The tenth man

The Tenth Man

The novel The tenth man was the first book I read this term. The story takes place in France, where one in ten prisoners is executed. Once the prisoners are told this rule, it is up to them to choose who will be the one to die. There are no volunteers so, in order to avoid conflict, they decide to draw lots. One of the chosen men is a rich lawyer. Therefore he offers the others a deal: If any of them agrees to take his place and die instead, their family will receive all his fortune. Surprisingly, one of the prisoners accepts the deal. A few years pass and the lawyer is released. However, he now has to face the life in Paris with no money, nor a home. This is very difficult, therefore he decides to visit his old house and see whether somebody lives there (presumably the family of the executed prisoner). He uses a false identity and begins work there. He is offered a salary, as well as a place to live. Will the family realise that he is to blame for the death of their relative?

I enjoyed this book so much for many reasons. Firstly, it is fairly easy to read, the language is not too sophisticated, as well as it is easy to follow. Furthermore, there is so much action happening and there is so much suspense that the interest of the reader is present at all times. There aren't too many descriptions either. The story is very interesting and the reader has no idea what will happen until the end. There is also a plot twist.

I strongly encourage you to read this book, because it is truly interesting and you will finish it very quickly.