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The Prison Doctor #2
Prison Doctor Women Inside
From the Sunday Times bestselling author Dr Amanda Brown.
Insights into the world of a Prison Doctor, this time taking us deeper into the walls of Bronzefield, the UK’s biggest women’s prison.
From the drug addicts who call Amanda ‘the mother I never had’ to the women who’ve pushed back at domestic abuse, to women close to release in their 70s, who just want to stay in the place that they’ve always known, these are stories that are heartbreaking, harrowing and heart-warming. Amanda listens, prescribes, and does what she can. After all, she’s their doctor.
Insights into the world of a Prison Doctor, this time taking us deeper into the walls of Bronzefield, the UK’s biggest women’s prison.
From the drug addicts who call Amanda ‘the mother I never had’ to the women who’ve pushed back at domestic abuse, to women close to release in their 70s, who just want to stay in the place that they’ve always known, these are stories that are heartbreaking, harrowing and heart-warming. Amanda listens, prescribes, and does what she can. After all, she’s their doctor.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
234 people are currently reading
3239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
December 20, 2022
Amanda Brown is a prison doctor and very empathetic towards the prisoners. She also makes as much an attempt to understand the prison administration. After all, much as documentaries like to either praise or demonise prison guards, they are mostly ordinary people doing a job. I have read in a review that she is a privileged white woman and so her experience, her book, cannot be given as much weight as 'Sophie Campbell's' (pseudonym) a black, ex-prisoner with an undisclosed conviction for an extremely violent crime - grievous bodily harm. Why can't it?
The prisoners and warders are both black and white. Why is a black woman who went to a private school and is keen to say that she isn't anything like the other prisoners more credible than a white prison doctor who has worked in prisons for many years? So much wokery.... These are two different accounts from two different aspects and to me, equally credible and valuable in learning about Bronzefield. Sophie Campbell in her book, is no more forgiving of the black prison officers than she is for the white ones anyway.
Amanda Brown has written three prison books, the others being The Prison Doctor and The Prison Doctor: The Final Sentence. This one is by far the best. She did not seem to regard the women prisoners as anything but women who had through circumstances had lives that put them, eventually, in prison, and were potential friends. The other two books, about men, they seem to have remained prisoners and people she treated in a friendly, caring way, but there was not, or at least she didn't convey it, such a real connection with them, as there were with prisoners in this book.
In both books, in probably every prison book I've ever read, what comes across about women is their inadequacy. Not necessarily their fault. Poverty grinds you down, you do all kind of things to feed the children, or feed the habit of the drugs that take you away from your sad existence for a short while. When they come out they have often lost their children, have nowhere to live that is away from the environment tht kickstarted their criminality and the men who are often at the root of the problem (sell these drugs for me, keep these guns, etc) have long since disappeared. Some of them commit crimes just to go back to prison, a safe environment with food and friends and structure. That's really sad.
Since most prisoners will be free in the UK - whole life sentences or 40 year ones are very rare in the UK, unlike the US - it seems that not spending money on education, on life skills, on keeping mother and children together and on help when they are released is a false economy.
Prisonomics: Behind Bars in Britain's Failing Prisons, by Vicky Pryce, an economist who went to prison after having said she was driving when it was her husband, a government minister, lays it out quite plainly just how expensive it is for taxpayers if they don't get education, help, and most of all kept with their children. Generational criminality is mostly ignored.
I thought this was a very good book. Interesting and a good read. I don't know if there will be a fourth in what has become a series - is there anything more to say? But I would read it if Amanda Brown writes it!
The prisoners and warders are both black and white. Why is a black woman who went to a private school and is keen to say that she isn't anything like the other prisoners more credible than a white prison doctor who has worked in prisons for many years? So much wokery.... These are two different accounts from two different aspects and to me, equally credible and valuable in learning about Bronzefield. Sophie Campbell in her book, is no more forgiving of the black prison officers than she is for the white ones anyway.
Amanda Brown has written three prison books, the others being The Prison Doctor and The Prison Doctor: The Final Sentence. This one is by far the best. She did not seem to regard the women prisoners as anything but women who had through circumstances had lives that put them, eventually, in prison, and were potential friends. The other two books, about men, they seem to have remained prisoners and people she treated in a friendly, caring way, but there was not, or at least she didn't convey it, such a real connection with them, as there were with prisoners in this book.
In both books, in probably every prison book I've ever read, what comes across about women is their inadequacy. Not necessarily their fault. Poverty grinds you down, you do all kind of things to feed the children, or feed the habit of the drugs that take you away from your sad existence for a short while. When they come out they have often lost their children, have nowhere to live that is away from the environment tht kickstarted their criminality and the men who are often at the root of the problem (sell these drugs for me, keep these guns, etc) have long since disappeared. Some of them commit crimes just to go back to prison, a safe environment with food and friends and structure. That's really sad.
Since most prisoners will be free in the UK - whole life sentences or 40 year ones are very rare in the UK, unlike the US - it seems that not spending money on education, on life skills, on keeping mother and children together and on help when they are released is a false economy.
Prisonomics: Behind Bars in Britain's Failing Prisons, by Vicky Pryce, an economist who went to prison after having said she was driving when it was her husband, a government minister, lays it out quite plainly just how expensive it is for taxpayers if they don't get education, help, and most of all kept with their children. Generational criminality is mostly ignored.
I thought this was a very good book. Interesting and a good read. I don't know if there will be a fourth in what has become a series - is there anything more to say? But I would read it if Amanda Brown writes it!
August 15, 2020
I liked this, but on finishing a part of me was left wondering if it was really necessary? Having read The Prison Doctor and enjoying it, I thought this would explore more of what it's really like to be incarcerated in a women's prison. Although we do see some of the social reasons behind the majority of women's imprisonment, from drug abuse, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse, I felt a lot of the time that this just skimmed the surface and felt a little contrived.
Amanda is a doctor. She's clearly extremely empathetic to the women she treats, but she's a privileged white woman who has grown up with opportunities these women never had. I don't think she can ever clearly express what a lot of these women have gone through, and continue to go through. These aren't Amanda's stories to tell. I also find that she's very biased towards the prison staff and praising what they do. She doesn't delve into the terrible things that happen and seems to view Bronzefield a bit through rose tinted glasses.
A better example of life in Bronzefield would be Breakfast at Bronzefield, which is actually written by a previous inmate. The two books offer quite the apposing views to help make your own mind up. And if anyone has anymore recommends about prison life in the UK written by women who have actually experienced time behind bars, let me know.
Amanda is a doctor. She's clearly extremely empathetic to the women she treats, but she's a privileged white woman who has grown up with opportunities these women never had. I don't think she can ever clearly express what a lot of these women have gone through, and continue to go through. These aren't Amanda's stories to tell. I also find that she's very biased towards the prison staff and praising what they do. She doesn't delve into the terrible things that happen and seems to view Bronzefield a bit through rose tinted glasses.
A better example of life in Bronzefield would be Breakfast at Bronzefield, which is actually written by a previous inmate. The two books offer quite the apposing views to help make your own mind up. And if anyone has anymore recommends about prison life in the UK written by women who have actually experienced time behind bars, let me know.
October 14, 2020
An interesting read but there were a few things that just felt a bit off. Firstly, it was very repetitive and so, at times, a little boring. Secondly, there's something about the way the women talk to Dr Brown that just seems unrealistic. I'm sure there are lots of women who are deeply grateful towards Dr Brown but it seemed a little unbelievable that these women just revealed their entire life stories to her at their first appointment. The way that the conversations were written as if quoting the women was odd, because most of the wording was obviously Dr Brown's. It just seemed a bit jarring to read what these women had to say about their lives in the exact same tone and style every time.
Overall, fairly interesting but just a bit repetitive.
Overall, fairly interesting but just a bit repetitive.
September 17, 2020
The authors second book; this was a probing look at life inside a modern British women’s prison. Touching and moving in places, however the author pays particular attention to the real issues and challenges inside women’s prisons and what changes must be made.
Women’s prisons are inherently different from men’s; and the residents need a different level of support and care. This is a fascinating book, and ideal for those interested in the criminal justice system at large.
Women’s prisons are inherently different from men’s; and the residents need a different level of support and care. This is a fascinating book, and ideal for those interested in the criminal justice system at large.
July 29, 2020
Another fantastic book from DR Amanda Brown.
I absolutely loved the prison doctor and although I didn't love this one as much as her first book, I did really enjoy it still
I find these books so interesting and insightful. I always learn so much about life in prison from reading these books.
