Reviews with content warning for Racism - A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner

An absolute must read. First hand account of a documentary film maker who goes to prison for tax fraud and records his experiences. An amazing honest insight which would never be shown to journalists or politicians. A funny and light hearted read but also dark and moving. Also has a lot of practical and realistic suggestions for reform. Highly recommended!!!

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susannaobrien's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative sad fast-paced

3.5

Through his frank writing style, Atkins gives an eye-opening account of the horrific state of UK prisons, and the lack of empathy and efficiency with which they're run.

I appreciated his focus on mental health and the links he made between antiquated admin systems, career politicians serving their own interest, and societal views which culminate in worse circumstances for both prisoners and the wider world. At multiple moments I had to pause out of feelings of sadness and frustration at these broken institutions.

I think it's clear from the book that his experience is still hugely privileged by him being an educated white man, and he does acknowledge this at various points, however I'd have liked him to explore this further and make stronger recommendations on how prisons can avoid perpetuating the racial and economic inequities of the outside society. In an attempt to be funny, he also uses some pretty problematic language throughout (in his own voice, not just quoting others), and although he gives a relatively weak justification at quite a late stage of the book as to why (the effects of prison culture on him), it was still hard to read and might alienate readers.

Overall a decent read and has sparked some interesting conversations since.

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