"Prisoner of Birth", by Jeffrey Archer

This work of fiction is undeniably one of the most engrossing, powerful and head-spinning I have read in a long time. The story flows well even though it is predictable at times. I had to ignore the improbabilities to focus on the protagonist exploits. This novel caught me from the first pages with its numerous spins and turns and its great characterization. I quickly became hooked and had trouble putting it down.

Danny Cartwright, who was about to marry his childhood sweetheart, suddenly finds himself accused, convicted and incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. After being mentored by a cell mate, Danny puts his new found knowledge to work. He cleverly escapes under the radar, amasses a huge fortune, a title and plots revenge against those who framed him.

Some reviewers refer to this as a modern version of Alexander Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo". I do not know if this was Mr Archer's intention but he surely delivered a fascinating, edge of your seat thriller. This fiction is written with revenge and justice as its major themes, it is easy to sympathize with Danny.

This novel is a blast, an experience I recommend.