I didn't find this book to be as fast paced as her previous book which is why it didn't get a full five stars from me but I still really enjoyed her easy to read writing style.
The stories and case studies discussed in this book are so fascinating. It really does open your eyes to the struggles and abuse women go through which often leads them to prison.
This book also gives a really detailed insight into what it's like to work in a prison and the everyday ins and outs of how prisons are run which is really fascinating
Overall, I loved this book and I highly recommend!
TW: suicide, violence, murder, self harm, domestic abuse, child abuse, rape, sexual assault and prostitution
I absolutely loved the prison doctor and although I didn't love this one as much as her first book, I did really enjoy it still
I find these books so interesting and insightful. I always learn so much about life in prison from reading these books.
I didn't find this book to be as fast paced as her previous book which is why it didn't get a full five stars from me but I still really enjoyed her easy to read writing style.
The stories and case studies discussed in this book are so fascinating. It really does open your eyes to the struggles and abuse women go through which often leads them to prison.
This book also gives a really detailed insight into what it's like to work in a prison and the everyday ins and outs of how prisons are run which is really fascinating
Overall, I loved this book and I highly recommend!
TW: suicide, violence, murder, self harm, domestic abuse, child abuse, rape, sexual assault and prostitution
January 1, 2021
I feel that this book could have done so much more to raise awareness for the issues surrounding women in prison and then on their release. I feel like the stories were completely glossed over and the most detail was provided of the Dr herself?
Good premise, poorly executed.
Good premise, poorly executed.
February 18, 2022
I feel mean for giving this book three stars, but it's how I felt about it.
The reason I can't give it higher is that it is a bit repetitive. The whole book is just about Dr Amanda Brown relating stories that have been told to her by the prisoners. I did find it interesting and moving but I would not read it again and so can't make myself give it more than a three.
It is a truly eye-opening book about life in prison, however. My heart goes out to all those women who have come from a broken home of abuse and hatred. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions as I learnt how there are actually a lot of positives about prison life. The people there are helped with drug problems and given a job and education. I never had previously thought of prison life like that.
Dr Amanda Brown seems like a truly wonderful woman and I wish I could meet her one day if even just to tell her that what she does is incredible. Such an inspiration.
I don't regret reading this.
The reason I can't give it higher is that it is a bit repetitive. The whole book is just about Dr Amanda Brown relating stories that have been told to her by the prisoners. I did find it interesting and moving but I would not read it again and so can't make myself give it more than a three.
It is a truly eye-opening book about life in prison, however. My heart goes out to all those women who have come from a broken home of abuse and hatred. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions as I learnt how there are actually a lot of positives about prison life. The people there are helped with drug problems and given a job and education. I never had previously thought of prison life like that.
Dr Amanda Brown seems like a truly wonderful woman and I wish I could meet her one day if even just to tell her that what she does is incredible. Such an inspiration.
I don't regret reading this.
August 28, 2020
In the acknowledgements of this book the author writes she was reluctant to write this book, a follow up to her similar debut of prison tales, as she felt she had used all her good stories for that novella. I can only say that I quite agree with her first thought and wish this one hadn’t been written!
It starts slow, has no real interest, all of the women have the same story of abuse, and it builds to an ending that attempts to teach a moral but comes across rather cliche (especially with the Christmas carols and biblical references!)
Avoid this novella unless you enjoy being preached to and read the first one. It’s far more interesting.
It starts slow, has no real interest, all of the women have the same story of abuse, and it builds to an ending that attempts to teach a moral but comes across rather cliche (especially with the Christmas carols and biblical references!)
Avoid this novella unless you enjoy being preached to and read the first one. It’s far more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
Antroji autorės knyga turėjo įdomių istorijų, tačiau visumoje trūko detalių, daug pasikartojimų, praplaukta paviršiumi, o potencialo turi tema daug. Turiu ir trečiąją knygą, bet pasiliksiu vėlesniam laikui.
March 23, 2022
2.5 Stars
I read Dr Amanda Brown's first "The Prison Doctor" book last year and gave it 5 stars. However unfortunately I didn't really see the point in this book as it basically felt the same as the first book. I was hoping there would be different themes etc but is was just so similar to the first book.
The writing was decent although for a published book there were too many typos and grammatical errors. A few of the stories were shocking and had be emotionally connected but unfortunately it just wasn't as good as the first book and sadly in my opinion not necessary.
I read Dr Amanda Brown's first "The Prison Doctor" book last year and gave it 5 stars. However unfortunately I didn't really see the point in this book as it basically felt the same as the first book. I was hoping there would be different themes etc but is was just so similar to the first book.
The writing was decent although for a published book there were too many typos and grammatical errors. A few of the stories were shocking and had be emotionally connected but unfortunately it just wasn't as good as the first book and sadly in my opinion not necessary.
March 15, 2021
This is the follow-up to Amanda’s first book called The Prison Doctor, which I read last year during the various lockdowns. Even though Women Inside was a good read and at times, very confronting and realistic, I preferred the first book more!
July 12, 2020
At 49 years old, Amanda leaves the doctor’s practice she had run for nearly 20 years and goes to work in a male young offenders unit, followed by the notorious Wormwood Scrubs prison and now at 65 she works at HMP Bronzefield, Britain’s biggest women’s prison. She shares her patients stories from miraculous pregnancies to dirty protests and from violent attacks on prisoners to heartbreaking acts of self-harm.
Both books were fascinating, I found both books easy to read but I enjoyed the second book more. Amanda has so much compassion for her patients. Amanda has touched the lives of so many people from all different walks of life. A lot of her patients have come from abusive homes and hearing some of their stories were awful. It’s very sad to read that so many people commit crimes just so they are put in prison to simply have food, warmth and a bed at night. The only refuge in life is being in prison due to the abuse they have suffered in their home life. A lot of the patients are addicted to drugs when they come in to prison and the stories they told were sad. Although the patients had sad life stories, there was a lot of strength throughout the book. Highly recommend. 5/5 🌟
Both books were fascinating, I found both books easy to read but I enjoyed the second book more. Amanda has so much compassion for her patients. Amanda has touched the lives of so many people from all different walks of life. A lot of her patients have come from abusive homes and hearing some of their stories were awful. It’s very sad to read that so many people commit crimes just so they are put in prison to simply have food, warmth and a bed at night. The only refuge in life is being in prison due to the abuse they have suffered in their home life. A lot of the patients are addicted to drugs when they come in to prison and the stories they told were sad. Although the patients had sad life stories, there was a lot of strength throughout the book. Highly recommend. 5/5 🌟
December 30, 2020
I picked this up recently in a charity shop as it caught my eye instantly. I haven’t yet read the other book but it’s on my kindle ready to go, I’m not sure it matters but maybe I should have read that one first. Maybe not 🤪
Anyway, I was totally shocked how much this book was about homelessness, I really believe it has taught me so much about people desperate to go back to prison for a roof over their head. I also couldn’t believe the amount of domestic abuse, I think I’m quite naive to what going on. This was a real eye opener for me and I would highly recommend. I’m also going to prioritise the first one now.
Anyway, I was totally shocked how much this book was about homelessness, I really believe it has taught me so much about people desperate to go back to prison for a roof over their head. I also couldn’t believe the amount of domestic abuse, I think I’m quite naive to what going on. This was a real eye opener for me and I would highly recommend. I’m also going to prioritise the first one now.
July 26, 2020
This was a good but very predictable! You could guess what was going to be said next! Although I loved hearing about prison life and everyone’s struggles, it felt the stories were nearly all the same 😑 I finally felt like I was enjoying it right at the end of the last story being told by the Prison doctor. still enjoyed it to finish it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
I really enjoyed Amanda’s first book, I was left feeling a little disappointed with this one. I don’t know I just found it a bit dull. Blurgh.
October 31, 2024
I enjoyed this, bit slow at beginning, but once you get into it it's a bit addictive, looking at some of the women in prison and how they got there and cope in prison, no matter how bad you think your life is these women's have had it so much worse, real eye opener, didn't realise this is her 2nd book, will definitely be reading her other one
June 23, 2023
I liked this, but not nearly as much as her first book. It was a fascinating look at a selected women’s lives in and outside of prison and the justice system, but something just felt missing and I can’t quite put my finger on what. Perhaps it was the lack of detail, perhaps because some of it felt superfluous after the first book.
Having said this, I will most likely still read her 3rd book, on audio as I have the first two. The audio narrations are excellent because they’re accessible and engaging, and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Having said this, I will most likely still read her 3rd book, on audio as I have the first two. The audio narrations are excellent because they’re accessible and engaging, and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
October 9, 2025
Loved this. Such a raw and thought provoking insight into the trauma that can lead women to offend and the failings of our criminal justice system. Keen to read her others in this series
December 3, 2022
This non-fiction book about Browns’ experience working as a doctor in a women’s prison was interesting and horrifying in equal measure.
A mix of Browns day to day work life and the stories of some of the women she cared for, it was in turn fascinating, heartbreaking, funny and brutal and if you can handle the subject matter (and the wide range of content warnings), I’d recommend this one!
A mix of Browns day to day work life and the stories of some of the women she cared for, it was in turn fascinating, heartbreaking, funny and brutal and if you can handle the subject matter (and the wide range of content warnings), I’d recommend this one!
August 31, 2020
I realised that I have read the second book before the first but I’m sure it won’t matter. I started this book with an open mind. Most of my understanding of female prisons comes from TV - like from Orange is the New Black. It’s safe to say that my eyes have been opened and I’m really glad I read this.
Dr Amanda Brown talks of her experiences working as a GP in Bronzefield Prison. She tells the stories of some of the residents she has come across that seem to have left their mark on her. Her compassion, understanding and empathy for the inmates was one of the main things that stood out to me in this book. She listened to what they had to say, and gave them the time of day.
The stories of prostitution, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic abuse, and violence are heartbreaking. But Dr Brown goes into a lot of detail about how the prison attempts to rehabilitate these women and give them a fresh start in life.
Several of the stories relate to the struggles of motherhood in prison, and how these women are fighting tooth and nail for their kids. Being a Mum, this obviously tugged at my heartstrings. Those that are pregnant in prison, those that have had to give up their babies, those that are educating themselves so they can provide for their children when they are released.
Don’t get me wrong, there were some comical moments in the book. But, overall, it opened my eyes to prison life for women. I don’t tend to read non-fiction very often but I’m very glad I read this.
Dr Amanda Brown talks of her experiences working as a GP in Bronzefield Prison. She tells the stories of some of the residents she has come across that seem to have left their mark on her. Her compassion, understanding and empathy for the inmates was one of the main things that stood out to me in this book. She listened to what they had to say, and gave them the time of day.
The stories of prostitution, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic abuse, and violence are heartbreaking. But Dr Brown goes into a lot of detail about how the prison attempts to rehabilitate these women and give them a fresh start in life.
Several of the stories relate to the struggles of motherhood in prison, and how these women are fighting tooth and nail for their kids. Being a Mum, this obviously tugged at my heartstrings. Those that are pregnant in prison, those that have had to give up their babies, those that are educating themselves so they can provide for their children when they are released.
Don’t get me wrong, there were some comical moments in the book. But, overall, it opened my eyes to prison life for women. I don’t tend to read non-fiction very often but I’m very glad I read this.
October 13, 2021
Disappointing. For all that I appreciate the important work that the author and other medical professionals do, and as much as I understand the nature of the justice system is a very complex and difficult one, trying to address societal issues which are beyond my ability to solve, I wasn’t left feeling particularly sympathetic or convinced by this.
Dr. Brown writes about her work as a prison GP and makes some very intelligent points. However I found the style both too gossipy and too cloying, the focus on sad story after story of female criminal forced into committing a crime due to factors supposedly out with their control, and how heartwarming it was to make a difference, all a bit too much for my tastes.
I’m sure there are many female prisoners who have had difficult lives and been victims of abuse. I’m sure there are many female prisoners who have been benefited by the professional help they have received in prison. I’m however also sure that there are many others who do not fit these categories and who the author hasn’t mentioned. Consequently this comes over as a biased sort of book, and I also thought the author probably had already used up many of her best stories in the first book in the series.
Dr. Brown writes about her work as a prison GP and makes some very intelligent points. However I found the style both too gossipy and too cloying, the focus on sad story after story of female criminal forced into committing a crime due to factors supposedly out with their control, and how heartwarming it was to make a difference, all a bit too much for my tastes.
