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Criminal
Come with Angela Kirwin for a journey inside prison like no other. For over a decade she was a social care worker in some of Britain's most notorious prisons.
Now she wants to tell the stories of the men she met, because she believes that prison is failing everyone, damaging the most vulnerable people in our societies, creating habitual criminals, leaving us all less safe and contributing to a society that is immeasurably less humane. Every year, we spend billions of pounds on a system that fundamentally doesn't work.
Rather than a separate world full of people that aren't like us, prison is where the most damaged and vulnerable people in our society end up and we all need to urgently care about that, so we can change it. Because the state of our prisons is criminal.
Now she wants to tell the stories of the men she met, because she believes that prison is failing everyone, damaging the most vulnerable people in our societies, creating habitual criminals, leaving us all less safe and contributing to a society that is immeasurably less humane. Every year, we spend billions of pounds on a system that fundamentally doesn't work.
Rather than a separate world full of people that aren't like us, prison is where the most damaged and vulnerable people in our society end up and we all need to urgently care about that, so we can change it. Because the state of our prisons is criminal.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
257 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2022
19 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Angela Kirwin
2 books8 followersA working class kid from Manchester. One of her earliest childhood memories is having a placard balanced on her lap, being wheeled along in her pushchair, as her mum protested the closure of the local children’s hospital. Along with her mum and sister, she became a teenage carer for her grandmother who suffered with dementia. It was this experience that propelled her, aged 16, into her first social care job.
With over 10 years experience in the social care sector, Angela specialised in working in dual diagnosis, homelessness, mental health and substance misuse. She has guest lectured at the University of Bristol on these topics.
In 2015, she received a Churchill Fellowship and travelled to the USA and Norway to research innovative approaches to crime and punishment.
Combining her BA(hons) in Politics & Modern History and an MSc in Social Work with her work experience, Angela now writes about social issues, with a particular interest in prison reform, the criminal justice system, mental health, ADHD and neurodiversity.
Her debut non-fiction, Criminal - How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All, will be released in paperback on 25th May 2023. She is represented by Matilda Forbes-Watson at WME.
With over 10 years experience in the social care sector, Angela specialised in working in dual diagnosis, homelessness, mental health and substance misuse. She has guest lectured at the University of Bristol on these topics.
In 2015, she received a Churchill Fellowship and travelled to the USA and Norway to research innovative approaches to crime and punishment.
Combining her BA(hons) in Politics & Modern History and an MSc in Social Work with her work experience, Angela now writes about social issues, with a particular interest in prison reform, the criminal justice system, mental health, ADHD and neurodiversity.
Her debut non-fiction, Criminal - How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All, will be released in paperback on 25th May 2023. She is represented by Matilda Forbes-Watson at WME.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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August 10, 2025Source of book: Bought for myself
Relevant disclaimers: None
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author.
And remember: I am not here to judge your drag, I mean your book. Books are art and art is subjective. These are just my personal thoughts. They are not meant to be taken as broader commentary on the general quality of the work. Believe me, I have not enjoyed many an excellent book, and my individual lack of enjoyment has not made any of those books less excellent or (more relevantly) less successful.
***
Volunteer work has been bringing me into increasing contact with prisoners so I’ve been trying to address my own ignorance regarding the reality of the criminal justice system. Obviously I have abstract principles and ethics and blah blah blah, but I tend to find it helpful to let someone articulate the intricacies of such complicated issues for me when my own experience is limited. Of course, one shouldn’t rely one book to be the book that explains everything to you, but this particular book--unflinching, knowledgeable, human--was a good start. It’s briskly and engagingly written but the subject matter makes it fairly tough going regardless. There’s also a palpable anger to it, which is not unwarranted.
Drawing on a decade of experience as a social worker inside some of Britain’s worst prisons, Kirwin does an excellent job of interleaving the personal stories of individual prisoners (even if certain details have been altered or blended to protect their identity) with the broader political reality of the underfunded, profit-driven shitshow that is the industrial prison complex. We meet drug addicts, the unhoused, sex offenders, the uncontrollably violent, even an innocent man, and Kirwin demonstrates time and time again all the ways that prison simply makes them worse, trapping them in a system that shatters their mental health, offers them nothing, and renders them borderline incapable of re-joining the world that has rejected, incarcerated and forgotten them.
Some of the most illuminating chapters are where she shares her experience of visiting other prisons, including Halden Prison in Norway - Norway having implemented considerable reform in the 90s, focusing on rehabilitation over retribution, with the result that Norway now has a recidivism rate of about 20%, one of the lowest in the world. England’s, by the way, is between 60 and 75%, depending on where you look. And how could it be otherwise when the the businesses responsible for our prisoners profit from their imprisonment, not their release or their rehabilitation. It’s all so hopelessly fucked up my brain can’t even with the magnitude of it.
