Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - A Bit Of A Stretch

This book is absolutely fascinating, every page was interesting and I couldn’t put it down. The topics covered were thought provoking, frustrating and upsetting.

The author is a documentary maker convicted for unintentional tax fraud. His sentence is 5 years although he only actually serves 9 months in Wandsworth prison which is the time detailed in this diary. He befriends other white collar criminals, secures the best cell and the best prison jobs which get him a high status and more time out of his cell than everyone else. Essentially, this is an account of the best possible prison experience (and the author does acknowledge his privilege) and even then it still sounds awful.

This book gives a real insight into the failings of the prison system and how well they’re hidden from the public. I was most struck by the inequalities between prisoners, some were locked in their cells for 23 hours a day while the author seemed to mostly wander around freely thanks to his many jobs. It was so frustrating to read of prisoners missing doctors appointments, family visits and courses purely because of a disorganised system with excessive paperwork and not enough staff to physically unlock all the prisoners on time. There are so many rules and restrictions without any logical reason behind them and many instances of officers simply refusing prisoners their basic rights.

The high level of reoffending shows prison does not work as a crime deterrent. It’s unsurprising after living in inhumane conditions, being treated without respect then released without money, accommodation, employment or a support network, that many prisoners are unable to live within normal society.

Although I really enjoyed this book, I’ve only given 4.75 because of some problematic language used by the author when describing other prisoners, which was unexpected since he frequently refers to himself as a raging liberal.

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jayevans's review

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funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

An easy read, well-written narrative about a middle-class man’s time inside. Though Atkins isn’t as reflective about the crime he committed, his descriptions of his experience and the characters he meets were rich, and his evidence about the failures of the prison system is very thought-provoking. Really enjoyed it.

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raachelnorth's review

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5

A very insightful, brutally honest account of the UK prison system and the following living environment. Raw, personal and valuable account of the effects of continued isolation and lack of access to both rehabilitation and education. Showing how the disadvantaged are fail once again when incarcerated.

I am glad the author references and is aware of his own comparable priveledge and experience due to race and class.
He can come across as a bit unlikable at the start, but given context and self awareness shown through out you grow to really invest in him, his friends and family.

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digitalnomadgirl's review

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challenging dark funny hopeful informative medium-paced

5.0

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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