Jefferey Archer. A Prisoner of Birth.

For the first time in many months, I read a book at a stretch.

It was undoubtedly an unputdownable book. This man, Archer, he has strong story telling ability.

For a time, as I read the book, I kept remembering pure story tellers like Alexander Dumas and Scott, whose stories pack sheer adventure and heroics of the most unexpected and romantic kind.

These books appeal to those whose visual intelligence is strong. Archer's new book is brilliant in capturing the events and bringing them before one's eyes . One can see the escapes, the murder, the courtroom scenes, the pathos of love, the imprisonment, the term at the prison, the old world humour that is intelligent and a wronged man's focussed attempt to wreak revenge on his enemies - all unfolding before one's eyes.

Pure cinema in print.

The craft of writing absorbing stories is losing its innocence. Jeffrey Archer retains that innocence and sweetness of moral fibre and old world values. There are several places where one is caught chortling, chuckling, smiling and in general, nodding one's head in emphasis.

The climax takes your breath away. You will devour each word for fear of missing something interesting.

To an English teacher, the manner in which literature and language are subtly used by the characters as part of the narrative, makes this book something that can be recommended to one's students.

There is no lurid sex, there is no pathological violence, there are no serial killers in this story. Yet, I am sure no one will put the book down till one has finished it to the last line.

It was with a sigh of satisfaction that I finally put the book, A Prisoner of Birth down. Aah, sheer bliss.