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Behind These Doors

Stories of Strength, Suffering and Survival in Prison

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Behind These Doors

By: Alex South
Narrated by: Sofia Zervudachi
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About this listen

A powerful and affecting look at life in prison

The men I have worked with and the staff I've worked alongside over the last ten years in prison have taught me strength, compassion, courage, and fundamentally, the need to talk, the need to share and the need to tell these stories. These are the stories of lives lived, lost and taken, behind walls so high we can pretend they hide another world entirely. But at what cost?

Behind These Doors is a provocative, insightful and illuminating interrogation of what it is to live and to work in the UK's most infamous prisons. The individuals Alex introduces us to are, for the most part, living on the margins of society and the impact of the cycles of violence that so often accompany those lives is clear to see. Alex takes us by the hand, behind the gates and through security into prison cells, to the shared kitchens, the prison library, down the corridors and into the 'seg' (segregation unit); we will meet men who will surprise and shock us in equal measure, as well as prison officers who struggle to contain the challenges the job presents.

This is a no-holds-barred depiction of life in prison and its many devastating and astonishing, and sometimes inspiring, consequences. As a woman in this environment, her perspective feels especially urgent.

©2023 Alex South (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Social Sciences True Crime Crime Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

'This beautiful book really resonated for me as a true, compassionate and honest account of what it is to work in our prisons; and the massive political challenges that go with incarceration.' Dr. Gwen Adshead, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Devil You Know
'This is a beautifully written account about hope and optimism, of humanity, realism, resilience and the complexity of people - some of whom wear a uniform and others who don't. Oh and it's also an account that's personal, warm and inspiring and so perhaps you'll be surprised when I tell you it's a book about prison and the people who live and work there. I'm just sorry that not all Prison Officers are like Alex South.' Professor David Wilson
'I was completely gripped whilst reading it - it's such a powerful memoir and one that shines a light into a world most of the public rarely see, but need a greater understanding of if the system is to change for the better. A fascinating and heart-breaking insight into those who work in the prison system as well as those incarcerated within it.' Nikki Smith, author of The Beach Party
All stars
Most relevant
I’ve listen to most of the prison officer books on audible and this was my favourite. I didn’t want it to end.

Excellent!

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it was pretty good but it trailed off towards the end. If you enjoy prison stories it is graphically realistic but compassionate, gets a bit dreary towards the end but overall good.

realistic

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Heart wrenching, intelligent, thoughtful, amazing book. Alex South is brave and strong and I hope her book helps people

Brilliant

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I’ve been so moved by Alex’s book and the way it’s been read. It’s changed my mind about so many things and it’s changed my view of the whole prison system.
Thank you Alex for your beautiful words.

The most moving and beautiful Audio book so far

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I felt like I was in each prison and each scenario described. This was a brilliant, balanced view of prison life from both a prison officer and prisoners POV

Really powerful, beautifully written and well read

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