Jeffrey Archer, master of the thriller, political drama, family chronicles and short story, died yesterday, 5 October, at the age of 86. His last novel, Adam & Eve, is released today, 6 October.
Archer was one of the world's most successful writers. His books sold more than 300 million copies internationally.
Among his best-known books are: Kane and Abel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, The Prodigal Daughter and A Matter of Honour.
Archer's great appeal was his ability to keep a story moving. His novels often feature wealthy and powerful people, family conflict, ambition, betrayal and many unexpected twists. He was particularly skilled at the kind of ending that makes you think: "I just have to read one more chapter."
Archer initially pursued a political career, but turned to writing after he faced financial difficulties. He later returned to British politics.
In the 1980s, Archer's life was overshadowed by a scandal. He won a libel case against the Daily Star after the newspaper claimed he had paid a prostitute for sex. Years later, it came to light that Archer had fabricated his alibi and lied under oath during the court case.
In 2001 he was found guilty of perjury and obstructing justice and was sentenced to four years imprisonment. He served approximately two years.
Even his prison time later became material for his writing. He wrote three books about his experience in prison: A Prison Diary – Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.
His last novel, Adam & Eve, is released today.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
