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Across The Bridge a Rikers Island Story
A harrowing insight into New York City's most notorious detention complex, Rikers Island. This novel plays through multiple characters who possess control and power within the jail, along with the inmates and civilians who witness the violence, drugs, sex, and corruption that occurs every day inside. The seclusion of the jail from the city's beautiful skyline can seem like an amazing inferno to outsiders, however, for those who make it to the other side whether to make a living, being detained for breaking the law or visiting someone accused of doing so, they all share that unshakable feeling. WELCOME TO THE ISLAND
298 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 14, 2021
I was very kindly sent a copy of this book by the publishers in return for my honest review.
Delve into the world of Rikers Island; New York's most notorious prison. Here we meet an array of people on both sides of the bars, who wield power and control in the facility. From civilians visiting to guards working, all share an unshakable feeling when they enter. Welcome to the Island.
This gives you a totally new perspective regarding those incarcerated on drugs charges. Affluent people hear the news and go "what a scumbag" without understanding the wider social context of the situation. It also makes you think about what those in power can do without getting caught. It's not too often you get a close look at both sides of life within a prison.
It can be a little confusing at first. You're introduced to several characters rapidly that are interconnected in various ways. You've also got aliases for a lot of them too (even the officers) which took me a few seconds to get to grips with. Our characters relationships develop over the course of the book although we don't get much information or background on them.
This is written in the third person from various characters perspectives. However the majority of the focus is on Antonio's part of the tale so it's not too confusing. It does add another dimension to the tale though; seeing how people can be dragged in. Although the book moves at a fair pace, I found the writing disconnected in parts but there's something so honest about it that it's hard not to love it.
It's only when you get to the end that you realize what this story is and I commend the author for sharing it.
Delve into the world of Rikers Island; New York's most notorious prison. Here we meet an array of people on both sides of the bars, who wield power and control in the facility. From civilians visiting to guards working, all share an unshakable feeling when they enter. Welcome to the Island.
This gives you a totally new perspective regarding those incarcerated on drugs charges. Affluent people hear the news and go "what a scumbag" without understanding the wider social context of the situation. It also makes you think about what those in power can do without getting caught. It's not too often you get a close look at both sides of life within a prison.
It can be a little confusing at first. You're introduced to several characters rapidly that are interconnected in various ways. You've also got aliases for a lot of them too (even the officers) which took me a few seconds to get to grips with. Our characters relationships develop over the course of the book although we don't get much information or background on them.
This is written in the third person from various characters perspectives. However the majority of the focus is on Antonio's part of the tale so it's not too confusing. It does add another dimension to the tale though; seeing how people can be dragged in. Although the book moves at a fair pace, I found the writing disconnected in parts but there's something so honest about it that it's hard not to love it.
It's only when you get to the end that you realize what this story is and I commend the author for sharing it.
May 10, 2021
Across the bridge is a crime fiction novel written about events depicted as a personal journey for the author when working as the NYC correction officer. Although names and places have been changed since they originated from an objective perspective, the story takes you on a truly fantastic experience.
The book displays how a justice system can be unfair. It talks about corruption, greed, and lust. The literature is intense and thrilling to read. The storyline concept is very intriguing and carries you along, wanting to know what’s to come of the ending. He believes that when the system fails you, then you create your own justice. While he upheld the law, he also disregarded it when it wasn’t working.
The literature was written very well, and it was apparent that the author was writing in his element. The formatting and dialogue were spots on. The book cover reflected the dark matters inside, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read crime fiction and thriller stories.
The book displays how a justice system can be unfair. It talks about corruption, greed, and lust. The literature is intense and thrilling to read. The storyline concept is very intriguing and carries you along, wanting to know what’s to come of the ending. He believes that when the system fails you, then you create your own justice. While he upheld the law, he also disregarded it when it wasn’t working.
The literature was written very well, and it was apparent that the author was writing in his element. The formatting and dialogue were spots on. The book cover reflected the dark matters inside, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read crime fiction and thriller stories.
March 15, 2021
This book really gave perspectives to readers from the the outside looking in. The author shared his story on both sides. An interesting crime thriller
November 23, 2025
If you want to picture life in and around Riker's fictionally, this is what you ought to read. Can see the streets of Queens on the way, the insides of the prison.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews