The Mathew Rate-O-Meter

This is where you get ratings, reviews, quotes and tips from a leading expert and critic - Me. Check out the links for further details.

Rock On
Hindi Movie - 3.25 out of 5 stars
I have never been a fan of Hindi movies (Bollywood movies, should I say). During my college days, I once jeered my friends so much.... Read more

Shivasamudra Falls
Tourist Spot near Bangalore - 2.5 out of 5 stars
My friend, Kunjai has been staying with me for a little over two months. On Friday evening (15th Aug), we suddenly realised that we hadn't taken a trip..... Read more

Spiderman by Michael Buble
Movie OST - 3.5 out of 5 stars
I was at a restaurant called Opus, celebrating my sisters birthday when I heard this song. I knew that I had to GET THIS SONG. It brought back..... Read More

The Leatherheads
English Movie - 3.0 out of 5 stars
I was kinda looking forward to The Leatherheads as it has two of my favourite actors, George Clooney and Renee Zellweger.... Read More

Batman - The Dark Knight
English Movie - 4.0 out of 5 stars
I saw The Dark Knight over the weekend. All the reviews that say it is a 'must watch' are absolutely true.... Read More

Jumper
English Movie - 2.75 out of 5 stars
I asked for a good action movie and I got Jumper. The main characters, other than Samuel L Jackson are not your typical action heroes.... Read More

Untraceable
English Movie - 3.25 out of 5 stars
Untraceable was the other movie I picked up and surprise surprise, it too has Diane Lane in it. What are the odds on that?? Here she is one.... Read More

A Prisoner of Birth
Book - Fiction(English) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a big fan of Jeffrey Archer. Of all his books, Kane and Abel was mind blowing. I still remember being inspired by the intelligence.... Read More

A Review of A Prisoner of Birth By Jeffrey Archer

I am a big fan of Jeffrey Archer. Of all his books, Kane and Abel was mind blowing. I still remember being inspired by the intelligence and street-smarts of the two characters. I wanted to be that when I grew up - a corporate hot-shot. Even his short story collection has been pretty amazing.

His new book - A Prisoner of Birth was especially enticing to read as my friend told me that it has elements of another favourite book of mine - The Count of Monte Cristo. Imagine the remix - Jeff taking off on the Count.

The book starts off very well with a crime and a subsequent trial scene that is fast paced and keeps you guessing. The characters are many but well established and their true nature comes up clearly against this background. You sympathise with the hero (Danny Cartwright) and his wife and clearly begin to dislike the villains.

It is after this that the turn of events become a bit unreal. The plot slows down and doesn't pick up too much. There are some events which conveniently happen and are not quite believable. It is here that The Count of Monte Cristo scores over A Prisoner of Birth by keeping the events simple but fast-paced. Also, The Count (Edmond Dantes) is a swash-buckling yet suave figure, completely transformed from what he was earlier. Danny Cartwright seems to have retained elements of his old self that keep him from becoming an avenging angel. Of course, the former has stuff like hidden treasures and duels with swords. That is the stuff that really sells right!!

On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being highest), I would rate it at 3.5. Overall, an entertaining read and worth the money. It is fun to delve into the characters and trying to figure how each of the villains is going to get his due. So grab your copy and settle down to a cozy read. Have fun.