Behind these Doors
As heard on Radio 4 Book of the Week
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4.6 • 9 Ratings
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
*A Radio 4 Book of the Week*
'Powerful' Observer
'Superb' Daily Mail
'Brilliant' Radio Times
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Few people leave prison unchanged. It's a place heavy with suffering, a place where you will find dangerous, vulnerable, and forgotten people. But for Alex South, it was a place where she also found hope.
In this powerful and moving memoir, Alex attempts to make sense of her experiences in prison by confronting the harsh reality of life on the inside and examining them from different angles. In an overwhelmingly masculine environment, where strength and aggression are routinely on show, Alex's view is particularly important.
Capturing the confusion and contradictions of prison, Alex presents a life that is often hidden from the public. Changing our perceptions, Behind These Doors shows the many devastating, but often inspiring, consequences prison can have.
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'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.' Nikki Smith, author of The Beach Party
'A true, compassionate and honest account of what it is to work in our prisons.' Dr Gwen Adshead, Sunday Timesbestselling 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.' Professor David Wilson
Customer Reviews
Fantastic book
I’m privileged to say i’ve never known anyone to go to prison. This book has given me so much insight and broken down so many misconceptions I grew up with. I think this is so brutally honest and very much needed. highly recommend!
A enthralling read
As an ex officer I was transported back behind the gates by every page and all the hurt and joy that that brings. This book is a true reflection of the prison system and the men and women inside.
Although there is a lot of gruesome experiences inside there is still a glimmer of hope that good people can make a difference to people in bad situations, against the worst of odds.
The forgotten service yes, by the public and the government. However remembered always by the people they make a positive difference to and the colleagues they worked alongside with.
I would often say no one understands the role of a prison officer until you’ve done it. This book is as close as you can get without signing up.