The Sunday smuggler: The shocking true story of an innocent man jailed for over 11 years in Indonesia's most notorious prisons

by Christopher V.V. Parnell

the true story of an innocent Australian's eleven years in Indonesia's most notorious prisons. Christopher Parnell was on holiday with his family in Bali when the unthinkable happened. their holiday complex was raided and police claimed to have uncovered 12.5kg of hashish. Parnell and a travelling companion were immediately arrested. His companion was later released and left Bali as soon as the charges against him were dropped. While Parnell awaited trial, his friend signed a statutory declaration back in Australia to say that the drugs had belonged to him. He admitted he had been afraid to face Indonesian justice but believed the mix up would be rectified and Parnell released. Instead, Parnell was sentenced to the death penalty. that sentence was later reduced to 20 years and a fine of US$30,000. Over the next 11 years, Parnell was subjected to unthinkable sessions of torture. Left to starve and fight every day for his survival, Parnell became a man forced to eat everything from cockroaches to human flesh. the true story of an innocent Australian's eleven years in Indonesia's most notorious prisons. Christopher Parnell was on holiday with his family in Bali when the unthinkable happened. their holiday complex was raided and police claimed to have uncovered 12.5kg of hashish. Parnell and a travelling companion were immediately arrested. His companion was later released and left Bali as soon as the charges against him were dropped. While Parnell awaited trial, his friend signed a statutory declaration back in Australia to say that the drugs had belonged to him. He admitted he had been afraid to face Indonesian justice but believed the mix up would be rectified and Parnell released. Instead, Parnell was sentenced to the death penalty. that sentence was later reduced to 20 years and a fine of US$30,000. Over the next 11 years, Parnell was subjected to unthinkable sessions of torture. Left to starve and fight every day for his survival, Parnell became a man forced to eat everything from cockroaches to human flesh.

Genres: True Crime

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Stevenloomyahoo.com.au · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard this guy interviewed on abc radio and was awesome an horrific interview so I went an bought book an didn't put it down till I finished !

[Nadhir Mindfreak · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the guy in question seemed like a bit of a turkey, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was guilty. However, the book remained a really interesting read. He's a very good story teller; very descriptive and entertaining. A horrific insight into the lives of those existing in places like this.

[Susan Dunwoody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was emotional. Funny, sad and inspiring. Awesome

[Nikla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It sucks it happened to him but such a good read

[Beatrix Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally insane, sad and frustrating story about an innocent man having to live through awful experiences. I couldn't put it down!!

[Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unconvincing in terms of verisimilitude, narration or the author's claim of innocence (despite the fact he entered the country on a fake passport, he claims he did nothing wrong!).

If you want to read an authentic account of life in an Asian prison by an author who is honest about what he did and how he feels about it, read "The Damage Done" by Warren Fellows. Be warned: it is deeply disturbing.

[Rachael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found this at a dumpster. Funny but horribly racist ("monkey faces" describing natives) and some sick burns seem too good without him getting shot on the spot by authorities, like an uncle telling a very embellished story at a BBQ

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, really rough and ready and quite scary in the story it portrays of the Indonesian Penal system.
Honestly the more I read of Bali and other parts of Indonesia, the less inclined I ever am in travelling there.

[Shirley Metelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking and scary ... a good read .. set up and deserted in Indonesia to face 11 years in prison... an incredibly strong man who found ways to entertain himself.. loved his courage and his twisted sense of humour

[Shayno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Even if this guy is not innocent, he has some amazing stories!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brutal and pretty gross at times but interesting and suprisingly funny.

[Robyn]

An interesting and inspiring read for most of the book. However, the copy I had was misprinted. Forty repeat pages and forty pages missing two thirds into the book. Frustrating!