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A Bit of a Stretch

The Diaries of a Prisoner

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About this listen

Where can a tin of tuna buy you clean clothes? Which British education system struggles with 50 percent illiteracy? Where do teetotal Muslims attend AA meetings? Where is it easier to get 'spice' than paracetamol? Where does self-harm barely raise an eyebrow?

Welcome to Her Majesty's Prison Service, a creaking and surreal world that has been left to rot for decades in the shadows of polite society. Like most people, documentary-maker Chris Atkins didn't spend much time thinking about prisons. But after becoming embroiled in a dodgy scheme to fund his latest film, he was sent down for five years.

His new home would be HMP Wandsworth, one of the oldest, largest and most dysfunctional prisons in Europe. Horrifying, moving and darkly funny, this is the unvarnished depiction of what he found. With a cast of characters ranging from wily drug dealers to corrupt screws to senior officials bent on endless (and fruitless) reform, this is the reality behind the locked gates. Full of incredible and hilarious stories, A Bit of a Stretch reveals the true scale of our prison crisis and why it is costing us all.

Includes exclusive bonus chapter, available only from Audible.

©2020 Chris Atkins (P)2020 Audible, Ltd Criminal & Forensic Psychology Mental Health Psychology Psychology & Mental Health True Crime Funny Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking Scary Health
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A “page turning” listen into the pathetic prison system that is forever being asked to do more with less and shows the system failed years ago and is in desperate need of true leadership from the top.
I would give Atkins the job..... and let him replace the imbeciles pretending to run it at the moment.

A remarkable insight into a depressing prison system.

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I was surprised to find how “enjoyable” this book was. It covers a wide array of humanity inside prison in a balanced way without being judgemental or sensationalist. I felt the author was sincere about his emotional journey and also the personal growth he gained from doing his stretch. He really brought the personalities of people he’d spent time with to life. The description of the management (or lack of it) of prisons and the handling of them by politicians is rational and sensible and packed with interesting facts. Well worth a listen.

Candid and unpretentious

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love this book didnt want it to end...told anyone that will listern to download it! even been walking 5he dogs for excessively long periods of time so I can listern to this funny and honest account of a 1st time spent in such an awful place, the author has made me realise u can make the best of any bad situations, my husband is currently in HMP durham nd hopefully out in 2 weeks, hes been their before but this time was a massive shock as weve both turned our lives round and it was our 'friend's...more associate that committed the crime (section 18 -GBH) but they're both in their...this books made me feel a connection and really lifted my spirits, I'd have been terrified to step foot in the jail, visiting bad enough....well done for getting through the sentence and congrats on such a good book!

excellent thank you loved this book....

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Chris got caught. takes it on the chin and uses his wits and skills to initially make his life livable but eventually to lessen the misery of others in HMP Wandsworth.

sounds simple but to hear him retell his own experiences is really something special.

I'm so glad to have listened to this book and hope other give it a go.

Brilliant, Brave and Honest

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Loved it, very enlightening! The author reads it well and it's a very honest view of his time in Wandsworth prison.

Great book

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