engagement with Beth along with his best friend and Beth's brother Bernie in a bar, when a fight breaks up with a group of four guys. Bernie is stabbed by the leader of group (Craig), and dies. Police surprisingly charge Danny for murdering his best friend. It becomes evident that the four guys come from upper crust of society and the leader, Craig, is a lawyer.

Jury finds Danny guilty and he is sentenced to Belmarsh prison for 22 years. His pregnant girlfriend gives birth to a baby girl. One of the four upper crust guys, a drug addict, commits suicide when he is arrested on drug charges. Danny finds two good friends in prison and collects evidence of innocence with their help, but the court does not admit it on some technical ground. Danny is sent back to prison for 22 years.

This is when an opportunity presents and Danny escapes the prison. Now he assumes the identity of Sir Nicolas Moncreif. His objective: Retribution. His desire is to make the upper crust guys pay for what they have done. However he can not meet his girlfriend, daughter or family as he is dead for the world.

How does he get out of maximum security prison? What will Danny do? Will his deception be uncovered? Will he be recognized? Will he go back to prison? Will he be entangled in the affairs of real Sir Nicolas Moncreif? Will he take his revenge? Can he reunite with his girlfriend? Will the end be happy or sad?

Most of the story takes place in England. Surprisingly Danny finds a lot of God guys in prison. So many good guys in prison now a days is novelty. Human side of law enforcing officials is shown without exaggeration. Author has shown his unwavering faith in English judicial system. Retribution is shown as a just action and not as vengeance.

Jeffrey Archer has delivered a best seller after a while. The story is spicy and written without complicating it. Reader knows how it will end and can read it without worrying about the end. This is one of the books where you know the destination and can enjoy the journey.

Author has started slowly and built-up the momentum until the climax. The characters are sufficiently developed and suit the story. Punches are delivered nonchalantly and as the end comes close you do not want to keep the book down.

A good book. Recommend reading.