‘The act of writing is, fundamentally, an act of seduction’: Author Susan Orlean on luring readers

Jeffrey Archer, a British author who captivated Indian readers of English literature, had an unparalleled knack for words. In 2019, during his only appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival, he shared a story that highlighted his special place in the hearts of Indian readers. A poor boy approached Archer with stolen Archer books and asked, "Sir, do you want the latest Jeffrey Archer?" Archer replied, "I am the latest Jeffrey Archer."

Archer's popularity in India surpassed that in his native UK, where his public life often overshadowed his literary talents. Despite legal troubles, his most successful work was "Kane and Abel," which sold as many copies as "Gone with the Wind" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." The novel introduced two archetypal characters, who battled until one died, followed by a Bollywood twist.

Another successful novel, "The Fourth Estate," was based on the rivalry between media tycoons Rupert Murdoch and Robert Maxwell. Archer's literary style made his works accessible to a post-liberalisation middle-class Indian audience, who appreciated his stories without demanding complex language. His short stories, while not matching the masters, were equally engaging due to their unexpected endings.

Archer's life was as thrilling as his novels, marked by rapid success, scandal, and imprisonment. He entered Westminster as a Conservative MP at 29 and later served as Margaret Thatcher's deputy chairman. However, a sex scandal and bankruptcy led to his downfall, which he later used to write prison diaries. He remained a prominent figure in British politics and literature until his passing in 2024.