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A LIFE INSIDE: A PRISONER'S NOTEBOOK

ISBN 1903809983, £7.99

THE HOME STRETCH: FROM PRISON TO PAROLE

ISBN 1843544385, £7.99

Both by Erwin James, Guardian Books

Star Rating: 5/5

Erwin James has created two compelling accounts of modern prison life that would appeal to an audience far greater than anyone could imagine. Collectively, the books provide a prisoner's remarkable journey from a category A prisoner to a successful participant in the workforce, writes Jonathan White.

The books portray a collection of themes and emotions, including friendship and confrontation, anguish and success, and joy and pain, all written with power, compassion and intelligence.

These books will leave you with neither contempt nor sympathy but with a genuine awareness of a life in jail.

Most striking is the insight into the social organisation of a group of people living within a socially excluded environment. We see how prisoners are categorised according to the severity of their crimes or because of the traits they possess.

There is a fascinating insight into the strategies prisoners use to survive, maintain their dignity and progress through the prison system. Where "outsiders" quantify time by birthdays, deaths and anniversaries, time "inside" is measured by reviews, re-categorisation and knock-backs.

Erwin has created an inspirational story that highlights how somebody who embraces the principles of prison life can transform a negative chapter into a new life worth living.

He praises the welfare intervention provided in prison and is a shining example of how positive intervention can create success.
In contrast, these books also highlight how harsh regimes can create troublesome behaviour and he comments that external campaigns to make prison more austere can lead to a system where unscrupulous staff can more safely abuse their authority.

Jonathan White is an assistant policy officer at Denbighshire Council and has worked in the voluntary sector with ex-offenders.