I also appreciated the direct way Kirwin engaged with the more extreme end of the justice/retribution/rehabilitation axis, since while one reality is that there are thousands of people--mostly petty criminals--trapped in a system that’s failing them and breaking them, there is also the reality that there some people who assuredly need (and deserve) to be in prison, for the safety of the general population. It’s an impossibly messy issue, logistically and ethically, and Kirwin tackles it (as she does many of these issues) with a transparency and conviction that does not attempt to diminish or occlude its complexity.
All in all, a fantastic book about a fantastically depressing subject.
Relevant disclaimers: None
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author.
And remember: I am not here to judge your drag, I mean your book. Books are art and art is subjective. These are just my personal thoughts. They are not meant to be taken as broader commentary on the general quality of the work. Believe me, I have not enjoyed many an excellent book, and my individual lack of enjoyment has not made any of those books less excellent or (more relevantly) less successful.
***
Volunteer work has been bringing me into increasing contact with prisoners so I’ve been trying to address my own ignorance regarding the reality of the criminal justice system. Obviously I have abstract principles and ethics and blah blah blah, but I tend to find it helpful to let someone articulate the intricacies of such complicated issues for me when my own experience is limited. Of course, one shouldn’t rely one book to be the book that explains everything to you, but this particular book--unflinching, knowledgeable, human--was a good start. It’s briskly and engagingly written but the subject matter makes it fairly tough going regardless. There’s also a palpable anger to it, which is not unwarranted.
Drawing on a decade of experience as a social worker inside some of Britain’s worst prisons, Kirwin does an excellent job of interleaving the personal stories of individual prisoners (even if certain details have been altered or blended to protect their identity) with the broader political reality of the underfunded, profit-driven shitshow that is the industrial prison complex. We meet drug addicts, the unhoused, sex offenders, the uncontrollably violent, even an innocent man, and Kirwin demonstrates time and time again all the ways that prison simply makes them worse, trapping them in a system that shatters their mental health, offers them nothing, and renders them borderline incapable of re-joining the world that has rejected, incarcerated and forgotten them.
Some of the most illuminating chapters are where she shares her experience of visiting other prisons, including Halden Prison in Norway - Norway having implemented considerable reform in the 90s, focusing on rehabilitation over retribution, with the result that Norway now has a recidivism rate of about 20%, one of the lowest in the world. England’s, by the way, is between 60 and 75%, depending on where you look. And how could it be otherwise when the the businesses responsible for our prisoners profit from their imprisonment, not their release or their rehabilitation. It’s all so hopelessly fucked up my brain can’t even with the magnitude of it.
I also appreciated the direct way Kirwin engaged with the more extreme end of the justice/retribution/rehabilitation axis, since while one reality is that there are thousands of people--mostly petty criminals--trapped in a system that’s failing them and breaking them, there is also the reality that there some people who assuredly need (and deserve) to be in prison, for the safety of the general population. It’s an impossibly messy issue, logistically and ethically, and Kirwin tackles it (as she does many of these issues) with a transparency and conviction that does not attempt to diminish or occlude its complexity.
All in all, a fantastic book about a fantastically depressing subject.
To really get to grips with the failures of our prison system is to grapple with some of the biggest problems in our society. A society that accepts a care-to-custody pipeline and one in four of the prison population growing up in foster homes or residential care. A society that accepts one in three prisoners has a learning disability or difficulty, living on landings where eleven is the average reading age. […] A society that accepts institutional racism coursing through the criminal justice system. […] It’s a society that thinks homelessness is normal and should be tolerated in one of the richest countries in the world. […] It’s a society that has 4.3 million children living below the poverty line, relying on food banks to eat […] It’s a society that accepts drug abuse is the weakness of the individual, not a legitimate attempt to just survive a day behind the walls. It’s a society that ultimately thinks prison is the best option for our most lost and damaged kids.
The people who make up the prison population are a symptom of these big, complicated societal diseases. The custodial system magnifies and concentrates the injustices and inequalities of The Out, but then hides them behind walls in the hope that if the problems are out of sight and out of mind, they’ll simply vanish.
February 16, 2023
A powerful insight into the broken prison system within Britain. It provided many points for reflection, especially as to whether the purpose of the system is to act as a deterrent, punishment or for rehabilitating.
