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Notorious: Life without parole for a crime i did not commit
I spent 12 years in prison for crimes I did not commit. The only reason I am here now and able to share my story with you is because I never stopped fighting to prove my innocence. Eventually, I won and my convictions were overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2000. I was free...but changed forever. I knew, at first hand, what injustice felt like, looked like and what prison can do to a human being. I am scarred by my life experience but I have not allowed it to hold me back.This is my story.
I learned about criminal behaviour, crime and the law from the confines of a maximum-security prison cell. I transferred the determined questioning and methodological research skills I acquired in prison to become a respected and unwavering reporter that specialised in social and criminal justice. This is why I go into some of the toughest prisons in the world; people need to see what justice, injustice and reform look like around the world. I have visited many high security prisons around the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Britain, Papua New Guinea, Colombia, Brazil, Ukraine, Belize, Romania, Costa Rica and South Africa to name a few. Inside I meet with some of the world's most dangerous prisoners, the guards, prisoners' families and politicians and talk to them about crime and punishment. Is it dangerous? Yes, it is, but I believe it is crucial to show an insight into how prisons around the World work. Only with greater knowledge and understanding can real reform take place. My reporting and investigative journalism about prison, crime and criminal behaviour has significantly changed people's perceptions and I am very proud of that achievement. I left school at 16, and so my academic achievements have been limited but I do not see that as a failure. It is part of who I am and is testimony to overcoming the financial and social challenges I endured growing up in a deprived area scarred by racial discrimination and inequality. After all I went from there to prime time television and a career in investigative journalism that has taken me around the World! I am successful in my chosen career because I am a curious individual, a skilled researcher, an experienced interviewer and a tenacious investigator of facts. I have overcome many challenges and learned to channel my adversities into action and energy and believe this trait is within all of us. Finding yourself can be the ultimate challenge. This is why I volunteer my time to social justice projects I care about. Encouraging and motivating people to overcome their own adversities and achieve their own dreams is important to me, regardless of whether they come from a deprived background with limited qualifications, or are successful postgraduates, or just an ordinary person seeking inspiration. The response of the viewers to my investigations around the World inspires me to continue with my work. People are curious to understand more about why people commit crimes, and the different responses and reactions of societies towards criminal behaviour.
I learned about criminal behaviour, crime and the law from the confines of a maximum-security prison cell. I transferred the determined questioning and methodological research skills I acquired in prison to become a respected and unwavering reporter that specialised in social and criminal justice. This is why I go into some of the toughest prisons in the world; people need to see what justice, injustice and reform look like around the world. I have visited many high security prisons around the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Britain, Papua New Guinea, Colombia, Brazil, Ukraine, Belize, Romania, Costa Rica and South Africa to name a few. Inside I meet with some of the world's most dangerous prisoners, the guards, prisoners' families and politicians and talk to them about crime and punishment. Is it dangerous? Yes, it is, but I believe it is crucial to show an insight into how prisons around the World work. Only with greater knowledge and understanding can real reform take place. My reporting and investigative journalism about prison, crime and criminal behaviour has significantly changed people's perceptions and I am very proud of that achievement. I left school at 16, and so my academic achievements have been limited but I do not see that as a failure. It is part of who I am and is testimony to overcoming the financial and social challenges I endured growing up in a deprived area scarred by racial discrimination and inequality. After all I went from there to prime time television and a career in investigative journalism that has taken me around the World! I am successful in my chosen career because I am a curious individual, a skilled researcher, an experienced interviewer and a tenacious investigator of facts. I have overcome many challenges and learned to channel my adversities into action and energy and believe this trait is within all of us. Finding yourself can be the ultimate challenge. This is why I volunteer my time to social justice projects I care about. Encouraging and motivating people to overcome their own adversities and achieve their own dreams is important to me, regardless of whether they come from a deprived background with limited qualifications, or are successful postgraduates, or just an ordinary person seeking inspiration. The response of the viewers to my investigations around the World inspires me to continue with my work. People are curious to understand more about why people commit crimes, and the different responses and reactions of societies towards criminal behaviour.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2021
55 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 30, 2020
To read a true account of a journey that could happen to you, your son, your brother or your friend is a real trip through reality thankfully through someone else’s experience!! A true revealing captivating life, how a journey on one path led to a fall into the cruel hands of fate changed this mans life, thoughts, relationships journey and beliefs, a shared life story that is both harrowing, unbelievable, endearing and powerful leaving one with nothing but respect for a man you’d want to call a friend - what a life ... what a read ... !!
