Reader Reviews

thank u 4 a brilliant book I was in Bangkok airport leaving 2 go 2 Copenhagen @ your book kept reaching out at me well I couldn’t put the bloody book down got 2 Finland showed some friends they don’t have any books of yours up there what a pity why haven’t you made a movie of your UNREAL JOURNEY absolutely loved your book hope life is great 4 you now thank you 4 the insight of the Indonesian system take care mate

Louise Thursday 10^th August 2006
I've just finished reading your book "The Sunday Smuggler" & just had to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed it. You truly are an amazing person & I think I can learn a lot from your experience... In spite of your adversity, you made the best of your situation, made friends and helped others. Your survival is a testament to the human spirit & the fact that you can achieve anything if you have faith & believe in yourself. I want to thank you for sharing your story. I draw immense inspiration from it, for if you can get on with
your life... I should be able to.

Adam Thursday 10^th August 2006
I have just read your book Hells prisoner in utter astonishment. You are truly a modern day hero, I have read a lot of books about foreign prisoners who go to Asian prisons but found yours to be the most shocking. Maybe you are just a better writer but the vivid picture you painted was as disturbing as it was gripping. I have always been interested in foreign prisoners abroad (mainly Asia) and try to understand as much as I can what this does to a person. Your book told me a lot but I really want to try and understand this better.

James Tuesday 15^th August 2006
I was given your book on Friday as a birthday gift and started to read it on Saturday. I
was unable to put the thing down and finished it in a day!! A truly unbelievable story, I've been to Bali and I've seen how they live there so I can only imagine prison life.
I just wanted to say keep writing, you have a real gift at it not to mention one of the
funniest and most bizarre senses of humour I've ever heard of. Truly Australian. Thanks for the great read, I look forward to reading more of them.

I was travelling from Stansted Airport UK, I'm not the 100% cool about travelling in the sky and I'm afraid my nerves always get the better of me, so I decided to buy a book to keep me occupied throughout the journey, the book shop was full of semi celebs and their autobiographies, not one of them appealed to me, then I saw "hells prisoner" straight away I brought it and boarded the plane, I didn’t see or feel the take off of the plane, nor did I see anything else or hear anything else, I didn’t even see the trolley dolly bring my food, I was without doubt totally in the book I was reading, I like to read all kinds of books, but never in my 36years have I been so gripped, I felt as I was with you every step of the way, I felt sadness, laughter, and pain......(loved the shit throwing) when my plane landed 4 hours later I had just finished the book, it was excellent, but sad that an innocent man had over 11 years of his life taken away, there are many questions myself and my son who is now reading the book would like to ask, but feel it is rude and disrespectful to ask, so I will simply say I am sorry for what you had to go thru, and your book should be voted "the most moving story ever"

I read your book entitled hell's prisoner from cover to cover in one night, and was horrified at the conditions you and others had to endure. I can't believe how you coped and survived the ordeal. I am itching to know just how you felt when you first set foot outside when you were released. And how did you adjust to life on the outside. You are one remarkable human being who must have more will power and determination than anyone I have ever known. Your book was the best read I have ever bought. I wish I could have met you and shook your hand. Can you please reply to this e-mail as it would mean a great deal to me. How do I buy a copy of your book "aimless" and can I get an autographed copy. Thank you for the best read of my life. All the best

After reading your book my opinion of Australian Consulates has plummeted. My husband and I have been going to Bali for 40 years. Somehow it is not so appealing. About the time you were making your abortive attempt to escape, we could have been staying at the Mandira, not far from the Oberoi, and yet we knew nothing about prison escapees. Would you ever go back to visit or contact any prison friends? Couldn't put 'The Sunday Smuggler' down.

I received "The Sunday Smuggler" on Friday, and couldn't put the thing down. I have only just finished it and want to start reading it again. I am really lost for words as to comment on your ordeal. To be able to survive physically and mentally throughout your imprisonment is a feat of nature. I don't think anyone can even begin to imagine what it was like for you. I am looking forward to reading the Sunday Smuggler again, as well as reading the sequel. I am not going to say I loved every minute of reading the book, cause I am not sure if saying you loved reading about someone else's worst nightmare is right, so let’s just say I didn't not like the book and leave it at that.

I just bought "The Sunday smuggler" & haven't been able to put it down! The recognition you deserve is endless for what you have encountered! I have seen inside the cells at the Denpasar Police Headquarters. You never forget that smell........I sincerely hope your happy now!........Renee x

Thu 16/06/2005 2:27 PM

I just finished reading your book - incredible & well done.

I was amazed with your perseverance & ultimate survival.

I was travelling in Indonesia during 1975 & 1979 as a teenager/early 20's and recall my experiences with great clarity. Some of the "rumours" we heard about the prisons were obviously very real/true. What a nightmare !!!!

Good luck with your future & the book sales which I will recommend to my friends.

Regards/Peter

Tue 17/05/2005 12:11 PM

I just completed reading your book, “The Sunday Smuggler”, and I have to say it is the most thought provoking and scariest book I have read in a long time, if ever. I want to just say to you that the things that happened to you as described in your book, at times made my skin crawl and sometimes I had to just pause and try and contemplate what you must have gone through. Your sprit, fibre and sense of mateship is what makes this country great, and I am proud to be Australian.

Your story is quite relevant at the moment given the events that are currently occurring in Bali, and I was wondering if you would be able to do anything, given your experience, for the Australians that are in the system and the ones that are on trial at the moment. Whether they are guilty or not is irrelevant to me. Nobody should have to endure the suffering that you and your fellow inmates went through.

Best Regards Robert

Mon 2/05/2005 11:21 PM

I've just read your book (in one go) and found it absolutely fascinating. I'm sure you've been asked this a million times but did you ever make contact with Doggie again.

I read on the internet that he eventually signed a confession in Australia, obviously irrelevant as it turns out. Could he have returned to Indonesia and faced the consequences once he realised you were to be sent down ? Did he do anything to try and get you released ? How do you feel about him now ?

Thanks for publishing a great book - I realise somewhat guiltily that my enjoyment comes at a price, namely yours, however apart from being absolutely riveted by your experience I also feel massively inspired.

Thanks again Richard

Tue 15/03/2005 6:57 PM

I have just finished reading your book “The Sunday Smuggler”, and I cannot begin to explain how incredibly moved I was.

To hear stories of what goes on in the everyday life of prison in is…well.. we (other people)

People have absolutely no idea. The way you have portrayed this is of no other. It is truly moving. My step mother gave the

Book to my dad who hasn’t had time to read the whole thing yet, so I picked it up, and with no word of a lie have not been able

To put it down!!! I just want to say it was a magnificent book, and I will be recommending many of my friends to read it.

Yours Sincerely: Matthew

Tue 1/03/2005 5:06 AM

I recently flew to Queensland and had a delayed flight. Once going to the book shop I bought your book, I needed some time to kill so what the hell, I will read a novel.. I thought. I couldn't put the book down I finished it the next day. I recently flew to Bali for a holiday, and was a bit sceptical about going because of the bombings, after reading your book and knowing what's going on with the other Aussie girl over in the prison in makes me more weary about overseas travels to Asian countries. The hell you went through could not be imaginable and I am very disappointed if not angry the way the government deal with the Australian people overseas on death row or in prison. You are a remarkable person for making it through mentally and physically. A bit confused on what happened with your family, as your wife not being in contact with you whilst you were there.

A fantastic book about the truth of those disgraceful prisons in Asia. even better if the book was fiction.

regards Danielle

Thu 13/01/2005 9:18 AM

I have just finished reading your book and what does one say.

I wish you peace, health, love and contentment.

No man should endure what you did but you did it with character.

I travel through Asia with my work frequently and am always very aware of worse case scenarios but after your book I will certainly be more vigilant.

I wish you well. Sue

Tue 5/10/2004 6:11 PM

I picked this up at the local library and could not put it down. What a fantastic read. I have never read a book that made me laugh they way this one did out loud (Hell's prisoner). I have recommended this book to many of my friends who are now reading it. "You think you life is shit, read this!!" Is the Sunday smuggler the same book or just printer under a different name here (Wales, UK).

I just wanted to thank Chris for writing this book and allowing us to share his life at that time and I'm glad he made it out so that I could read about it, selfish .. I know!!

Cheers once again, Helen

Thu 2/09/2004 10:20 PM

my name is Nikki and I have just finished reading your book. It is one of the most amazing stories I have ever read and I have huge interest in reading true stories. I read the book in 2 days as I just couldn't put it down, you are certainly a man of courage and will power. I hope your life has now settled down and your are living the life you deserve.

Anyway, I just thought I'd write you an email to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book and it made me realize not to take the life I live for granted as there are people out there doing it tough, I wish you the best of luck in the future and hope everything you ever dreamed about when you were behind those rotten bars comes true

my regards Nikki

Sat 3/07/2004 6:45 PM

Thankyou for the frank way in which your story is told.

I have spent time and many trips to Indonesia and have always known to maintain an extraordinary high security with regards to moving about and trusting anyone's motives for wanting to "help". Your story justifies that there is only really one person responsible for your security and that's you. Some people have told me I'm a bit over the top but apart from having to pay the odd 5000 RP bribe to traffic police.

Having said that I also find some great life in the countries and in all my travels I have Tida Marsarla.

I look forward to reading more of your story of human endurance.

Tony

Thu 1/07/2004 8:57 PM

I have just finished this amazing book. I read with absolute fascination the account of the years in prison, and, as a Customs Officer, I cannot imagine the horror of being locked up for something you didn't do. However, I have one question after finishing the book. What happened to Doug, Doggie, ? There is no mention of seeing him after release, finding out why the drugs were where they were, or how he managed to escape prison. Surely a grudge is held? I would be seriously pissed if I did 11 years and the person actually responsible got off scott free!

Kind regards Hazel

Tue 15/06/2004 7:17 AM

I saw your book at the shops the other day and picked it up as I thought it would be an interesting read, and barely put it down until I finished it.

Credit where credit is due...it's a fantastic read and made more so by the fact that it's non-fiction. Kind of like driving past a road accident...you know you're going to see something upsetting but you have to look anyway.

I don't know if you have read 'Arrested Development' the Aaron Cohen story...another great book if you haven't read it already.

I became friends with Kevin Barlow when he was in Penang Prison up until his death. He was a mis-represented person in a lot of ways. I see you had your 'earth-bound angel' in Ibu as did the Penang prisoners have in their Sister Nicole. Unfortunately she died a few years ago in a road accident...an amazing lady.

Anyways Chris, just wanted to say I enjoyed your book immensely and look forward to reading some more of your books.

Cheers Barb

Sat 17/04/2004 9:04 PM

Just a short note to say that I enjoyed your book very much. I read it almost at one sitting as I could not put it down!
I am sorry you had to go through those 11 years and hope you have gone on to a happy life in Australia. I also hope the friends you left behind in Indonesia have got out. Perhaps a follow up book is on the cards??
Once again thank you for the great book and good luck for the future.

Regards, John

The excerpt shown on this website does not do justice to this extraordinary book. An Australian man and seasoned Asian traveller, caught up in the Indonesian prison system. As you read on, you are drawn closer and closer to a world of horror, humour and love, the logic of which you begin to understand towards the end. I hadn't laughed so hard since Kennedy Toole's 'A Confederacy of Dunces'. Given the subject-matter, this is no mean achievement of the author's.

