Heaven

A Prison Diary #3

by Jeffrey Archer

Heaven, Jeffrey Archer's final volume in his trilogy of prison diaries, covers the period of his transfer from a medium security prison, HMP Wayland, to his eventual release on parole in July 2003. It includes a shocking account of the traumatic time he spent in the notorious Lincoln jail and the events that led to his incarceration there, and also shines a harsh light on a system that is close to its breaking point. Told with humor, compassion, and honesty, the diary closes with a thought-provoking manifesto that will be applauded by reform advocates and the prison population alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, True Crime, Audiobook, Memoir, Crime

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Jeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.

He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).

Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.

Reviews

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I am alone.If I were to show any sign of what I am going through,I would have to read the details in some tabloid the following day.Everything I do is just a phone call away from a friendly journalist with an open cheque book."

This is the third volume of bestselling author Jeffrey Archer's diaries detailing his time in prison.From "hell" he moves to "purgatory" and then to "heaven." Each volume is named after Dante's Divine Comedy.

The final phase of Archer's incarceration takes him to North Sea Camp,an "open" prison,much easier than his time at the high security Belmarsh and medium security Wayland prisons.

Things don't go entirely smoothly,however.A breach of regulations sees him go back to B category prison, HMP Lincoln for a while again.

Archer spent over a year at North Sea Camp,before finally being released on parole.The book is not as intense as the first two volumes.

In the open prison,life is more relaxed and the type of prisoners he encounters are not of the hardened sort he met in the other two prisons.Their stories had added to the intensity of the first two volumes.

Still,I found the concept of open prisons an interesting one.Never heard of an open prison in Pakistan.For all his discomfort,I suppose Archer should still count himself relatively lucky that in this phase of his punishment,he was not actually behind bars.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final volume of Jeffrey Archer's prison dairy trilogy covers the period from his transfer from the category C establishment HMP Wayland to his eventual release on parole in July 2003. Most of the book covers his time as a category D prisoner at HMP North Sea Camp in Lincolnshire, where prisoners earn the chance to have work release out in the local community to prepare for life outside, but also covers his brief time spent in the notorious HMP Lincoln and the events that led him there.

Once again Archer gives an unique perspective on an institution that thankfully I know very little about, despite as part of a resettlement process I did once visit HMP Dartmoor with an idea of working there. I ultimately decided that particular career wasn't for me. I must admit to previously being a 'lock them up and throw away the key' person but reading these diaries has given me a new perspective on rehabilitation and criminal justice. But I was also left baffled by some of the rules that apply in these prisons. For example; prisoners cannot eat any food sent in by well wishers in case it is laced with drugs and alcohol yet it is OK for these same cakes to be donated to local retirement homes, raffles and special needs kids to be eaten there?

It has been over 20 years since these events here took place and so have forgotten many of the facts around the case but reading these diaries I was left somewhat bemused by the constant lies that the media were spreading at the time about Archer and how the media incited fellow prisoners to try and get photos of him for them, causing many to lose their own Cat D status and getting shipped out to other, harsher prisons in the process. Surely some fact checking should have taken place and something done to stop this intrusion? However, if these diaries are to be believed (we only have Archer's side of events) then the politicians of the time weren't exactly squeaky clean either so perhaps its no great surprise.

Whilst once again I'm not convinced that Archer's experiences were typical, the cynic in me suspects that his fame, notoriety and wealth rather protected him from the systems excesses, I found him to be a natural storyteller. These books tell as much about the author as the situation that he found himself in. Maybe its just my own personal bias but in truth I'm not sure that I really liked the man come the end. On one hand he comes across as humane and thoughtful but there also seems to be an underlying arrogance and sense of entitlement just under the surface that shows through every once in a while.

I must admit that reading the three books one after the other meant that I got a little bored towards the end of this last book as it seemed quite repetitive, although I do understand that there wouldn't be a lot of variety in a prisoner's daily life. On the whole I found this an interesting and thought provoking series and hope that prison conditions have improved for the better since they were written but sadly doubt it.

[Arabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much to my surprise, by the end of this (the third of Jeffrey Archer's Prison Diaries"), I actually felt sympathetic towards Archer and his situation, especially as it becomes clear that in their efforts to ensure he doesn't get 'special treatment' due to his celebrity, he actually winds up getting worse treatment than is merited. It is clear that during his time in prison, Archer was exposed to people from different backgrounds and the ins and outs of the British penal system. It makes you think how valuable it might be for many of our politicians to spend even a night or two experiencing this first hand.

[Helen Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another eye-opener from Archer, highlighting the problem of drugs in prisons, and how unfair the prison system is.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you guys just how much I enjoyed these prison diaries. Archer writes with humour, sharing the events happening to him and the stories of some of the prisoners around him, especially the funny escape stories. He has finally been moved to a Cat D open prison where prisoners earn the chance to have work release out in the local community to prepare for life outside and earn money to be used for their release. I do admit that I was a 'lock them up and throw away the key' person but reading these diaries has given me a new perspective on rehabilitation and criminal justice. Archer makes contact with Doug in the medical wing, a friend of Darren from Wayland, who helps ease him into the cushy admin job before teaching him to be the hospital orderly. I am baffled by the rules of these prisons-Archer cannot eat any food sent in by well wishers in case it is laced with drugs and alcohol so instead the cakes are donated to retirement homes and special needs kids??? So it's ok for them to risk eating this stuff? Jeez! It was interesting to see which of his Conservative MP friends visited him too.

I am somewhat amused and baffled by the constant lies that the media are spreading about Archer refusing to work or obey the rules, sneaking down to the pub in town and being driven home in a Rolls Royce for weekends, none of which was true. The media incite the prisoners to try and get photos of Archer for them, causing many to lose their own Cat D status and get shipped out to other prisons. Surely the media should be be done for inciting prisoners to break rules or something? I was also shocked at the way New Labour's Home Secretary David Blunkett interfered in Archer's case for a minor infraction, getting him sent to the dreadful Cat B Lincoln Prison and having officers and governors leaned on to punish Archer harshly-which was very unfair given a tiny error from a model prisoner. Blunkett's note says 'I am sick and tired of reading Jeffrey Archer stories about the cushy conditions in which he was placed, the freedom he has been given, the opportunity to do whatever he likes and the snock that he is cocking at all of us'. Disgusting! First Blunkett should know not to believe everything he reads in the paper, something he bleats about when his affair with a married woman appeared in the papers, secondly ALL prisoners at a Cat D open prison have better conditions, the chance of work release and rewards for good behaviour! It shows the political bias from Labour and the more I read of them the more I regret ever voting for Blair and co. This was an excellent read-I just wish he had done a fourth diary on the final prison he was in.

[Gautam Mathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought a prison diary could be so interesting. The set of three captures what none (hopefully and luckily) of us would ever go through. Archer's insights into the daily life of prisoners, relationship / bonds formed on the inside, as well as the importance of support from outside (family & friends) are fascinating. His critical and non biased observations on the drug problem is refreshing. The style of writing remains crisp as ever and borders on entertaining. After-all prisoner's autobiographies may be common but a writer's diary from prison is rare. Do read!

[Mie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️ This trilogy was really fantastic and I am left with a mixture of feelings - like anger over the injustice and great respect for Archer and many of the people, he describes in the 3 books. On several occasions I was shaking my head over how naive Archer could be - now I am shaking my head over how naive I have been, when it comes to how prisoners in many cases are treated!

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trilogy read… I wouldn’t agree with the title partially given the reference to Heaven as JA received what amounted to unfair treatment on several occasions only for being himself.
Though from JA’s point of view, out of the 3 prisons, North Sea Camp near Boston in Lincolnshire was where he received the best treatment all things considered.
In comparing JA with other prisoners it shows that JA received different treatment & conditions & that he had no alternative but had to accept decisions made by staff & by the Home Office.

I wonder if his recommendations were considered by the Labour Government who were in power at the time… did David Blunkett read this trilogy?

And what is the ratio of prisoners who are drug addicts or have crimes relating to drugs versus prisoners who have committed non drug related crimes…as this surely has increased since the early 2000’s, when the trilogy was written & published.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the series of these books very interesting. Archer does a great job of detailing the failing of the prison system without causing insult to prison officers. Its shocking to discover the serious problem with drugs with in prisons. Without doubt Archer is treated unfairly and is a target for the home office who continue throughout to make his life more difficult. However Archer keeps his dignity, self respect and respect for others whilst completing a harsh sentence, in which throughout he trys to make a difference and learn from his 'Hell' experience .

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Heaven (A Prison Diary Book #3) by Jeffrey Archer...

Full review to come.....

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Alizah Memon]

Day 725 - Monday, 21 July 2003
Jeffrey Archer is finally released from prison after almost two whole years.

Wednesday, 30 June 2021
I finally finish the series after almost two whole years.

I borrowed this part from the library in the beginning of March last year, completely unaware that while reading the account of Archer's life in prison, my life would start feeling the same way. I stopped reading the book for a long time, until resuming it very recently.

Parting with a good book is always bittersweet, but this was different; with each turning page, the injustice Archer faced somehow increased. This was supposed to be Heaven, but it suddenly went Back to Hell. I didn't want the book to end, but I also wanted to read about Jeffry finally being free.

A Prison Diary offers a unique insight into how the prisons in Britain work. After all, the series was written by a famous writer who spent over 700 days in five of them.. It was painful reading about the gruesome crimes that had brought some of the inductees behind bars. What also hurt me was reading about the prisoners who had lost hope of ever seeing the outside world.

Some people had spent over half their lives rotting in cells, to the point that their families gave up on them, they did not know how the world beyond the walls worked, and they could not find a place to sleep once they were free. Such prisoners got themselves arrested again the day they were released. Some even decided that if not behind bars, they did not want to live at all.*

The books also highlighted how not all crimes are the same. A person who was accused of stealing - even though they accidently took something and returned it, and a pedophile or drug dealer should not deserve the same conditions and treatment.

I cannot recommend this series enough.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conclusion

This final chapter in Jeffrey Archers Prison Diaries is the most frustrating in as far as it depicts how even the most model prisoner, having sucessfully climbed the ladder to earn a degree of respect and trust, can suddenly find themselves once again sliding back down the snake into the pit of despair thanks to a system which grants power to people who harbour personal dislikes against other individuals.
The rules and regulations often make no sense...ie when a prisoner can be denied access to certain knowledge and later be judged and punished solely on the lack of that knowledge.
Mr. Archer makes some very valid suggestions on how the prison service should be adjusted to make better use of a system designed to rehabilitate offenders, in particular the cannabis-v-heroin debacle although I must admit the automatic grading of offenders at sentencing might result in more Cat D prisoners absconding- particularly those first time offenders who must oft find themselves alone and scared in a strange and unknown environment when simply walking out might seem to be the most natural reaction.
The three diaries have kept me enthralled....although I found several very obvious editorial errors quite annoying and, on more than one ocassion, certain issues and occurrences were repeated as if for the first time.
All in all I would recommend these diaries as a must read if only to educate people on the reality of what happens behind closed doors and of how the politics behind the power actually works.
Having said that I keep in mind the old adage 'There is my side, there is your side and then there is the truth'

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"But ... There's always a 'but' in prison."
Heaven the third and final book of Jeffrey Archer's Prison Djaries series in which he details the months he spent at Her Majesty's pleasure after being sentenced to serve four years for purgery. This time, he has finally reached a D-Cat, open prison denied to him in his initial months. The contrast with his earlier accommodation is considerable - no wonder some homeless and friendless souls seem to return to the security of a safe roof and three meals a day on a regular basis.

After a brief introduction by Archer himself, Jonathan Keeble again narrates, his pleasant voice pace perfect and so nicely modulated, to fit exactly with the sentiments of his reading matter. And, although the author's introductory words were quite acceptable to the ear, Keeble's performance illustrates the superiority of a good voice artist to convey a story.

Once again, this is a fascinating birds eye view of a life of which, hopefully, most of us will remain ignorant, even if many are trapped in their own personal prisons. Beyond the petty irritations, bureaucracy and the sense of life simply passing, however, is the sheer inability for the prisoners to have any control over almost every aspect of their lives. Boredom is rife - and all at huge public expense.
There was some repetition of remarks made both earlier in this volume and the previous books, and some of the opinions raised were not always those of which I was personally in agreement, but overall this was another fascinating and informative tale, an easy read and well worth the time taken

[Yash Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last part of the trilogy.

Much like the previous two books, this one goes on to describe his stint at North Sea Camp before he is shipped out to Lincoln for the rest of his term. Archer refrains from writing a fourth part for his time at Lincoln because, in his own words, he would have nothing new to add.

This book, particularly at the very end, highlights how biased and fatuous media combined with an inconsistent, inefficient and ineffective administration can allow individuals to exploit laws beyond logical control and work under the reign of misinformation. What is more troubling is the unwillingness of parties at hand to investigate and find out the truth.

Archer, using his diaries as critical commentaries, brings to light the voice of the silenced prisoners who just want to be treated like human beings, particularly those with petty crimes. Archer is left disillusioned by the end, refraining from giving press, radio or TV interviews thereon.

I would still prefer Archer The Storyteller over Archer The Non-fiction Genius. But these books are important and necessary in their own sense.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading JA books as, even though they feel a bit the same sometimes, you know its a read that will rock along and fully entertain you throughout. The Prison Diaries are no different but they sure are in content. Frightening the bureaucratic nature and inflexibility that comes through, but what is even worse is the realisation of just how bad drugs are in the penal system AND across the country as a whole.
I loved them and cracked through all 3 in a week (the wonders of a southern hemisphere summer helped) but I'd love to know more about the case and the follow on - you'll know what I mean if you read them but his graphic descriptions and the sheer wastage of effort within the prison walls is consuming.
A refreshing read, far from my usual thrillers, spy novels, murder mysteries, etc. I only wish I'd read them before we met him on a cruise a few years back as I'd have had so much more to ask him!!

[Vicky Cornelius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve just finished listening to this series of books. I must say I was surprised at how interesting it was - having an insight into prison was rather entertaining as a law abiding citizen.

However, dear lord, doesn’t JA come across as a bit of a tool?! He was adamant he was less of a criminal than all the others and didn’t deserve to be there and it was all just making an example of him as he was just a poor little Tory. Everyone apparently loved him, from the murderers to the staff. Not one person thought he was guilty. Yawn!

His insight into what’s wrong with prison was great - I agree that the drug situation is awful and prisoner should be encouraged to learn and maybe gain skills so they can give up crime. But how has Jeffrey helped this plight since leaving, other than cashing in with his books? Has he campaigned for improvements at all and used his status to make things better??

[Cherishta Agusta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells us about jeffrey archer’s experiences in “heaven” in North Sea Camp until day 725. Jeffrey said that NSC is better than his places before (Vol I & Vol II). He gets a good job and good privileges too. However, the "good" things stop after he moved to Lincoln Jail. Moreover, he tells some of prisoners life summary and what they do in prison. This book shows everything in prison, such as everything about drugs and their type of test, the absconded prisoners, “prostitute”, etc. Drugs in prison are easy to access. However, you have to pay it with your own life. Formers drug dealer or drug consumers are death after they got released. The prison gives acupuncture as rehab for drugs. The writer writes
For me, this book is written with undestable words although some vocabularies are unusual. Those vocabs show more than twice, so it can improve your vocabularies.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I include this volume on my "writing" bookshelf, as I found the the diary-entry form of Archer's trilogy interesting enough that I wanted to write in my journal in a similar way. Archer is very good; I haven't read any of his other books, but he managed to make compelling reading for three volumes of diary entries detailing his life in prison. The "inserts" weren't as interesting as in the first two volumes for the most part, but otherwise, Archer's experiences in the NSC (North Sea [Colony?]), the lowest-security category prison (Cat-D, whereas the horrifying Belmarsh that Archer went to first is a Cat-A, in which people who drove without a license are housed for a significant time while they are being "evaluated," and are housed with violent offenders in an extremely restrictive environment), are different enough to make a viable third volume.

[Andy Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. As much as I wanted to dislike Archer and as much as I think he doth protested to much about his conviction, I couldn’t help but like and feel sorry for the guy. Even if he did it, the penalty far outstripped the crime especially in comparison to others convicted of the same offense. I was horrified when I read that the Home Secretary carried out a vendetta and had him sent to a category b prison based on having lunch with friends on an authorized out of prison excursion (when such excursion was not forbidden under the rules). I was also horrified by the very low journalistic standards in British tabloids. They simply lied often and repeatedly about Archer’s time in prison. I was mighty impressed by Archer’s stiff upper lip when imprisoned. It could have broken a lesser man.

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A salutary read

I can't make up my mind as to weather I now like Jeffrey Archer or not. He name drops a lot and often gives evidence of his wealth. Maybe none of this matters in what is an absolutely excellent book. His third volume of description of prison life 😂 n various categories is a real eye opener.

It is undoubted that the author was treated unfairly in order for the authorities to be able to prove that he had not led a privileged existence. Nevertheless, this has enabled him to write a searing indictment of the prison system in all its callousness and inefficiency. It has changed my.oponion on many things. A really worthwhile and important read.

[Somit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 3 is the journey from Hell to Heaven. As the name suggests the situation gets better for the author.

The third book is when the author learns a bit more on what freedom would feel like or a semblance of it. While the learnings remain the same, few are different.

My learnings were:

1. Change is the only constant. The move to Lincoln prison for a rubbish charge is manifestation of this saying.

2. Prison makes you see human beings not for their crimes, but for who they really are.

3. Freedom is underrated and short-lived for many, but for some is a prison again ( for people who leave it after 20-25 years)

#review

[thomas haylett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read

I have now read all three prison diaries and I could not be more convinced that Jeffrey Archer was treated shamefully and harshly. The judicial system let him down badly . On the plus side this courageous and decent man has come out a stronger and dignified individual completely opposite to the system that incarcerated him. I feel quite privileged that he shared this experience with his readers and I'm so pleased he was able to get back on with his life.

[Yoursexylibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Jeffrey Archer's books ages ago. I didn't know until this book that Archer spent time in prison for a perjury conviction. There is humor throughout this diary. Archer doesn't judge his fellow inmates by their crimes; he judges them by their character. Some parts of this diary were surprising, such as the amount of drugs that flowed through the prisons Archer was housed at during his time served. There were dozens of English political, geographic, and food references I had to Google. I didn't mind that aspect because I learned new things by looking them all up.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day 89-725 to release on 21/7/03.
Honestly these books are just compelling reading.
We just have no idea what prison life is like and the absolute joke of staffing, security and smuggling that goes on in prison.
My views of Jeffery Archer have totally changed. I had always refused to read any of his books believing him to be a criminal. Now I feel so sorry for him and the ordeal that his family were put through. So wrong.

[Diane Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and again did not disappoint. He was definitely treated very shabbily and I hope he made lots of money from his 3 books that were written whilst in prison.

It is unfortunate that the prison service and more importantly the Home Office did not utilise lord archer to assist in ways that would educate some of the inmates rather than employ others.

Why on earth this man was incarcerated in the first place is beyond belief as community service would have been a better resolution.

[Richard Angrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

The three Prison Diaries just get better. Whatever you think of Jeffrey Archer as a person or if you support his incarceration or detest it it is undeniable that the three diaries inform those of us who have not been inside the terrible life that prisoners endure and how they are affected. Having read many of Archers books and short stories and enjoyed them all this collection is perhaps his finest work.

[ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's just the tip

20 years on from your incarceration in one of the establishments mentioned, your concerns about the UK drug culture was well founded. The new craze is NPAS and the results are causing additional problems to an already overstretched service.
The book was detailed and reflected accurately, on an issue that should have more serious debate, not to mention an increase in public spending.

[James Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:

★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2022 - 50. Audiobook. Third and final book in this series covering the time Archer spent in jail under questionable circumstances. Written in the same style . . . A chronological account of each day’s happenings but this one is more interesting as he is more forceful in his highlighting the inane decisions that adversely affect prisoners, the inhumane conditions under which the live in some cases. His books are a good foundation for politicians so inclined to push forward with prison reform