January 27, 2021
- I started to skim read from page 150
- Multiple grammatical errors and mistakes
After watching some of Raphael's 'inside toughest prisons' on TV I wanted to know more about him.
Therefore, I had high Hope's for this book however I found it hard to read.
I wanted to know more about Raphaels childhood and up bringing (I loved that snippet of the book)
I'd also would of liked to know more about his time inside: the people he met, friends he made does he still talk to them now? etc Again there was a snippet of this but not much.
Sadly, I dont feel like I've gotten to know him any better through this book than watching him on tv which is a shame and was my purpose for buying the book.
On a plus note this book does include a full account of his wrongly accused crimes with witness statements and all, so if you want to know about that then this is the book for you.
- Multiple grammatical errors and mistakes
After watching some of Raphael's 'inside toughest prisons' on TV I wanted to know more about him.
Therefore, I had high Hope's for this book however I found it hard to read.
I wanted to know more about Raphaels childhood and up bringing (I loved that snippet of the book)
I'd also would of liked to know more about his time inside: the people he met, friends he made does he still talk to them now? etc Again there was a snippet of this but not much.
Sadly, I dont feel like I've gotten to know him any better through this book than watching him on tv which is a shame and was my purpose for buying the book.
On a plus note this book does include a full account of his wrongly accused crimes with witness statements and all, so if you want to know about that then this is the book for you.
December 30, 2020
A MUST READ!
This autobiography by Raphael Rowe is unputdownable. Raphael Rowe's journey is an example of what can be done from the worst. After reading such a book you won't complain or give up anymore. A true message of hope: everything is possible! You're blue? Lockdown is too hard? Read this book and you'll feel so good! Life is unpredictable and Raphael is the most amazing example of it! If you read only one book this year, please read this one: your life will never be the same after.
This autobiography by Raphael Rowe is unputdownable. Raphael Rowe's journey is an example of what can be done from the worst. After reading such a book you won't complain or give up anymore. A true message of hope: everything is possible! You're blue? Lockdown is too hard? Read this book and you'll feel so good! Life is unpredictable and Raphael is the most amazing example of it! If you read only one book this year, please read this one: your life will never be the same after.
February 7, 2023
I have watched Rowe on Netflix’s World Toughest Prisons and thought he seemed like he had an interesting story. I have never rolled my eyes so hard in my life - his arrogance, he deliberately ascribes negative motivations to people surrounding his court case and people he works with later on (“petrified of him…”) that defy what a journalist is supposed to be. He was not an innocent person before being wrongly convicted of murder having admittedly committed petty crimes before and indeed I would have had some sympathy for him had he had some humility and truly owned his behaviour instead of saying the words only to contradict himself by playing the victim card time and again. Bad things happen - He was able to make a career out of his bad thing, and I’m fairly comfortable in saying that he probably wouldn’t have amounted to much and would likely have been a worse criminal had he not spent 12 years incarcerated which changed the trajectory of his life to be a productive member of society. I’m not saying he should be thankful, but I expected a bit more introspection this many years later.
January 19, 2021
The story and trials that this man went through and overcame are so crazy and his life story is very inspiring. However, I found that the book itself jumped around a lot and I often lost track of what he was talking about. I kind of glazed over some parts because of that. It is possible that that is part of a cultural difference between English/American styles.
December 30, 2020
Having watched Raphael on tv I wanted to learn more about him and so was glad to be able to purchase the book, it feels very personal to read about someone’s life and he is so honest so I thank you Raphael for sharing with us, I am on chapter 4 and already learnt so much, and cannot wait to read more as it’s so powerful x
April 16, 2022
An interesting book that has helped me to reconfigure my thoughts about prisons, racism and justice.
December 27, 2022
I am a massive fan of Raphael and in awe of what he has achieved after everything he has been through. The book was so engaging and I finished it really quickly.
