There are a few stories similar to that but take place in Soviet Russia. Natan Sharansky became really good at chess during his 9 years in prison and Eliyahu Ri

There are a few stories similar to that but take place in Soviet Russia. Natan Sharansky became really good at chess during his 9 years in prison and Eliyahu Rips developed a previously unsolved mathematical proof during his 2 years.