Strangeways cover art

Strangeways

A Prison Officer's Story

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Strangeways

By: Neil Samworth
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Neil ‘Sam’ Samworth spent 11 years working as a prison officer in HMP Manchester, aka Strangeways. A tough Yorkshireman with a soft heart, Sam had to deal with it all – gangsters and gangbangers, terrorists and psychopaths, addicts and the mentally ill. Men who should not be locked up and men who should never be let out.

Strangeways is a shocking and at times darkly funny account of life in a high security prison. Sam tackles cell fires and self-harmers, and goes head to head with some of the most dangerous men in the country. He averts a Christmas Day riot after turkey is taken off the menu and replaced by fish curry, and stands up to officers who abuse their position. He describes being attacked by prisoners, and reveals the problems caused by radicalization and the drugs flooding our prisons.

As staffing cuts saw Britain’s prison system descend into crisis, the stress of the job – the suicides, the inhumanity of the system, and one assault too many - left Sam suffering from PTSD. This raw, searingly honest memoir is a testament to the men and women of the prison service and the incredibly difficult job we ask them to do.

©2018 Neil Samworth (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd Social Sciences Crime Funny Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Scary

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All stars
Most relevant
A great book a true insight into life in Strangeways well worth a listen about one mans views on an ever growing problem

Excellent

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As I am related to Sam some may consider this to be bias but I have known Sam all my life and whilst I am actually his cousin I have always looked at Sam as being my brother and after losing my actual big brother he now ( like it or not ) is my big brother and any who know me know I could not give a higher compliment !!

The above being said I can assure anyone that Sam is very honest, sincere but above that compassionate & considerate to all so if you are interested or intrigued about what life is like either being in or working in a prison then this is for you and because Sam is actually narrating it himself it gives it that personal touch that is very rare.

Fraser.

Well Done Sam I am Very Proud of You.

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An amazing insight into prison life and a chilling description of the vile creature who ended the life of little April well written and read

splendid

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It is a book that brings to life the compassion and tragedy of the prison. For those that make a difference

Honest and passionate account,

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This was a real eye opener for me, in terms of what goes on in a prison, and how they operate. Although much of the content was difficult to listen to as it conjured up images and situations that were often repulsive and/or upsetting, it was also compelling. It saddened me to hear about the detrimental impact that this career choice has on a persons mental and physical health. I was pleased to hear that Samworth got the help that he needed, and I wish him and his family all the very best.

Insightful

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