My criticism is that it was not long enough. I felt so much more could’ve been delved into about his pre-prison life, his experiences in prison and how the case finally got overturned, as the details that were shared were so gripping. I want to know more!
There are also a lot of spelling errors/typos which is a bit disappointing as I’ve never experienced that in a book.
My criticism is that it was not long enough. I felt so much more could’ve been delved into about his pre-prison life, his experiences in prison and how the case finally got overturned, as the details that were shared were so gripping. I want to know more!
There are also a lot of spelling errors/typos which is a bit disappointing as I’ve never experienced that in a book.
February 8, 2021
My rating: 4.5/5
I expected more details about the period in prison and more information about his fight against the juridical system. I find it an easy narration without too many feelings exposed. I wanted to know Raphael deeper than the story.
However, I like they way his career is presented.
The last chapter, the Porto Velho prison, doesn't bring anything new if you've already watched the episode in the "Inside The World's Toughest Prisons".
As a non-English native speaker, I spotted some Grammar errors.
I expected more details about the period in prison and more information about his fight against the juridical system. I find it an easy narration without too many feelings exposed. I wanted to know Raphael deeper than the story.
However, I like they way his career is presented.
The last chapter, the Porto Velho prison, doesn't bring anything new if you've already watched the episode in the "Inside The World's Toughest Prisons".
As a non-English native speaker, I spotted some Grammar errors.
February 2, 2025
Very emotional read Raphael is a truly amazing man
February 14, 2024
raphael if you’re reading this please know that my friend and i are literally obsessed with you; we love your show and we quote you often and this book was really interesting and i feel i got to understand your experiences a bit more; come to canada pls 🙏🙌 cheers
August 11, 2021
If you've seen "Inside the World's Toughest Prisons", the main way we got to know Raphael here in North America, then you know he's done 12 years for a crime he didn't commit.
The show obviously never goes into details (it's not about him!), but this book takes us back to his childhood, all the way to that period of his life, and the battle he had to lead in order to get freed from a system designed to keep you inside at all cost.
For some, it will be shocking to realize how the justice system can work (or, rather, not work). For others, it will be yet another data point in decades of inequality.
In either case, it is a great read, and its only flaw is that it may be a little too short!
The show obviously never goes into details (it's not about him!), but this book takes us back to his childhood, all the way to that period of his life, and the battle he had to lead in order to get freed from a system designed to keep you inside at all cost.
For some, it will be shocking to realize how the justice system can work (or, rather, not work). For others, it will be yet another data point in decades of inequality.
In either case, it is a great read, and its only flaw is that it may be a little too short!
February 24, 2021
Really enjoyable but I flagged a little in the middle with all the court, legal and technicalities. Glad I picked it up again as it got a lot more interesting.
March 24, 2023
I vaguely remember hearing about Raphael Rowe's release from prison after spending 12 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, but did not recall his name. I then stumbled upon Inside the World's Toughest Prisons about 6 months ago on Netflix and binge watched the entire series. I found it extremely interesting and it piqued my interest to learn more about his story.
When I found out Mr. Rowe had released a book a couple of years ago, I set about trying to locate a copy. Once I finally did, it sat on my To Be Read list for a couple of months before I finally got around to cracking it open.
Above all else, what he went through, the miscarriage of justice, and the time he lost behind bars from family and friends is absolutely terrible and nobody should have to endure that… ever! The book was pretty thorough, very detailed in his research and struggles to finally get justice, and very interesting. But, I found parts of it a little dry. The first couple of chapters and the last couple of chapters were good, the middle ones, in my opinion, no so much. I found it a little difficult to keep some things straight with the back and forth with the lawyers, guards, other inmates, prisons, etc.
Now, this is just my opinion, (and it stems from having read more than a few biographies where you get the feeling that memories and situations are sometimes being embellished and only positive angles are being told), but I find it hard to believe that Mr. Rowe somehow always came out on top when he got into any skirmishes with other prisoners while behind bars. He took on big bullies and lived to tell the tales. He thought he could have easily overpowered all the guards that were transporting him from one prison to another and escaped if he really wanted to. That type of fluff just detracts from his story, and what he went through. Again, my opinion only.
Not an overly long book. Has more than a few spelling and grammar errors, but over all I am glad I read it. Hoping he is looking into filming more episodes of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons, but not holding my breath.
When I found out Mr. Rowe had released a book a couple of years ago, I set about trying to locate a copy. Once I finally did, it sat on my To Be Read list for a couple of months before I finally got around to cracking it open.
Above all else, what he went through, the miscarriage of justice, and the time he lost behind bars from family and friends is absolutely terrible and nobody should have to endure that… ever! The book was pretty thorough, very detailed in his research and struggles to finally get justice, and very interesting. But, I found parts of it a little dry. The first couple of chapters and the last couple of chapters were good, the middle ones, in my opinion, no so much. I found it a little difficult to keep some things straight with the back and forth with the lawyers, guards, other inmates, prisons, etc.
Now, this is just my opinion, (and it stems from having read more than a few biographies where you get the feeling that memories and situations are sometimes being embellished and only positive angles are being told), but I find it hard to believe that Mr. Rowe somehow always came out on top when he got into any skirmishes with other prisoners while behind bars. He took on big bullies and lived to tell the tales. He thought he could have easily overpowered all the guards that were transporting him from one prison to another and escaped if he really wanted to. That type of fluff just detracts from his story, and what he went through. Again, my opinion only.
Not an overly long book. Has more than a few spelling and grammar errors, but over all I am glad I read it. Hoping he is looking into filming more episodes of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons, but not holding my breath.
August 3, 2021
Having watched Inside the worlds toughest prisons and loved them, I really wanted to know more about Raphael Rowe and his earlier life, how he came to be were he is. This is a fantastic eye opening read, the absolute injustice this man suffered is horrendous, the lack of evidence totally horrific and how the police were determined to cover up and blame innocent young black men, the racism is horrific, the evidence proving they could not have feasibly committed these crimes were covered up and that is a travesty!
I am all for punishing people in prison when they are guilty and deserve it, but after watching ITWTP and seeing the differing methods of punishment and how they get results or rather don't, it really makes you wonder about some of the worlds criminal justice system and what an utter failure it is!
I could ramble on and on about this book, so il just say that I highly recommend you read it and see for yourself how amazing a read it is. Yes it's hard hitting, horrific, barbaric and scary in many parts, it's also uplifting, brave, inspirational and captivating.
I also liked reading the little bits about Raphael's family, as he says he has to be very private about his personal life, I have often wondered about that side of his life that he never mentions. I am so happy for him that he had the chance to restart his life and have a family.
I am all for punishing people in prison when they are guilty and deserve it, but after watching ITWTP and seeing the differing methods of punishment and how they get results or rather don't, it really makes you wonder about some of the worlds criminal justice system and what an utter failure it is!
I could ramble on and on about this book, so il just say that I highly recommend you read it and see for yourself how amazing a read it is. Yes it's hard hitting, horrific, barbaric and scary in many parts, it's also uplifting, brave, inspirational and captivating.
I also liked reading the little bits about Raphael's family, as he says he has to be very private about his personal life, I have often wondered about that side of his life that he never mentions. I am so happy for him that he had the chance to restart his life and have a family.
April 22, 2021
This book took me longer to read than normal, I struggled with some of the terminology & keeping up with various different statements & such Raphael had mentioned. However, fantastic book which I did thoroughly enjoy reading. I did want to know more about Raphael’s life earlier on & more personal experiences from prison, but as he states towards the end of his book he is a private person so some of these details he simply may not have been wanted to publish for all to see. I found this read very open into his upbringing before being sentenced and how this impacted his attitude towards life and how he was treated by fellow inmates- he references a loud mouthed, angry dreadlocked guy which made me laugh looking back to how well he comes across in more recent years on ITWTP- (we all mature eventually!), he comes across very honest and also very open about his time with the BBC- voicing his opinion without tarnishing anyone.
A brilliant read to further educate people on his career and backstory - which as he says started long before the Netflix series.
Would highly recommend.
A brilliant read to further educate people on his career and backstory - which as he says started long before the Netflix series.
Would highly recommend.
February 4, 2021
I, like many others, watched some episodes of "inside the world's toughest prisons" on Netflix ad wanted to know more about Rowe's story.
This was a powerful book with an important message. Rowe's story is incredible and I feel lucky to have been able to read it and just try to understand his many experiences. It makes the reader take a good, hard look at the racist "justice" system in the UK, one I admittedly don't know much about. It reminded me of Just Mercy - even though it takes place in the US, the stories of blatant racial discrimination and wrongful convictions show both countries are sadly just birds of a feather.
There were a few editing/formating errors but it didn't take away from the overall book. Definitely recommend.
This was a powerful book with an important message. Rowe's story is incredible and I feel lucky to have been able to read it and just try to understand his many experiences. It makes the reader take a good, hard look at the racist "justice" system in the UK, one I admittedly don't know much about. It reminded me of Just Mercy - even though it takes place in the US, the stories of blatant racial discrimination and wrongful convictions show both countries are sadly just birds of a feather.
There were a few editing/formating errors but it didn't take away from the overall book. Definitely recommend.
October 9, 2022
This is a book that makes you think. I can't describe the way it stays with you at the end. Raphael Rowe was convicted of murder and spent 12 years in prison... yet he was innocent. He spent those 12 years fighting for freedom. I honestly don't know where he found the strength. To stand in a courtroom, knowing the evidence cannot possibly say that you are guilty because you weren't even there and then be sent down for something so huge. His life was stripped away from him at 20 years old because of racism and corruption. Raphael Rowe will always bear the scars of his experience. Considering this happened to him in quite recent history... It disgusts me that he was treated this way. I'm just glad he proved his innocence.
November 8, 2024
I had no idea this guy was held in the prison I drive past everyday!
I’m too young to remember his campaign to overturn the blatantly wrong conviction so I had no preconceptions.
His story was truly horrific the stuff made of nightmares. He tells it in such an articulate, engaging style it’s quite humbling. He talks of the emotions such as fear, anger and confusion very eloquently.
I like his writing style and so I’ve gone on to watch some of his journalist series and programmes and they are eye opening to say the least.
Good luck to Raphael Rose and his foundation, I hope he goes on to change the world and make it a better place for those with no voice.
I’m too young to remember his campaign to overturn the blatantly wrong conviction so I had no preconceptions.
His story was truly horrific the stuff made of nightmares. He tells it in such an articulate, engaging style it’s quite humbling. He talks of the emotions such as fear, anger and confusion very eloquently.
I like his writing style and so I’ve gone on to watch some of his journalist series and programmes and they are eye opening to say the least.
Good luck to Raphael Rose and his foundation, I hope he goes on to change the world and make it a better place for those with no voice.
January 31, 2021
I have become a big fan of 'inside toughest prisons' and I have always been fascinated with his story on how our justice system failed him for so long.
I loved the start of the book, explaining Raphael’s London roots and what made him before his time inside. I have also always been intrigued by the scar on his cheek... to which I finally got an answer.
I read the book in 2 days, and the only downside is I wish it was longer and even more in depth.
Overall, if you’re fascinated with crime/prisons and Raphael’s story it’s more than worth the read!
I loved the start of the book, explaining Raphael’s London roots and what made him before his time inside. I have also always been intrigued by the scar on his cheek... to which I finally got an answer.
I read the book in 2 days, and the only downside is I wish it was longer and even more in depth.
Overall, if you’re fascinated with crime/prisons and Raphael’s story it’s more than worth the read!
May 15, 2021
If you’re a fan of the docuseries “World’s Toughest Prisons” you know that long-term host Raphael Rowe references being wrongly convicted of murder and being released twelve years later. His book has some major grammatical errors that makes you question how it got passed an editor but Rowe does a great job of recounting his memories inside of various prisons in the UK. He brushes on touchy topics such as transitioning from being a prisoner of twelve years to being a civilian again. A solid and insightful read.
January 27, 2023
Interesting, particularly in the beginning but it lacked flow in areas and had moments of uncomfortable conceitedness surrounding his many achievements following his release from prison. For example there were a few occasions he detailed he was particularly good at something by putting this in brackets. I also wasn't keen on all the legal jargon used in one chapter as I fee to zone out with sure things. His passion and innocence were undeniable though. The epilogue made for a genuinely nice read though as he brought us into his aspirations.