The structure of the book does not overwhelm the reader with the intricacies of the criminal justice system; instead, stories of convicted (or in some cases innocent) individuals and how years of cuts, failed political schemes under the bracket of being ‘tough on crime’ and an unfit social care system affect all of us.
The structure of the book does not overwhelm the reader with the intricacies of the criminal justice system; instead, stories of convicted (or in some cases innocent) individuals and how years of cuts, failed political schemes under the bracket of being ‘tough on crime’ and an unfit social care system affect all of us.
May 28, 2022
A very important book that everyone should read. It's about prisons but it's also about how we treat people in our society. It gives a realistic insight into the state of British prisons and gives realistic suggestions about how things can change and what we can do on an individual level to influence change to make a better safer society for everyone.
October 15, 2023
The structure of this books leaves no one thinking the current system is in any way shape or form, working. A significant piece on the realities of prison in the UK—and a damning insight into why we need change.
December 12, 2023
If I could only recommend one book I read this year it would be this one - the most succinct and powerful case for why we need intensive justice reform I’ve encountered
January 16, 2023
Hard hitting and on point. As a probation officer, this book is close to my heart and I empathise with those that work within the prisons.
The truth is prisons don't work and this author clearly describes the hows and whys as to why they don't rehabilitate. I was yelling at the book in agreement throughout.
Prisons create more criminals and do so much further damage not only to offenders but to wider society. Tough on crime is meaningless when it creates thousands more criminals, mire homeless, more victims and more costs.
Absolutely reccomend. Best read on a while.
The truth is prisons don't work and this author clearly describes the hows and whys as to why they don't rehabilitate. I was yelling at the book in agreement throughout.
Prisons create more criminals and do so much further damage not only to offenders but to wider society. Tough on crime is meaningless when it creates thousands more criminals, mire homeless, more victims and more costs.
Absolutely reccomend. Best read on a while.
May 28, 2022
A very important book that everyone should read. It's about prisons but it's also about how we treat people in our society. It gives a realistic insight into the state of British prisons and gives realistic suggestions about how things can change and what we can do on an individual level to influence change to make a better safer society for everyone.
January 6, 2023
Honestly, this book gets you thinking about the quality of British Prisons and how it can been seen as failing. True eye opener! The case examples are used perfectly to humanise those in British Prisons and remind readers that they are human and should be treated as such otherwise we contribute to their revolving door in and out of custody. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
Really important book. The personal stories shared really highlight the fundamental flaws in our prison system, and numerous practical steps forward for improving the situation in the future are suggested. Really great read!
September 13, 2022
I enjoyed this biography as I thought I would.
This was Angela's story of her time working in a prison and some of the prisoners she came into contact with. What was different about this book was that it wasn't just a story about prisoners inside and things they had to deal with, it was Angela's views on why people should not be locked up, her reasons for the thoughts she has about those issues, and justifications as to why prison is not necessarily the place for some people, no matter their crime.
I think her intentions with this book were to make people aware of the prison service and how they are failing us to an extent. There was a lot of evidence based reporting in this book which strengthens her arguments, and I feel this helped. Surprisingly, it was quite comical throughout and that made it all the better for me.
This was Angela's story of her time working in a prison and some of the prisoners she came into contact with. What was different about this book was that it wasn't just a story about prisoners inside and things they had to deal with, it was Angela's views on why people should not be locked up, her reasons for the thoughts she has about those issues, and justifications as to why prison is not necessarily the place for some people, no matter their crime.
I think her intentions with this book were to make people aware of the prison service and how they are failing us to an extent. There was a lot of evidence based reporting in this book which strengthens her arguments, and I feel this helped. Surprisingly, it was quite comical throughout and that made it all the better for me.
March 7, 2024
I need everyone to read this book. If I wasn't a prison abolitionist before reading this book then I would be after finishing. A lot of the information was not new to me but the statistics and real life stories solidified what I've known for a long time. If you think that prisons work, read this book. Challenge your thinking and learn how the world works on the inside in this raw and heartbreaking account from someone who worked closely with prisoners. Prisoners are people too. It's disgusting that I have to say it but people on the outside consistently forget that and use it to justify their thoughts and actions against them.
June 11, 2022
An important and powerful look into the reality of the British prison system. One born out of over decade as a social care worker in the system dealing with the very real impacts of budget cuts in crumbling, squallid, overcrowded and understaffed prisons.
A timely reminder that behind the tabloid stories and prison walls there are people, people with lives and stories, people failed by the state in a system which fails us all.
A timely reminder that behind the tabloid stories and prison walls there are people, people with lives and stories, people failed by the state in a system which fails us all.
May 4, 2023
As the central theme is simply 'the current prison service is not fit for purpose', this felt somewhat repetitive. It actually pulled out lots of different threads of the dysfunction. Overall message is cautionary, a bit scary and a lot frustrating. I realise that's not grammatically correct.
October 5, 2022
This was fascinating and one of the best books I've read on this subject. It is a deep dive into the prison system. What doesn't work and what very little does. I reccomend this.
January 9, 2023
A great read for anyone interested in the failings of the prison system.
August 5, 2023
A must must must read. Prison is no picnic. Don’t believe the newspapers especially Daily Shite. Even Nelson Mandela said “ No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but it’s lowest ones”. People in prison are still human. We will not create a better society when the state of prisons are like this. I am not saying people shouldn’t be punished. But Our justice system is failing. We need to something now…. If you want to know why I think this, read this book. When @angelakirwinuk was talking about the prisons in Norway, I cried thinking about the state our prisons. If only @damian.hinds read this….. maybe maybe MAYBE he could learn a thing or two. #prisonbooks #currentlyreading #justice4markalexander and too many more people trapped in this system that deserve better/more.
August 3, 2022
I rarely write reviews but this book warrants it.
A gripping critique of Britain’s broken prison system through the stories of real ‘crims’ Kirwin met as part of her social work.
Written well and incredibly easy to read, this is essential reading for everyone, no matter your view on the use and role of prisons.
If you think prisons are an overused, outdated system of punishment, Kirwin shows you just how broken they really are.
If you believe prisons work but that sentences aren’t long enough and prisons not tough enough, Kirwin shows how existing prisons are breeding grounds of criminality & do very little to prevent recidivism.
A gripping critique of Britain’s broken prison system through the stories of real ‘crims’ Kirwin met as part of her social work.
Written well and incredibly easy to read, this is essential reading for everyone, no matter your view on the use and role of prisons.
If you think prisons are an overused, outdated system of punishment, Kirwin shows you just how broken they really are.
If you believe prisons work but that sentences aren’t long enough and prisons not tough enough, Kirwin shows how existing prisons are breeding grounds of criminality & do very little to prevent recidivism.
July 4, 2023
What a deeply moving and compassionate read. Angela investigates how prison systems perpetuate and exacerbate mental health illnesses. How often those ending up in prison are the most vulnerable in our society, how 1 in 4 people in prison come from the care system. She speaks to how people are stripped of their basic needs, deprived of humanity and failed by systems. And most of all, Angela calls for real systemic change. A brilliant read, recommend to all
February 11, 2024
this book was a powerful and unsparing account of what it is actually like in prisons and within the criminal justice system.
the way this book is written doesn’t scream statistics, facts and horror stories at you, it calmly collects itself in sensible, accessible sections and breaks down what actually happens in our prisons.
i think this is a book everybody should read and be aware of what is happening, it is brutally honest and often devastating but so important.
the way this book is written doesn’t scream statistics, facts and horror stories at you, it calmly collects itself in sensible, accessible sections and breaks down what actually happens in our prisons.
i think this is a book everybody should read and be aware of what is happening, it is brutally honest and often devastating but so important.
September 25, 2023
A thought provoking read which highlights the alternatives to the criminal justice system and what can be done to provide appropriate rehabilitation. It shows the human side of prison rehabilitation and the importance of continued investigation and trial in this area.
Thank you Angela for gifting us with this work of art and providing us with your insight.
Thank you Angela for gifting us with this work of art and providing us with your insight.
March 9, 2024
'Just give some money to a homeless person, without judgement. You're not Henry VIII - there aren't 'worthy' and 'unworthy' poor. There are just people sleeping rough who can choose to spend your change in the way that aids their survival in that moment.'
This book was wonderful, and so accurately reflective of my own fervent anger as a woman in the ever-failing justice system. ❤️
This book was wonderful, and so accurately reflective of my own fervent anger as a woman in the ever-failing justice system. ❤️
June 18, 2023
Necessary, shocking and immensely readable. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2023
This is a shocking look inside the British prison system and how desperate the situation is! Billions of pounds wasted on a system that isn’t working on any level!
September 26, 2023
Brutal, heartbreaking, uplifting, tragic.
January 21, 2024
A must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference in our society.
April 24, 2024
Heartbreaking. Everyone should read this book.
August 31, 2025
listened on Audible to this eye opening and shocking account of prison life. the history of imprisonment was fascinating. I appreciated the compassionate person centred approach.
September 5, 2025
A well argued case for penal reform.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews