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An Unlikely Prisoner
‘Australia’s most unlikely political prisoner . . . is known as a person of deep optimism, bubbling enthusiasm and infectious warmth.’Melissa Crouch, Sydney Morning Herald For 650 days Sean Turnell was held in Myanmar’s terrifying Insein Prison on the trumped-up charge of being a spy. In An Unlikely Prisoner he recounts how an impossibly cheerful professor of economics, whose idea of an uncomfortable confrontation was having to tell a student that their essay was ‘not really that good’, ended up in one of the most notorious prisons in South-East Asia. And how he not only survived his lengthy incarceration, but left with his sense of humour intact, his spirit unbroken and love in his heart.'What [Sean Turnell] endured in his 650 days of incarceration is something that no human being should have to endure, yet he has done it with grace and, even in inhumane conditions, with profound humanity.'Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
286 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 27, 2024
This would be the most eponymous book title ever. Sean Turnell would be the most non-threatening likeable guy one could ever meet. The arrest and imprisonment of him is a vivid demonstration of the cowardness the Tatmadaw and the associated Myanmar government agencies.
Throughout my reading life I have often dipped into the prisoner genre. One of my first post high school reads was Papillion, and then, The Green Mile, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Midnight Express, David Hicks' Guantanamo and most recently Kylie Moore-Gilbert’s “The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison.”
Before I proceed with this review I reflected on the behaviour of western democratic governments, especially my own Australian Government, and their use of prisons. David Hicks and many others in Guantanamo Bay. Julian Assange, Daniel Duggan, Behrouz Boochani and countless refugees and the 80 – 90 migrants and refugees who have been held in indefinite detention, and who many Australian parliamentarians would be happy to see them stay there for the rest of their lives. I think there are some Australian politicians who would fit nicely into the regimes in Myanmar and Iran. We should be extremely critical of the Myanmar regime but don’t think we are the shining light on the hill as far as using prisons to silence people.
I have heard Turnell interviewed by Phillip Adams and Sarah Ferguson. He appears to be a quintessential Australian. Committed to his beliefs, passionate about his family and has a wry sense of humour.
It is interesting with both Turnell and Moore-Gilbert saying that the lack of reading material was one of the worst aspects of their incarceration.
In September 2010 I spent a month travelling around Myanmar. I travelled by train up as far as Myitkyina in the north of Myanmar and then travelled by boat over several days on the Irrawaddy River. I was the only western person on the boat. On that trip my hypothesis that the worse the government the better the people, was confirmed. I remember when we arrived at Mandalay there was nowhere for this large boat with many hundreds of people, to dock. They placed large planks from the shore to the boat and passengers had to scramble up a grassy slope to get to the road. I remember thinking what sort of government can’t even build infrastructure like a wharf?
Myanmar has been poorly serviced by its successive governments and Turnell, as an economist was in Myanmar to give advice to Aung San Suu Kyi and her government. In the book Turnell refers to her as Daw Suu, which is a Burmese term of endearment and respect for an older woman, roughly translated as ‘aunty’.
Turnell’s account of his long imprisonment starts with his early morning arrest by an assortment of officers from various government agencies. During the first days of his detainment, he thinks that this predicament wont last long. He explains the crucial role that his wife, Ha Vu, a Vietnamese/Australian academic, both in expressing love for him and pursuing every avenue possible to secure his release.
After some weeks Turnell is moved from Insein (an appropriate name) prison to a remand prison in Nay Pyi Taw with many others from the legitimate government. Being, an economist he couldn’t help himself when he wrote briefly, about the gaol economy. He complained about the heat. I have lived 500 kilometres east of the Burmese capital and I can confirm it is hot all the time but especially in the months of May, June, July everyday it is over 40 degrees, and the nights are not much cooler. How he lived without air-conditioning must have been cruel.
Throughout the book Sean expresses his dry Australian humour. His self-mockery appears regularly. He described one gaol as being a “renovator’s delight”. When discussing the film version of the book he was going to write he thought Brad Pitt should be the actor to portray him, yet he was sure the film producers would use Danny DeVito. In his writing he drops the occasional Australian expletive, and yes, I am one Australian who would love to buy him a beer.
Turnell always writes passionately about the Burmese people who he shared space within these horrid conditions. He even has a kind word for some of his gaolers, but not all.
He makes astute observations of the regime and how needlessly brutal, petty and incompetent it can be in its treatment of the prisoners and in fact, the Burmese people.
His return to Australia happens suddenly and this is an emotional part of his story. He praises all of those who had helped him over the 650 days of his interment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has especially kind and welcoming words on his arrival back in Australia.
Sean Turnell writes at length naming all those who supported him and Ha. He also explains that some of his post release writings upset Min Aung Hlaing, the junta’s leader to the point where the Myanmar dictatorship revoked his amnesty. This was just another action by an absurd government with absurd ideas.
Throughout my reading of this book, I kept asking myself what did the junta hope to achieve by the wrongful imprisonment, the judicial farce of a trial and the attention that Turnell’s treatment brought to the regime from people and governments around the world. It is one of the world’s most isolated and despised regime. I have heard recent reports of military setbacks by the Tatmadaw against ethnic forces in the north of the country.
I highly recommend this memoir, with the domination of the Middle East conflict and the invasion of Ukraine the situation in Myanmar has not received the coverage in the media that it deserves.
Sean Turnell has written an engaging and descriptive account of his time incarcerated by a despicable regime. It is pleasing that he is now free, and he has put pen to paper, or fingers to computer keys, to produce this enthralling account. I do wish him well.
Throughout my reading life I have often dipped into the prisoner genre. One of my first post high school reads was Papillion, and then, The Green Mile, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Midnight Express, David Hicks' Guantanamo and most recently Kylie Moore-Gilbert’s “The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison.”
Before I proceed with this review I reflected on the behaviour of western democratic governments, especially my own Australian Government, and their use of prisons. David Hicks and many others in Guantanamo Bay. Julian Assange, Daniel Duggan, Behrouz Boochani and countless refugees and the 80 – 90 migrants and refugees who have been held in indefinite detention, and who many Australian parliamentarians would be happy to see them stay there for the rest of their lives. I think there are some Australian politicians who would fit nicely into the regimes in Myanmar and Iran. We should be extremely critical of the Myanmar regime but don’t think we are the shining light on the hill as far as using prisons to silence people.
I have heard Turnell interviewed by Phillip Adams and Sarah Ferguson. He appears to be a quintessential Australian. Committed to his beliefs, passionate about his family and has a wry sense of humour.
It is interesting with both Turnell and Moore-Gilbert saying that the lack of reading material was one of the worst aspects of their incarceration.
In September 2010 I spent a month travelling around Myanmar. I travelled by train up as far as Myitkyina in the north of Myanmar and then travelled by boat over several days on the Irrawaddy River. I was the only western person on the boat. On that trip my hypothesis that the worse the government the better the people, was confirmed. I remember when we arrived at Mandalay there was nowhere for this large boat with many hundreds of people, to dock. They placed large planks from the shore to the boat and passengers had to scramble up a grassy slope to get to the road. I remember thinking what sort of government can’t even build infrastructure like a wharf?
Myanmar has been poorly serviced by its successive governments and Turnell, as an economist was in Myanmar to give advice to Aung San Suu Kyi and her government. In the book Turnell refers to her as Daw Suu, which is a Burmese term of endearment and respect for an older woman, roughly translated as ‘aunty’.
Turnell’s account of his long imprisonment starts with his early morning arrest by an assortment of officers from various government agencies. During the first days of his detainment, he thinks that this predicament wont last long. He explains the crucial role that his wife, Ha Vu, a Vietnamese/Australian academic, both in expressing love for him and pursuing every avenue possible to secure his release.
After some weeks Turnell is moved from Insein (an appropriate name) prison to a remand prison in Nay Pyi Taw with many others from the legitimate government. Being, an economist he couldn’t help himself when he wrote briefly, about the gaol economy. He complained about the heat. I have lived 500 kilometres east of the Burmese capital and I can confirm it is hot all the time but especially in the months of May, June, July everyday it is over 40 degrees, and the nights are not much cooler. How he lived without air-conditioning must have been cruel.
Throughout the book Sean expresses his dry Australian humour. His self-mockery appears regularly. He described one gaol as being a “renovator’s delight”. When discussing the film version of the book he was going to write he thought Brad Pitt should be the actor to portray him, yet he was sure the film producers would use Danny DeVito. In his writing he drops the occasional Australian expletive, and yes, I am one Australian who would love to buy him a beer.
Turnell always writes passionately about the Burmese people who he shared space within these horrid conditions. He even has a kind word for some of his gaolers, but not all.
He makes astute observations of the regime and how needlessly brutal, petty and incompetent it can be in its treatment of the prisoners and in fact, the Burmese people.
His return to Australia happens suddenly and this is an emotional part of his story. He praises all of those who had helped him over the 650 days of his interment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has especially kind and welcoming words on his arrival back in Australia.
Sean Turnell writes at length naming all those who supported him and Ha. He also explains that some of his post release writings upset Min Aung Hlaing, the junta’s leader to the point where the Myanmar dictatorship revoked his amnesty. This was just another action by an absurd government with absurd ideas.
Throughout my reading of this book, I kept asking myself what did the junta hope to achieve by the wrongful imprisonment, the judicial farce of a trial and the attention that Turnell’s treatment brought to the regime from people and governments around the world. It is one of the world’s most isolated and despised regime. I have heard recent reports of military setbacks by the Tatmadaw against ethnic forces in the north of the country.
I highly recommend this memoir, with the domination of the Middle East conflict and the invasion of Ukraine the situation in Myanmar has not received the coverage in the media that it deserves.
Sean Turnell has written an engaging and descriptive account of his time incarcerated by a despicable regime. It is pleasing that he is now free, and he has put pen to paper, or fingers to computer keys, to produce this enthralling account. I do wish him well.
November 21, 2023
couldn’t put it down once I started
I couldn’t wait to get the hard copy to read so I bought the kindle version as it’s not available in the UK till Jan. Of course I followed Sean Turnell’s arrest and release on the social media and with keen interest, I wanted to know more what happened when he was in the prison. It stuck me to the core that Myanmar law and order state is just as the stage of colonial period (or worse) and the unimaginable states of the prisons and detection centres.
Sean’s writing is very descriptive and eloquent that it made me feel that I am watching the movie rather than reading a book. It could just be that I can relate more to the contents as I am Burmese.
I couldn’t wait to get the hard copy to read so I bought the kindle version as it’s not available in the UK till Jan. Of course I followed Sean Turnell’s arrest and release on the social media and with keen interest, I wanted to know more what happened when he was in the prison. It stuck me to the core that Myanmar law and order state is just as the stage of colonial period (or worse) and the unimaginable states of the prisons and detection centres.
Sean’s writing is very descriptive and eloquent that it made me feel that I am watching the movie rather than reading a book. It could just be that I can relate more to the contents as I am Burmese.
November 19, 2023
must read book
This is book is not just to understand Sean’s prison life, also to catch a glimpse of how Burmese Junta lie to the world shamelessly. Due to the greed of one foolish person and bunch of followers, 54 millions people are in great danger. In Burma, there is even teen for ko vid and ko sit. Ko vid refer to covid 19 and ko sit refer to Military coup. Still people are using those terms humorously despite of their painful experiences. Sean sim Myanmar to be last tiger of Asia and Myanmar people has no doubt on that objective under Mother Su’s leadership. However the game is still going. We must reach there soon.
This is book is not just to understand Sean’s prison life, also to catch a glimpse of how Burmese Junta lie to the world shamelessly. Due to the greed of one foolish person and bunch of followers, 54 millions people are in great danger. In Burma, there is even teen for ko vid and ko sit. Ko vid refer to covid 19 and ko sit refer to Military coup. Still people are using those terms humorously despite of their painful experiences. Sean sim Myanmar to be last tiger of Asia and Myanmar people has no doubt on that objective under Mother Su’s leadership. However the game is still going. We must reach there soon.
December 28, 2023
"An Unlikely Prisoner" is not just a memoir; it's a raw, unflinching testament to the unyielding human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror. As an outsider, Sean Turnell offers a unique perspective on the brutal realities of Myanmar's prison system, bringing to life the plight of not just himself, but the countless "government-in-the-gulag" he shared his ordeal with.
This book is more than just a personal account; it's a poignant condemnation of Myanmar's military regime and a clarion call for international action. Turnell's story shines a light on the ongoing tragedy unfolding in Myanmar, reminding us of the importance of fighting for freedom and human rights.
