Inside Parkhurst - The Final Stretch

by David Berridge

David Berridge returns with more stories from his time as a prison officer at HMP Parkhurst, giving a raw, uncompromising look at the harsh reality of working in British prisons. From dealing with inmate violence and clearing out defiled prison cells to the unsavoury nature of prison language and life, this is an even more detailed look inside Britain's most infamous prison.

Through it all, David retains his wry humour and offers a much-needed assessment of the state of UK prisons today, the job crisis and poor recruitment, the corruption and gangs running rife, and the mental health epidemic hitting prisoners, causing many to take their own lives.

Guiding us in episodic fashion through the various wings of Parkhurst prison, we witness the horrifying and often hilarious experiences of a prison officer through David's own eyes.

304 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Book_Worm_Jim.83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mistakenly read this book before reading the first book that the author wrote. However, I read it in a couple of days (fast for me) which shows that I struggled to put this book down.

I work for the probation service so I understand stand the strain that the country is under with regard to over crowding within the prison service.

I’ve only ever been into a prison once (for work honestly) and I found it claustrophobic, a sense of being locked in despite knowing I’d be coming back out.

But to enter knowing that you were to call this home for a number of years if not decades was a very somber and unsettling feeling.

The staff are essentially imprisoned every day they go to work. I see the officers from my local prison on their break taking time to unwind on the nearby beach.

You have to be mentally prepared and strong to fit into this role. As the book states it’s not for everyone.

I have the first book sat on my shelf amongst the many books awaiting to be read and after reading this book. It won’t remain unread very long!

[Keith Tooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Inside Parkhurst: The Final Stretch’ by David Berridge is the second book by David Berridge. David Berridge was a prison officer from 1992-2019 when he worked at Parkhurst and then Albany Prison on the Isle Of Wight.

I quite like this kind of book, true life books of prison staff, hospital staff, the police for example. David Berridge’s first book ‘Inside Parkhurst’ was really good and interesting and this book followed the first book with being as good and interesting as the first book.

David Berridge is very good at showing us what prison life is like and what prison officers face in his books and David Berridge doesn’t shy from the truth and harsh realities. The book really expressed the dangers of working in a prison. This book was a really good read, every bit as good as David Berridge’s first book ‘Inside Parkhurst’.

[Natasha Claxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books takes a deep dive into how prisons and run and what officers have to go through day to day in their job as a prison officer, including assaults and self harm and suicides etc. the author also talks about how the prison service is failing and ways he believes it can be improved in years to come to attract new recruits who are actually suited to the job.

[Juliet Noyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way this book is written is sloppy and all over the place. I couldn’t even finish it. It promised stories, I could hardly make out any actual stories through this mess. I really need to read a good book again soon to get me out of this slump.

[Paigeys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Always knew they are on cushy number these days but hearing just how cushy was infuriating.
First off I'll stop paying my TV licence. Which when I refuse to pay the fines will end me up in prison where guess what I do not have to pay for a tv licence. Britain at its best 🙄

[Jane Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest portrayal of the problems created by decisions made by those who have no idea what the prison service should be. Love his writing and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Gives a lot of food for thought too.

[Ilisa Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, and an honest, down to earth book on the UK prison system

[Mooncheese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book written by David Berridge. He really highlights the appalling ways prisons are run nowadays as well a lot of the difficulties prison officers go through.

[Kelsey Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read, however very similar stories from the first book and not as enjoyable.

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✰

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish but very eye opening of the current predicament of the criminal justice system in the UK. Overall very informative and well written.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

Really interesting read about our prisons and the challenges facing them but mainly the guards. I liked a lot of things this book covered.

Book 5 of the holiday 🏝

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book but not as good as his first book.

[Callum Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good stuff made me laugh