A Prison Diary 2: The Purgatory

Behind Bars, Between Hope and Despair

A Prison Diary 2: Purgatory by Jeffrey Archer continues the powerful and unflinchingly honest account of his time in the British penal system. In this second volume, Archer chronicles his transfer from a high-security prison to a medium-security facility—HMP Wayland—where he enters what he calls “purgatory.”

Through daily entries, Archer offers readers a raw and often shocking glimpse into the realities of prison life: the boredom, the routine, the occasional absurdity, and the moments of unexpected humanity. He introduces a cast of unforgettable fellow inmates, shares moving and sometimes disturbing stories, and reflects on justice, rehabilitation, and personal resilience.

A Powerful Insight Into the Human Spirit

Written with clarity, wit, and emotional depth, Purgatory is not only a personal journey but also a broader commentary on the state of the UK prison system. Archer’s storytelling brings dignity to those often forgotten behind bars and invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions of crime and punishment.

A Prison Diary 2 is a compelling continuation of a unique real-life saga—an honest and thought-provoking narrative from one of the world’s best-known authors.