For me, "An Unlikely Prisoner" was not just the last book I've read in 2023, but a book that will stay with me long after I turn the last page.
This book is more than just a personal account; it's a poignant condemnation of Myanmar's military regime and a clarion call for international action. Turnell's story shines a light on the ongoing tragedy unfolding in Myanmar, reminding us of the importance of fighting for freedom and human rights.
For me, "An Unlikely Prisoner" was not just the last book I've read in 2023, but a book that will stay with me long after I turn the last page.
February 26, 2024
Please keep in mind this rating isn’t based on his story or experience at all, purely only on the book itself.
I found the book quite tedious and lengthy, repetitive at points too. The section with the photos did invoke emotion and I’m really glad to have read it, I hadn’t been aware prior of the corruption that takes place in Myanmar.
Even though I didn’t love the book, I get the sense that the author sheltered his readers from the haunting aspects that aren’t nice to be exposed to. I just found I was skimming over a lot of repeated sentences to find the core information but I can imagine that others with different writing style preferences would have enjoyed the pace.
I found the book quite tedious and lengthy, repetitive at points too. The section with the photos did invoke emotion and I’m really glad to have read it, I hadn’t been aware prior of the corruption that takes place in Myanmar.
Even though I didn’t love the book, I get the sense that the author sheltered his readers from the haunting aspects that aren’t nice to be exposed to. I just found I was skimming over a lot of repeated sentences to find the core information but I can imagine that others with different writing style preferences would have enjoyed the pace.
October 27, 2024
An incredible true story, told with such kindness and optimism considering the events of the book. I will say the start and end of the book were more captivating for me, but keeping in mind he was in prison for 650 days so I can’t fault the middle being a little slower.
October 13, 2024
This is the story of the almost 2 year unjust imprisonment of Sean Turnell, an Australian economics professor who was serving alongside the democratic government of Myanmar at the time of the military coup in 2021, which is still ongoing. A remarkable story of Sean's perseverance, and dedication from his wife Ha, and Australian officials, who worked together to source him with books, food and advocacy that kept him going.
December 7, 2023
This is a quick, engaging read - the only reason it took me so long to finish is that my husband picked up my book and started reading - didn’t get it back for a few days!
I am fortunate to know Sean Turnell, who is a delightful person, energizing everyone around him. He was the economic advisor to Aun San Suu Kyi, the Lady, and had been working hard to help Myanmar’s economic emergence after decades of military rule. When the Junta took over the country again he was arrested, and this is his account of his imprisonment and trial.
The three things that strike me from the book are 1) he is very generous in giving credit to the people who helped him while in prison, although withholds names if a person might be at risk; 2) he strongly values his co-defendants, including Winston Aung and U Soe Win, also Bo Bo Nge, who was tried and convicted separately, recognizing how important these people are to the success of the country and how criminal it is that they have been treated so badly; and 3) Ha Vu, his wife, is utterly amazing, and they are very much in love with each other.
This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Myanmar, and is also an important document about how the Junta has been operating.
I am fortunate to know Sean Turnell, who is a delightful person, energizing everyone around him. He was the economic advisor to Aun San Suu Kyi, the Lady, and had been working hard to help Myanmar’s economic emergence after decades of military rule. When the Junta took over the country again he was arrested, and this is his account of his imprisonment and trial.
The three things that strike me from the book are 1) he is very generous in giving credit to the people who helped him while in prison, although withholds names if a person might be at risk; 2) he strongly values his co-defendants, including Winston Aung and U Soe Win, also Bo Bo Nge, who was tried and convicted separately, recognizing how important these people are to the success of the country and how criminal it is that they have been treated so badly; and 3) Ha Vu, his wife, is utterly amazing, and they are very much in love with each other.
This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Myanmar, and is also an important document about how the Junta has been operating.
June 2, 2024
I’m really thankful that this book was written. I will be honest though—at some points, I felt sick knowing that this story was only able to be told because of the privileges afforded to Turnell by his Australian citizenship. Due to threat of imprisonment and persecution, Burmese people active in the fight for democracy across the past several decades have been censored from sharing their experiences under the military junta. I appreciate how Turnell comes across as well aware of this privilege, and I think it is meaningful that he set out to speak for those unable to speak for themselves. Accounts of his own experience as a prisoner were balanced with homage and attempts to highlight the true heroes of Myanmar: the Burmese people who have refused to give up on a democracy. My ill feelings while reading this were not related to Turnell as an individual, as I do respect him quite a bit and find his dedication to reforming Myanmar’s economy to be very honorable. I think it just feels difficult that it has to be this way—that Burmese people themselves are denied the right to speak out against the junta and that they must rely on foreign national allies like Turnell. It is difficult knowing this when Myanmar is where your family lives and where your blood comes from. Nonetheless, I applaud the bravery of Turnell and others unethically imprisoned in Myanmar for behavior the military junta disapproves of. I am glad this book was written and that Turnell got to tell his story; I hope this book brings more global awareness to the human rights violations and injustices being committed by the military junta in Myanmar.
-
I didn’t give a five star rating since the writing style was a bit too systematic and bland for my liking. The content was not bland in the slightest, but the writing seemed to set somewhat of a dull tone at times? Turnell is an economics professor after all, so I don’t blame him for being some poetic literary genius.
-
I didn’t give a five star rating since the writing style was a bit too systematic and bland for my liking. The content was not bland in the slightest, but the writing seemed to set somewhat of a dull tone at times? Turnell is an economics professor after all, so I don’t blame him for being some poetic literary genius.
August 10, 2024
3.85
As a Myanmar, I long for books on any topics that talk in depth about my country. I borrowed a copy from my friend and read it two times. I do not know why I flipped through its pages again for the second time though.
Sean Turnell sounds like a lovely uncle with this impressive optimism towards life. When I was reading, I was like ‘damn I need this positivity and appreciation to life while I can’. He amazed me with this honest narrative to retell the hardship he faced behind notorious Insein walls with great details. I feel ashamed of our country not being hospitable towards a man like him.
I truly appreciate him for voicing out what is really happening to Myanmar and its citizens in the hands of junta. I respect the author for not leaving the important roles played by other illegally detained political prisoners he met at Insein. He had a chance to put himself in this hero, savior position but he did not. We can still witness his involvement in Myanmar’s liberation till today.
Another thing I noticed is how deep in love he is with his wife. (Spoiler alert: he would talk about her at least 2-3 times in a chapter.)
It would be an honor to welcome him as a hospitable host again in the very near future.
As a Myanmar, I long for books on any topics that talk in depth about my country. I borrowed a copy from my friend and read it two times. I do not know why I flipped through its pages again for the second time though.
Sean Turnell sounds like a lovely uncle with this impressive optimism towards life. When I was reading, I was like ‘damn I need this positivity and appreciation to life while I can’. He amazed me with this honest narrative to retell the hardship he faced behind notorious Insein walls with great details. I feel ashamed of our country not being hospitable towards a man like him.
I truly appreciate him for voicing out what is really happening to Myanmar and its citizens in the hands of junta. I respect the author for not leaving the important roles played by other illegally detained political prisoners he met at Insein. He had a chance to put himself in this hero, savior position but he did not. We can still witness his involvement in Myanmar’s liberation till today.
Another thing I noticed is how deep in love he is with his wife. (Spoiler alert: he would talk about her at least 2-3 times in a chapter.)
It would be an honor to welcome him as a hospitable host again in the very near future.
March 23, 2024
Apologies, I feel it's me, but I found this book so boring. I made it to the photos, they were lovely but I couldn't force myself to read it anymore. My genre is usually thrillers, I tried, I really did. I m assuming Sean was freed as he wrote the book but today I returned it to the library for someone else to enjoy.
March 1, 2024
A harrowing but incredible book, a story so important to tell - and to read. Turnell documents his 21 months in prison in Myanmar after the coup, the brutality of the junta and the bravery and compassion of fellow prisoners, including senior officials of the NLD regime.
May 18, 2024
Sean Turnell, an Aussie economist working in Myanmar, was arrested within days of the military coup of February 2021. "An Unlikely Prisoner" is a gripping and moving account of his 21 months of captivity inside the Burmese prison system.
Often funny, sometimes furious, always compelling, Turnell's memoir is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of political repression. He gives us an unflinching account of the squalor and wretchedness of living in an iron-barred cage, detailing the shock of arrest and the psychological nightmare of prolonged imprisonment as the country falls apart outside. He writes frankly about his fears and living under constant physical danger: disease runs rampant, spreading like wildfire amid conditions of chronic malnutrition. There is no protection from malarial mosquitoes or the lurking presence of scorpions in the toilet. One prisoner falls into an open drain and breaks a leg. He later discovers that another, ‘his dear friend and saviour’, has been beaten to death.
One purpose of the book is to bear witness to the experiences of his fellow political prisoners and the brutality and incompetence of the junta. The author does this with great care and truthfulness. The bravery and humour of his ‘prison mates’ (including some feisty fellow economists) in the face of uncertainty and often terrifying circumstances is astonishing. They are all ‘unlikely prisoners’ and many scary times are defused through shared camaraderie and even finding the funny side of their surreal situation and absurd prison rules. The result is a testament to the power of quiet courage and kindness of others, to which the author attributes his survival.
What sets "An Unlikely Prisoner" apart is Turnell's ability to blend a harrowing personal experience with a broader commentary on the state of democracy and human rights in post-coup Myanmar. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Often funny, sometimes furious, always compelling, Turnell's memoir is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of political repression. He gives us an unflinching account of the squalor and wretchedness of living in an iron-barred cage, detailing the shock of arrest and the psychological nightmare of prolonged imprisonment as the country falls apart outside. He writes frankly about his fears and living under constant physical danger: disease runs rampant, spreading like wildfire amid conditions of chronic malnutrition. There is no protection from malarial mosquitoes or the lurking presence of scorpions in the toilet. One prisoner falls into an open drain and breaks a leg. He later discovers that another, ‘his dear friend and saviour’, has been beaten to death.
One purpose of the book is to bear witness to the experiences of his fellow political prisoners and the brutality and incompetence of the junta. The author does this with great care and truthfulness. The bravery and humour of his ‘prison mates’ (including some feisty fellow economists) in the face of uncertainty and often terrifying circumstances is astonishing. They are all ‘unlikely prisoners’ and many scary times are defused through shared camaraderie and even finding the funny side of their surreal situation and absurd prison rules. The result is a testament to the power of quiet courage and kindness of others, to which the author attributes his survival.
What sets "An Unlikely Prisoner" apart is Turnell's ability to blend a harrowing personal experience with a broader commentary on the state of democracy and human rights in post-coup Myanmar. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
August 12, 2024
Rating: 5 stars
Medium: Kindle
Why I read this: I listened to an interview with Sean Turnell on Ant Middleton's Head Game podcast and had to learn more about his story
Highlight: the way Turnell builds the tension right up till the moment when he is released from prison... I bawled 🥲
Favourite quote: "Please don't hate Myanmar" (p. 227 - IYKYK)
How it could have gotten a better rating: despite giving this book five stars, it would have been interesting to learn more about the politico-economic landscape of Myanmar and how the country got to the point of the 2021 coup d'état
Do I plan to read more books by this author: whilst I'm no economist, if Turnell were ever to release another book about his personal experience in Myanmar, I'll be first in line
You should read this if: you want to restore your faith in humanity
What you should read next if you have read and enjoyed this: 'The Art of Resilience' by Ross Edgley
Medium: Kindle
Why I read this: I listened to an interview with Sean Turnell on Ant Middleton's Head Game podcast and had to learn more about his story
Highlight: the way Turnell builds the tension right up till the moment when he is released from prison... I bawled 🥲
Favourite quote: "Please don't hate Myanmar" (p. 227 - IYKYK)
How it could have gotten a better rating: despite giving this book five stars, it would have been interesting to learn more about the politico-economic landscape of Myanmar and how the country got to the point of the 2021 coup d'état
Do I plan to read more books by this author: whilst I'm no economist, if Turnell were ever to release another book about his personal experience in Myanmar, I'll be first in line
You should read this if: you want to restore your faith in humanity
What you should read next if you have read and enjoyed this: 'The Art of Resilience' by Ross Edgley
September 7, 2025
I listened to the Audiobook. Sean Turnell is an engaging narrator in telling his story of unjust incarceration in the Myanmar prison system. This book is a must read for all people who want to understand more about world politics, and how war and military regime can devastate the lives of people all around the world.
Well done Sean for speaking up and telling your own story.
To my own, dear, Burmese-Australian friends, I now have a deeper understanding of the grief and devastation you felt when Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested and of the fear you felt for your nation. I admire the love and the resilience that the Burmese people show everyday. I pray that freedom will come to your nation again very soon x
Well done Sean for speaking up and telling your own story.
To my own, dear, Burmese-Australian friends, I now have a deeper understanding of the grief and devastation you felt when Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested and of the fear you felt for your nation. I admire the love and the resilience that the Burmese people show everyday. I pray that freedom will come to your nation again very soon x
January 18, 2024
Aren't we the lucky country. That this can happen to such as it says "unlikely prisoner" I say unlikely human being is phenominal. I am blown away by the red tape, the carry on of politicians in this situation. Why does it take so long to get him out - follow the system????? Then the long arm of Maynamaha Law tries to grab him back. Makes a good statement to stay in Australia to me., rather than visit Militant Countries.
I wish this man and his family a wonderful future.
This man is what true legends are (the real meaning).
I wish this man and his family a wonderful future.
This man is what true legends are (the real meaning).
May 25, 2024
Content warnings: imprisonment, torture, COVID-19, mental health, violence, suicidal ideation
Somehow I heard nothing about Sean's imprisonment in Myanmar when it happened. Possibly because it was during the pandemic and I found myself in a place where I avoided all news that wasn't to do with case numbers and Dan Andrews' daily press conferences. So this was both utterly fascinating and utterly horrifying all at once. I do kind of wish it gave me more background on the politics of Myanmar than it did, but at the same time I appreciate that that's not the purpose of this book.
Somehow I heard nothing about Sean's imprisonment in Myanmar when it happened. Possibly because it was during the pandemic and I found myself in a place where I avoided all news that wasn't to do with case numbers and Dan Andrews' daily press conferences. So this was both utterly fascinating and utterly horrifying all at once. I do kind of wish it gave me more background on the politics of Myanmar than it did, but at the same time I appreciate that that's not the purpose of this book.
March 20, 2024
Wow. This book was flooring. Sean's tale showcases his nature as a deeply heroic, empathetic, compassionate and sincere man, and it is impossible to doubt his commitment to the people of Myanmar and a better future for the country. The book also contains some humor and insights into the Myanmar military's psyche based on his unjust time in prison alongside other political prisoners since the 2021 coup. Bravo, Sean!
May 24, 2024
What a read! As a Burmese citizen supporting the revolution, Sean’s story brings so many emotions and sentiments. It’s raw and realistic of what is happening behind the bars in Burma’s prison, actually worse than Sean’s situation as he has mentioned. Thanks a million to Sean for sharing your story to the world and let all know how cruel and unjust the military junta is. I hope we will win the revolution in a near future and I will contribute in every way I can to the cause.
February 1, 2024
A tautly paced, moving book with wry humour, that contained many insights about what the NLD was trying to do to reform Myanmar and the opposition figures who have been attacked, jailed and killed as part of the military coup in 2021.
January 2, 2024
An account of hope, imprisonment and release.
January 9, 2024
Interesting book by a brave and optimistic man. However I found it to be somewhat tedious and repetitive.
February 2, 2024
I was left wondering “does the author like to read?”
February 14, 2024
Good and enjoyable read
June 13, 2024
Honest, forthright, engaging, brutal horrifying, scary. A must read.
July 9, 2024
Beautifully written of the unjust political detainment and the junta’s vengeful actions detailed during the Myanmar Coup.
April 27, 2025
An inspiring read through his humility, bravery and compassion towards the people of Myanmar who, as he acknowledges, are the ones who continue to suffer even more than he did.
August 7, 2025
Sean went through something from a movie. Keeping optimistic throughout his ordeal is nothing short of inspiring
January 25, 2024
It’s strange to read the book about the terrible experience of being imprisoned in Myanmar while still living in the country. Sean’s story is not unique for Myanmar, unfortunately, but through it shines his compassion with many of those who are still unjustly treated by the ruling junta as well as the sheer resilience and determination of Myanmar people who despite the hopeless situation and deterioration of international interest and support continue to resist morally and with small acts of defiance, even in prisons. An essential read for those who want to understand the ridicule of Myanmar’s justice system but also read a story about the perseverance using different diplomatic official and unofficial means to keep loved ones sane and hopeful about a positive outcome.
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