A Prison Diary

This is a deep and thought-provoking book. Author Jeffrey Archer never hides his background - he's a millionaire jet-setting author, and a former politician who was convicted and sent to prison on very flimsy evidence in a perjury case. His dry British humor is delightful, especially when he's quoting rap lyrics heard from the inmate down the hall who insists on playing his music at full volume, usually in the middle of the night. Yet this book is also serious, with Archer realizing that he has what most prisoners don't - a supportive and intact family, a career, and a network of loyal friends. Most impressive is when Archer ponders the fate of the other inmates he meets during his first two weeks in prison. Many are illiterate and drug addicted. Others are, like Archer, imprisoned for what seem to be ridiculous crimes - driving without a proper license, a financial crime in which full restitution was made. He asks a valid question: what exactly is the value in sending these men to prison? More disturbing are the subtle indignities that Archer writes about. Asking a prison guard if he can take a shower before his lawyers arrive for a visit, and being told no, simply because the guard is a major a--hole. He's also denied a shower before his family comes for a visit, and he settles for shaving and washing himself in the same plastic bowl that he uses for his cereal. In a civilized nation, a man's dignity should still be respected, even when he is a prisoner, and especially when he is being incarcerated for a non-violent crime. The author asks more questions than he answers, and this book is worth reading for anyone who has an interest in the criminal justice system.

Prison Diary is, by far, one of the most interesting books I have ever read. While some believe that Archer is egocentric (he does talk about himself quite a bit), I believe this adds importance to the story. Archer was part of the political system, yet he had no idea how horribly the prisons were run. He is now experiencing day to day life in the highest security prison in England. For a first-time offender, that has to be extremely overwhelming! He may complain about his conditions and the ordeals of his daily life, but wouldn't you if you were given a four year sentence for something that should have only gotten community service? His stories of the drug dealings, the prisoners inside the "lifers" wing, and the problems the guards face bring a new insight into prison life. Because Archer was not the "typical" con, everyone felt as if they could talk to him, thus, making this a well-rounded novel on the system. Overall, this is a well-written novel sure to shake things up a bit.

How does a Peer of the Realm and former Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, sentenced to four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, cope with the initial 21 days in Belmarsh (Hellmarsh) High Security (Category A) Prison, where many of the inmates are murderers serving life sentences? What is most striking is that, apart from the one volley of threatening abuse which he reports, the other prisoners are quite friendly to him, and they seem to welcome the interest he takes in them and their stories (which they know will figure in his Prison Diary, the keeping of which kept him sane). Archer shows great compassion for most of them, and he receives a touching letter from one of the inmates, telling him that this has not gone unnoticed. It is astonishing how some of them looked after him, and how much they trusted him. They told him not only their stories, but also all the tricks of how to cope, and even of how and why drugs are introduced into prisons. That long section alone should be an eye-opener for the innocent reader. One would think responsible ministers and prison authorities know all about this - but one does wonder. (See also my review on Vols. II and III)

Thanks to the great novelist, Jeffrey Archer, for enlightening me about some of the terrible (and yes, even humane) goings-on in a men's prison. I'm not sure things are the same in American prisons...I have a feeling there's a bit more common courtesy afforded prisoners in Great Britain. Still - I learned a lot - and we need to learn about this hidden world. We stash people away - many who don't deserve it, and certainly not the harsh sentences and conditions such as Archer himself was subjected to, for the minor charge he was convicted of. Whether guilty or not, he did not deserve to be sentenced to four years with hardened criminals and "lifers." I don't agree with the critics here who accuse him of egotism and grand-standing on his own behalf. I like him a lot, and can't wait to read his other books, now that I know the man. I think he's a very loveable, caring person, and has performed a great service with his "Prison Diary."

Jeffrey Archer gives a great insight into the UK prison systems which is certainly a punishment.For anybody wishing to learn about prison and have an interest in this subject I highly recommned it. Those fans of Jeffrey Archer or even to those that do not have any interest I recommened this book. It reaffirms that prison are a suitable punishment for crimes however there can be improvements.Read this first book and a I guarantee you will get hooked and read all 3 that will be published.