Prisoner #1056

How I Survived War and Found Peace

By: Roy Ratnavel

Narrated by: Roy Ratnavel

2024 Axiom Business Book Award, Winner

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

BRONZE MEDALIST IN MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY FOR THE AXIOM BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS

An incredible immigrant story from a prominent Canadian Tamil who fled torture and imprisonment, arrived in Canada with $50 in his pocket, then rose from the mailroom to the executive suite of the country’s largest independent asset management company.

Roy Ratnavel’s astonishing journey began at age seventeen, when he was seized by government soldiers and interned in a notorious prison camp for no reason other than being born a Tamil. He saw friends die, and was tortured for a few months—until an unlikely encounter allowed him to send a message beyond the prison walls, which led to his release.

Seeing nothing but more danger in his son’s future, Ratnavel’s father sought refuge for his son in Canada, far from the ethnic violence that was consuming Sri Lanka. When the consular immigration officer asked for proof that the boy’s life was at risk in his homeland, Ratnavel simply lifted his shirt to show the man his unhealed scars. It wasn’t long before he was on a plane. His father was shot and killed three days later.

To repay the debt he owed to his hero of a father, Ratnavel was determined to find the bright future that had been envisioned for him. He went to night school, worked three jobs at a time, and lived in a tiny space with seven housemates. Ratnavel persevered, and he hustled. He accepted no charity, even from relatives, but he made the most of the opportunities set in his path, the mentorship offered by those Canadians who recognized his potential, and by his new homeland, a country shaped by openness, tolerance, and a commitment to merit.

Prisoner #1056 is not only a moving immigrant success story and a searing account of surviving unimaginable injustice and trauma—it is an urgent warning that the dark forces of populism that tore apart the once-prosperous island of Sri Lanka can do their ugly work in Western societies too. Passionate, raw, thoughtful, and far-seeing, Prisoner #1056 makes the case that our destiny is in our own hands.

©2023 Roy Ratnavel (P)2023 Viking

Critic reviews

“Millions of people fleeing countries less fortunate have found here in Canada a refuge from mistrust and hatred and violence which has allowed them to achieve their potential in the rich soil of our freedom. Roy’s life is one such story. While Roy’s remarkable personal journey is unique to him, reading his book one cannot help but hear a familiar refrain that will resonate with millions of Canadians, because at its core it is the story of the immigrant experience. And in the final analysis, we are all children of immigrants.”—The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, 18th Prime Minister of Canada

“Pick up this book and you’ll feel like taking on the world. Roy Ratnavel’s story proves that you really do make your own luck, that you really can make it to the top with hard work—and that there are still people out there with the courage to speak their minds. An exciting, thoughtful, inspiring read.”—Jeff Rubin, bestselling author of The Expendables

“A stirring struggle to forge promise and purpose from a life scarred by pain, and to bridge two worlds with compassion and hustle learned in each of them. Ratnavel shows we can pull each other up by our bootstraps.”—James Bradshaw, reporter for The Globe and Mail

An Unyielding Journey of Resilience and Triumph

A deeply moving and inspirational memoir that takes listeners on an incredible journey of survival, resilience, and triumph. This audiobook, masterfully narrated by Roy Ratnavel himself, is an intense emotional and inspirational roller coaster.

I could not do any other work while listening to this narration as the details Roy has put into the writing never fail to bring the detailed visuals of the story to life. The narration of the audiobook is compelling, drawing listeners into Ratnavel's world and making his experiences feel immediate and profoundly impactful. The raw emotion and passion in his voice amplify the memoir's intensity, making it an unforgettable listening experience.

What makes Ratnavel's story truly remarkable is his unwavering determination and grit. It's not just a story of a Sri Lankan Tamil; it's a story of collective immigrants who packed their lives into a few pounds of luggage and left their countries for a better future.

Roy Ratnavel's journey from a prison camp to the pinnacle of corporate success is not only inspiring but also a stark reminder of the values of hard work, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience and the universal quest for a better life.

A piercing tale of a man’s life journey through heinous challenges, triumphs and peace.

This is a riveting narrative, a beautiful tapestry of the English language depicting the author's extraordinary life. It is an honest account of a boy’s journey from facing heinous challenges to becoming a man, a husband, and a father while reaching the pinnacle of the corporate world in Canada. The author often uses an inspiring metaphor of ‘lamb to a lion’ when referring to himself throughout the book.
His vulnerability seeps through the book as he pens in equal candor unapologetic prose about his fears and strengths, triumphs and failures, unimaginable griefs, and perpetual will to rise as the phoenix. A narrative that is a testament to indomitable resilience, a quality that will inspire and motivate any reader. The book flows seamlessly, adorned with beautiful words and phrases.
It is a powerful story of hope and tenacity, a testimony to the human capacity to overcome the most challenging adversities driven by unceasing commitment to family and core principles; it's a beam of hope, resilience, and fulfillment. It will be an excellent read for the young, offering guidance and inspiration.

#1 Audio Book of all times!

One of the best audio books I have ever listened to.

From the beginning to the end Roy has done an amazing job capturing the audience’s attention.

Roy’s story was a thriller filled with many historical facts and raw emotions showcasing hard work, dedication and the secret to success.

Congratulations to you Roy for an amazing book.

I really hope Sinhalese and Tamil folks will read or listen to this book to understand what the average kid in the North experienced in last few decades.

For Non Sri Lankans this is a good read to not only familiarize yourself with the civil unrest in Sri Lanka from a young boy’s perspective but also to get an inside view into an immigrant’s life. This book also encourages and educate one on how not to be a victim and the power in seeing oneself as a victor.