Wow—this book hit me like a punch to the gut and then made me cheer at the same time. 14 Years a Prisoner isn’t some fluffy story—it’s raw, real, and straight-up intense. I felt like I was crammed right into those cells, smelling the sweat and fear, but also rooting for Léo every single step. What I loved most? He doesn’t just survive—he shows how grit, humor, and even music can keep a soul alive in the darkest places. Trust me, you won’t forget this ride anytime soon. 🔒🔥

There is no doubt that this is an interesting book and a real life lesson. Even when the individual has brought such circumstances upon themselves, it is hard not to feel sympathy for the terrible situation in which they find themselves. The author’s poor family suffered greatly, and it was heartbreaking to learn that they had to contend with other tragedies while also trying to help their son navigate a corrupt prison system.. It would have been nice to see some acknowledgement of why the Thai system is so broken and the role foreigners have played in the exploitation of Thai people and the economy, including the author. The book would benefit from some careful editing as there were a number of repetitions throughout.