An intensely moving and informative book.

It's said that Charles Dickens laughed and cried whilst writing A Christmas Carol more than any of his other books. That was my reaction reading and listening to this book.

Chris Atkins makes no excuses for himself, accepts that he was rightfully convicted and starts his sentence. What follows is incarceration in a filthy, crumbling Victorian slum with an astonishing crowd of fellow inmates. I was reminded of Sir Brian Leveson's anecdote about a conversation with his consultant psychiatrist father at the time when Mrs Thatcher was closing down long-term psychiatric facilities. Leveson père told his son "If things continue in this way, in twenty years' time my patients will be silting up your prisons". This prophecy has come true. Mrs T also cut down on education in prisons. There is no longer any rehabilitation, just endurance and suicide and self-harm for those who cannot cope. I am no longer surprised that drug-taking is rife in prison.

Chris is honest about the advantages of being educated and relatively affluent, and of having his young son on the outside awaiting his release. He makes us fear the other inmates, or men as one is supposed to call them now, yet also feel sorry for them. It's amusing to read of his situational ethics and one admires his honesty about them. Although his taking on the task of being a Listener is not altogether for altruistic reasons, he comes genuinely to care about the people to whom he gives his ear and his time.

The account of the open prison opened my eyes. I have volunteered in a charity shop where men from Ford come to work when they are being prepared for release. I have never met one that I did not like; they are usually cheerful, industrious and helpful. I think my respect has greatly increased if they can remain so after Ford.

I could go on: this book gives great insight into the uncaring attitude of the government towards prison reform and the penny-wise, pound-foolish strategy of the Grayling years. It is tragic, although that sounds melodramatic, that fifty percent of male prison inmates are functionally illiterate. Some have learning difficulties and never stood a chance from the beginning of their lives.

I recommend this book.

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2 people found this helpful

Thoroughly enjoyable.

I savoured every single second of this book. Often funny and sadly more often very sad but non the less I really enjoyed this.
Sad when it ended.

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Fantastic Book

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The subject matter was really interesting and the book was written in a captivating way. I listened to the book whenever I had a spare moment and got through the full thing in a matter of days, when some of the books I have had on here have taken me three or four weeks to get through.

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1 person found this helpful

Comedy narration

Some truly hilarious regional accents employed here. 😯However these didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Recommend it.

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Well read

An interesting insight into the chaotic and dysfunctional life of a prisoner. What kept me engaged was the author narrating his own story, he's got a gift for mimicking the characters' voices, which is quite funny. He comes across as a self-effacing, likeable guy.

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Hilarious, moving, shocking

I've been recommending this to everyone I know - an astonishing insight into Britain's failing prison system, where madness reigns. Chris Atkins is an excellent tour guide, introducing us to characters who are in turn sympathetic, terrifying and tragic, and at the mercy of incomprehensible bureaucratic insanity. Absolutely captivating, hilarious, appalling and humane

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Gripping Read

I listened with interest as i was curious about prison life. Some prisoners adapt to their surroundings more easily while others seem unable to get to grips with life behind bars. Overall i thought prisons have failed completely to rehabilitate their inmates and all politicians should read this book and start urgent prison reform. As for prison officers we need well paid, better trained people who understand their job better and not work in such a frustrating manner which is of no benefit to prisoners. This was a fascinating book. Choose it, buy it and read it. Worth your time!

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interesting and entertaining highly recommend

The music described in other reviews is really not that bad. definitely worth a listen.

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one of the best things I've listened too

I was a big fan of the audio book, This is going to hurt and for similar reasons I've really enjoyed A bit of a stretch. A good mix of information and comedy wrapped up by a great performance.

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Got me back into audio

After a long dry patch with audio books this is exactly what I needed! Fascinating, thought provoking, brilliantly written and a pleasure go listen to. Thanks!

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