An Unlikely Prisoner

How an eternal optimist found hope in Myanmar’s most notorious jail

'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.

Uniquely Sean!

A firsthand storytelling from a great man, delivered in just what I imagined it to be. The way the story is being read, makes me feel like having a live conversation. An Unlikely Prisoner is a story of bravery of a man, wife, daughter, family and friends, facing an unimaginable test of time. It's a story on humanity. It brings back memories on the days where we held our breath for Sean's return to Australia. This book filled the void to all of the questions arose in our minds.

Resilience, how to survive, and many more

This is an extraordinary book to read. A lot to learn from one’s life, suffering, patience - as well as so touching. No one know what we can happen in life, and this is one of a great example how to learn from Professor Turnell. Once a citizen under brutal oppressive Military Regime, I can’t say enough recommendation to this book who wants to know about Burma.

Amazing Person, incredible/Insightful

Sean indeed loves the Myanmar people, that I know from being with him in Naypyidaw. Not just a knowledgeable academic but a great storyteller. Having left Myanmar just before the coup I met some of the people he talks about and am saddened yet inspired by their fates.