Imagine a man traveling across 19th-century America, from New York to the Midwest, leaving a trail of confused wives and angry sheriffs in his wake. That's L.A. Abbott, the author and subject of this unbelievable memoir. He spins a yarn about marrying woman after woman, often using fake names and moving on before his latest wife gets suspicious. Every time the law catches up, he lands in a different jail, hence the 'seven prisons.' The book is his own defense, trying to explain how he wasn't a villain, just a man led astray by circumstance and, in his view, the women themselves.

Why You Should Read It

Honestly, the biggest draw is Abbott's voice. He's trying so hard to make you see him as the victim, and it's utterly compelling. You're constantly asking: Is any of this true? Is he a master storyteller or just a fantastic liar? It's a peek into a time before national records, where a smooth talker could reinvent himself in every new town. Beyond the scandal, it's surprisingly funny in a dark way, and it makes you think about truth, justice, and how people justify their own terrible choices.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves true crime, historical oddities, or just a story that makes you say 'what?!' out loud. It's not a literary masterpiece, but it's a gripping, quick read. If you enjoy podcasts about scams and schemers, this is the 1850s version. Just be prepared to shake your head in disbelief every few pages.