I’m sure there are many female prisoners who have had difficult lives and been victims of abuse. I’m sure there are many female prisoners who have been benefited by the professional help they have received in prison. I’m however also sure that there are many others who do not fit these categories and who the author hasn’t mentioned. Consequently this comes over as a biased sort of book, and I also thought the author probably had already used up many of her best stories in the first book in the series.
September 2, 2020
Rounded up to 2 stars because I wanted to like this.
I found it really stilted and repetitive - and it's not a long book by any means. All the characters speak with the same voice and none of them sounds authentic to the characters or the stories as she presents them.
Despite working in the prison system for many years she seems astounded to learn that most of the people in prison have addictions, chaotic lives, a history of trauma etc and that many of the women end up there because of the men in their lives - at least that's the level of 'insight' she provides.
The interesting point for me was that apparently most women in prison are serving very short sentences and that this has its own problems - a 3 or 4 week sentence is not long enough to get any constructive help for addiction or other mental health conditions but it is long enough to lose your social housing and - since you did something to commit the crime of which you were convicted - you are judged to have made yourself deliberately homeless so you lose your eligibility for rehousing when you come out.
I found it really stilted and repetitive - and it's not a long book by any means. All the characters speak with the same voice and none of them sounds authentic to the characters or the stories as she presents them.
Despite working in the prison system for many years she seems astounded to learn that most of the people in prison have addictions, chaotic lives, a history of trauma etc and that many of the women end up there because of the men in their lives - at least that's the level of 'insight' she provides.
The interesting point for me was that apparently most women in prison are serving very short sentences and that this has its own problems - a 3 or 4 week sentence is not long enough to get any constructive help for addiction or other mental health conditions but it is long enough to lose your social housing and - since you did something to commit the crime of which you were convicted - you are judged to have made yourself deliberately homeless so you lose your eligibility for rehousing when you come out.
August 15, 2020
Although I did enjoy this book, I enjoyed the first one more. Some parts of this one felt very repetitive, and I’m sure some parts of it were also written about in book one. However, it was still very interesting. I really enjoyed reading this book as it’s a subject that I’m interested in. I really liked the writing and it was very easy to read. But I definitely wasn’t as hooked as I was when reading book one. I would still recommend this book to people who are interested in this type of book. I’m only going to write a short review for this one, as there’s not much I can say about it. There’s no storyline to comment on and there’s no characters. All I can say is that I enjoyed reading about Dr Amanda Brown and her time as a prison doctor.
January 11, 2021
This was a good read. I haven’t read the first one but will do at some point I’m sure. The perspective this takes is that of someone there to look after people. Being a trusted person in that position allows for accounts to be shared on the struggles and issues women face. Although there are books from prisoners perspectives which gives more detail to their lives. This book gives a snapshot view of the issues and stories as well as what it is like to work as a doctor in a women’s prison.
February 7, 2022
An interesting read into some of the things doctors come up against in a womens prison. Doctor Brown deals with things from drug and alcohol misuse, right through to small things like athletes foot. I did feel for some women who were failed by the system and felt safer inside than being on the outside and dealing with abusive partners.
July 15, 2020
Review soon
June 17, 2021
Could have been interesting but it was poorly written. All of the people she spoke to sounded exactly the same.
June 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! Three star as I liked it but would not read again (in-line with my rating system)
It’s an incredible insight into the workings of a womens prison in the UK. I believe we are all often so quick to judge those who are imprisoned without considering the backgrounds and stories of those who are incarcerated. However this book does an incredible job of exploring that.
I feel that I’m putting this book down with renewed insight and respect for those who are imprisoned after hearing their stories. Many are truly a product of their prior experiences which is why it’s that much sadder that the system is built to work against them.
A few stand out statistics from the book:
“Thirty one percent of female prisoners have been expelled or permanently excluded from school”
“Just under half of all people entering prison do not have any qualifications at all, so many of them may simply not have the skills to perform meaningful work or be able to provide for themselves or their families”
“Statistics show that forty eight percent of female prisoners have committed an offence to support someone else’s drug use compared with twenty two percent of male prisoners”
“Local authorities can categorise someone who has gone to prison as that person making themselves homeless. The reasoning is: you committed a crime, you knew you’d go to prison, you knew you’d love your home.”
It’s an incredible insight into the workings of a womens prison in the UK. I believe we are all often so quick to judge those who are imprisoned without considering the backgrounds and stories of those who are incarcerated. However this book does an incredible job of exploring that.
I feel that I’m putting this book down with renewed insight and respect for those who are imprisoned after hearing their stories. Many are truly a product of their prior experiences which is why it’s that much sadder that the system is built to work against them.
A few stand out statistics from the book:
“Thirty one percent of female prisoners have been expelled or permanently excluded from school”
“Just under half of all people entering prison do not have any qualifications at all, so many of them may simply not have the skills to perform meaningful work or be able to provide for themselves or their families”
“Statistics show that forty eight percent of female prisoners have committed an offence to support someone else’s drug use compared with twenty two percent of male prisoners”
“Local authorities can categorise someone who has gone to prison as that person making themselves homeless. The reasoning is: you committed a crime, you knew you’d go to prison, you knew you’d love your home.”
August 12, 2025
As it often is, the sequel does not live up to the original.
I must admit, it's been a while since I've read Brown's first book but I do recall there was more depth and personality to it. Unfortunately, this book sounds very artificial and repetitive in how every person Brown interacts with talks and communicates. They all follow a similar premise of Brown seeing (mostly) an inmate, they discuss their traumatic past, and then talk about how prison made them better.
I can understand the reason behind this book and the desire to bring awareness and encourage understanding of the most marginalised members of society, many of who end up in prison because of the unfortunate circumstances they have ended up in - a lot of them born or forced into the disadvantage, falling through the cracks in the clunky system which is instant on using phones, internet and permanent residential address. For many people, prison is a safe place where they can get shelter, food and medical attention. It brings forward the uncomfortable idea that simply locking people up is not an effective solution, as this will just propagate the re-offending cycle. Instead, the rehabilitation efforts (whether it is teaching basic literacy or complex apprenticeship skills, peer support, or independent living skills) are paramount in order to break the cycle and empower the individuals to take control of their life and habits, turn around their situation and even become examples to others.
I must admit, it's been a while since I've read Brown's first book but I do recall there was more depth and personality to it. Unfortunately, this book sounds very artificial and repetitive in how every person Brown interacts with talks and communicates. They all follow a similar premise of Brown seeing (mostly) an inmate, they discuss their traumatic past, and then talk about how prison made them better.
I can understand the reason behind this book and the desire to bring awareness and encourage understanding of the most marginalised members of society, many of who end up in prison because of the unfortunate circumstances they have ended up in - a lot of them born or forced into the disadvantage, falling through the cracks in the clunky system which is instant on using phones, internet and permanent residential address. For many people, prison is a safe place where they can get shelter, food and medical attention. It brings forward the uncomfortable idea that simply locking people up is not an effective solution, as this will just propagate the re-offending cycle. Instead, the rehabilitation efforts (whether it is teaching basic literacy or complex apprenticeship skills, peer support, or independent living skills) are paramount in order to break the cycle and empower the individuals to take control of their life and habits, turn around their situation and even become examples to others.
December 26, 2024
I love this book series. Nice to end it on a run as an audiobook on Boxing Day as it ends on a festive note at Xmas time!!🎁💫🎄
The main takeaway from this book is that most women in prison have been abused at some point in their lives. Abuse breeds abuse breeds abuse. So gutting to hear about so many drug addiction stories and tales of winding up with the wrong men
Kim’s story in particular really devastated me and I can’t believe that these IPP sentences are still having to be seen through. Seems so inhumane to not have an end date to your sentence and I don’t know how you’d deal with that mentally
I enjoyed hearing about the rehabilitation programmes but having read Dr. Brown’s first book it does seem like there are lots more opportunities like these for women than men?
Only negative is I do find her writing to be a little repetitive, but the good thing is you could very easily read this book having not read the first
The main takeaway from this book is that most women in prison have been abused at some point in their lives. Abuse breeds abuse breeds abuse. So gutting to hear about so many drug addiction stories and tales of winding up with the wrong men
Kim’s story in particular really devastated me and I can’t believe that these IPP sentences are still having to be seen through. Seems so inhumane to not have an end date to your sentence and I don’t know how you’d deal with that mentally
I enjoyed hearing about the rehabilitation programmes but having read Dr. Brown’s first book it does seem like there are lots more opportunities like these for women than men?
Only negative is I do find her writing to be a little repetitive, but the good thing is you could very easily read this book having not read the first
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