The Farm: Life Inside a Women's Prison

by Andi Rierden

Written by a journalist, this book depicts the day-to-day struggles and concerns of inmates a the Connecticut Correctional Institution in Niantic (renamed the Janet S. York correctional Institution), the state's only prison for women. Build in 1917 as a work farm for prostitutes, unwed mothers, and other women of allegedly immoral character, "the Farm," as it is still called, has long served as a barometer of prevailing social attitudes toward women.

In the summer of 1992, Andi Rierden obtained permission from the warden at Niantic to conduct research on life inside the institution. During the next three and a half years, she spent more than fifteen hundred hours among the women, recording interviews, strolling the grounds with inmates and corrections officers, sharing meals, attending classes and group counseling sessions, and tracking former inmates after their release.

The stories these women tell shed light ton a wide range of issues, from the effects of more stringent drug laws and sentences to the rise of violence among inmates. In the process it becomes clear that the ideal of rehabilitation has been largely abandoned and replaced by a belief in punishment and retribution.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this went on for a bit too long. although it did cover some history and issues of criminal justice, it mostly focused on the lives of the inmates, which got slightly repetitive by the end of the 200 pages.

[Eredità · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that the women's stories took center stage and the sociological theories and statistics were supportive, rather than the other way around.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read concerning life inside a women's prison. The author spent 3 1/2 years interviewing inmates and staff at Niantic, the original women's prison with the Connecticut Department of Corrections. What follows is this insightful book. I recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.

[Glenn Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I read it several years ago and it has stuck with me. It helped me understand a little known world, and I will never forget some of its stories and images. Written with insight, understanding, kindness, and honesty.