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Title:	Unlikely Prisoner, An
Authors:	Turnell, Sean
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	320
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	During 2021 and 2022 when many people around the world were experiencing COVID lockdowns, Australian economics professor Sean Turnell was subject to his own incarceration - in Myanmar's notorious Insein prison. A victim of the military junta's coup, he was imprisoned in harsh conditions for 650 days courtesy of his role as special economic consultant to Myanmar's former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. Engaging and simply written, this is the story of an honourable man surviving the horrors of a totalitarian regime in full flight, leavened with humour, and the inspiring accounts of the many people in Australia and Myanmar who sought his release.
Categories:	Biography, Contemporary, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Human Rights, Political, Australia, Burma, Dictatorship, Myanmar, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: ASHB 009		2026-03-01 12:04:15

Everyone appreciated this book and we learned a lot about Myanmar. It was sad in the sense that Sean's experience is not uncommon, even today. Would recommend.

By: TEMUK 001		2026-03-01 11:21:35

Sean Turnell's experiences really opened our eyes to aspects (history and current situation) that many of us were unaware of. We admired his resilience, optimism and his concern for his fellow prisoners who supported him, physically and emotionally. The unwavering love, common sense practical support from his wife, family and others impressed us too!!

By: AUCK 360		2025-10-31 17:11:06

This is a story that needed to be told but not by an economist. Informative but poorly written. Little feeling or real appreciation of others.

By: TAUR 018		2025-06-04 14:53:43

Very factual account. Fascinating dialogue with the Junta and the doggedness of his supporters. As a bookclub we could all empathise with Sean's need to always have books.

By: AUCK 162		2025-05-19 10:29:45

Our group felt this was an important story that needed to be told. Sean was a courageous person that gave us an insight into the cruel regime in Myanmar. It provoked some interesting discussion about Aung San Suu Kyi.

By: AUCK 014		2025-03-11 12:45:08

We all agreed that this was a book that needed to be written. The account was honest, thoughtful and revealing about the nightmare of being unjustly treated by a brutal regime. It was also a testament to the kindness of those who supported him. However, it was a cautious book, for all the reasons he mentions about keeping people safe who took risks, but that left the narrative a bit stilted and not always engaging.

By: TAUR 016		2024-12-11 13:28:07

Our group generally enjoyed the book. We found Sean's situation in Myanmar's notorious prisons unimaginable and distressing. It was very interesting to learn about the political situation in Myanmar and that it is still ruled by the same military junta.

By: DUNED 080		2024-10-17 13:01:19

This was an interesting book but would have been better if more descriptive of his surrounds and self.