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A review by uniqueenie
Inside This Place, Not of It: Narratives from Women's Prisons by Robin Levi, Ayelet Waldman
4.0
When we started a program for female ex-offenders at my library, I knew we were doing a good thing. The women sometimes open up a little bit and talk about the circumstances surrounding the crimes they committed, and maybe we'll hear bits and pieces about their lives.
I had a pit in my stomach the whole time I was reading this book. Knowing what I know now, about addiction and sexual abuse and violence against women, I am not at all surprised by the stories collected here. I am disappointed in this society that does not recognize addiction is not a weakness or a personality flaw, but a real, physiological condition that can only be cured with care and reflection and nurturing. It's no wonder addicted women, many of whom also suffer post traumatic stress disorder following sexual assault, recidivate and become unable to stay clean. The prison environment is not at all conducive to healing. These women have almost no chance.
And yet there are hopeful stories too. Some of the women have organized support groups in their prisons. Some have left prison and now work with female ex-offenders, gang members and addicts on the outside. They're making a difference.
This is a tough one to get through, but an amazing book nonetheless. For anyone working with ex-offenders, it's a must-read.
I had a pit in my stomach the whole time I was reading this book. Knowing what I know now, about addiction and sexual abuse and violence against women, I am not at all surprised by the stories collected here. I am disappointed in this society that does not recognize addiction is not a weakness or a personality flaw, but a real, physiological condition that can only be cured with care and reflection and nurturing. It's no wonder addicted women, many of whom also suffer post traumatic stress disorder following sexual assault, recidivate and become unable to stay clean. The prison environment is not at all conducive to healing. These women have almost no chance.
And yet there are hopeful stories too. Some of the women have organized support groups in their prisons. Some have left prison and now work with female ex-offenders, gang members and addicts on the outside. They're making a difference.
This is a tough one to get through, but an amazing book nonetheless. For anyone working with ex-offenders, it's a must-read.