"Without a doubt One of the Best Top Ten Books I've ever read. On one page the guys got me cracking up on the next I am nearly crying. Extremely well written once you start reading it you just cant put it down. I don't know if this author has written anything else but I for one would definitely buy more of his stuff. I liked his style and spirit which this book highly reflected, I loved his bent sense of humour... If you like a good laugh, a lot of gore backed with the most incredible true life story of survival... This book is without a doubt... The book for you. I highly recommend it. 10 out of 10.

My sister gave me 'Sunday Smuggler' as a gift (she has bought just about everyone she knows a copy). This book is the most awesome piece of literature that I have read in a very long time. I am looking forward to reading more of this amazing man and his life in Indonesian prisons.

(The title of the book I read is "the Sunday Smuggler". I believe it was published under 2 different names.) I COULD NOT put this fucking book down! I finished it in less than 2 days. It's extremely intense. I want to know more though. What happened to the guy "Doggie" who mysteriously was released in the beginning? And why did Russell Christopher) get a Presidential Pardon? What facts surfaced that allowed him to go free? I want to know more about his ties with Amnesty International, and why they didn't/couldn't do more? I also would have liked more focus or discussion about him being wrongfully charged, why his wife didn't go down too? Wouldn't she have been considered a partner? What has been done either by the author or others to remedy some of the situation in foreign prisons since the writing of this book? Questions aside, this is an amazing book.

I found I couldn't put this book down once I had started it. The things that happened to this man are incredible, my advice to everyone is to read this book before venturing OS and be very careful of whom you are travelling with. To be locked up for something you didn't do is unimaginable. I now have some sort of insight into what it would be like to be charged and proven guilty (albeit the wrong verdict) without a proper trial. Excellent reading from start to finish and the photos are a bonus. In Australia this book is titled 'The Sunday Smuggler'. I have bought many copies as gifts and highly recommend reading it. Can't wait for the movie. Bless you Christopher VV Parnell.

I read the book about Christopher VV Parnell (Hells Prisoner) I thought it was amazing how one could deal with the treatment he suffered in the Indonesian Jail Christopher's book is a very good read I often found myself laughing at how he handled himself in such a place I like the way Christopher has written the book he has a unique way of expressing himself. I am not a huge reader but I enjoyed every minute of this book I look forward to seeing more of Christopher's adventure's (Book's)

The last book I read from start to finish prior to Hell's Prisoner, was a biography on David Bowie in 1978. I found myself reading Hell's Prisoner in 2 days. I think Hell's Prisoner has been written so well, at times I actually pictured myself sitting next to Christopher Parnell as he was telling me his story personally. In parts this book had me laughing and in other parts had me crying. The things that happened to this man in Indonesian prisons would have been enough to send a lesser person insane. I'd like to congratulate Christopher VV Parnell for having the courage to relive and tell of the atrocities that happened to him in Indonesia. This book is a must read for all whom take their freedom for granted.

This book is an excellent read, I couldn't put it down. If you like Midnight Express, just add a good dose of humour and you will love this book. Parnell's will to survive and gift of Humour reads very clearly all the way through what would have been hell on earth... in this Barbaric Prison. The book is vivid in description and dialogue with excellent photos which add testament to authenticity of this book

The jacket and online reviews I've read simply don't do justice to this author. The brutality and horror of Indonesian prisons comprises about 20% of the book, with the rest an entertaining and often hilarious testimony to bawdy Aussie humour, the author's indefatigable spirit, sense of fun, and ability to get one over on his captors.

Cherish the early chapter when, awaiting trial, he tries to act insane by competing with the other imbecile inmates, and later, when facing a beating from the guards, he scatters them by throwing his own excrement at them, to the hilarity of his fellow captives.

If you like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Derek and Clive" ( and even if not ) you'll love this. In parts the funniest book I've read in years. Every library should have a copy

Send mail to chris@christophervvparnell.com with questions or comments about this web site.

Copyright © 2002 The Sunday Smuggler-Christopher V V Parnell

Last modified: September 21, 2006