January 17, 2021
After viewing several seasons of Raphael Rowe hosting Netflix’s,”The Worlds Toughest Prisons” I became interested in his own story. Then lo and behold he had written this book. Snapped it up straight away! This book answered so many questions I had of his own life experiences. I’m partial to Bio’s anyway and Mr. Rowe’s own honesty of his life experiences didn’t disappoint! Get the book and read and you won’t be either!!
January 18, 2021
I ordered a copy directly from Mr. Rowe’s site, and was sent a PDF copy as well which I read in one sitting. His story is a tragic, hopeful and deeply inspiring journey of a man wrongfully convicted who then fought his way out of UK’s prison system. I was absorbed in the “me too” movement over the last few years, and Mr. Rowe’s story It opened my eyes to the stark reminder of the countess innocent men (and women) who are currently serving time behind bars. A very compelling read.
January 21, 2021
After seeing the Netflix series I wanted to know More about Raphael. I could not put the book down I received it Tuesday and I have just finished it . What a story what an injustice but what a guy . He never gave up hope he fought for what he knew was the truth . Where many a person would have given up. I have nothing but respect for him . I wish him and his family a peaceful happy life. 100% worth a read .
August 1, 2022
Excellent and Honest.
I stumbled upon your Netflix series and wanted to find out more about your past.
This is a shocking and fascinating read. It saddens me to think how many more people have been and still are in the position you were, without the will to persevere through.
Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s so important to open peoples eyes, including my own, to the complexities, hypocrisy, challenges and injustice of the justice system.
I stumbled upon your Netflix series and wanted to find out more about your past.
This is a shocking and fascinating read. It saddens me to think how many more people have been and still are in the position you were, without the will to persevere through.
Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s so important to open peoples eyes, including my own, to the complexities, hypocrisy, challenges and injustice of the justice system.
April 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book, it was really interesting to hear the back story; I’d known he was wrongly accused of murder, however didn’t realise he has been a criminal prior to that. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy was Rafael’s arrogance throughout, it made me roll my eyes a good few times with the ‘I’m the hardest man’, ‘I had loads of girlfriends’ & ‘I fought all these people aren’t I great’ act. Without that, it would have been 5 stars.
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February 14, 2024*no star-rating for biographies or memoirs*
I became aware of who Raphael Rowe was by watching his Netflix series “Inside World's Toughest Prisons”. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more of his story about being wrongfully accused/ imprisoned for 12 years for a crime he did not commit. Even though Raphael Rowe had a very difficult start to adult life, his tenacity is remarkable, and he’s is one courageous journalist.
“I was free...but changed forever. I knew, at first hand, what injustice felt like, looked like and what prison can do to a human being. I am scarred by my life experience but I have not allowed it to hold me back.”
Book Emojis: ⚖️📓💪🏼✈️📹
I became aware of who Raphael Rowe was by watching his Netflix series “Inside World's Toughest Prisons”. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more of his story about being wrongfully accused/ imprisoned for 12 years for a crime he did not commit. Even though Raphael Rowe had a very difficult start to adult life, his tenacity is remarkable, and he’s is one courageous journalist.
“I was free...but changed forever. I knew, at first hand, what injustice felt like, looked like and what prison can do to a human being. I am scarred by my life experience but I have not allowed it to hold me back.”
Book Emojis: ⚖️📓💪🏼✈️📹
January 25, 2025
Was very intrigued about him after seeing the inside toughest prisons doc series, found it hard to read due to the style of his own wording being kept in (deliberately I assume) but I struggled with the errors etc to follow the main story. From his horrific experience he's obviously got loads of stories, I just found it hard to digest in the way it was done - watching this book as a film or a show would have been much better for me personally.
January 13, 2021
An excellent read! I couldn't put it down for various reasons. Raphael Rowe is a great storyteller. The content is eyeopening, educational, though provoking as well as heartfelt, sincere and blatantly honest. It should be added to school curriculums and translated into as many languages as possible. The world should read this inspiring story. Absolutely recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews