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I'll Fly Away: Further Testimonies from the Women of York Prison
For several years, Wally Lamb, the author of two of the most beloved novels of our time, has run a writing workshop at the York Correctional Institution, Connecticut's only maximum-security prison for women. Writing, Lamb discovered, was a way for these women to face their fears and failures and begin to imagine better lives. Couldn't Keep It to Myself, a collection of their essays, was published in 2003 to great critical acclaim. With I'll Fly Away, Lamb offers readers a new volume of intimate pieces from the York workshop. Startling, heartbreaking, and inspiring, these stories are as varied as the individuals who wrote them, but each illuminates an important core that a life can be altered through self-awareness and the power of the written word.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2007
331 people are currently reading
4984 people want to read
About the author
Wally Lamb
23 books10.7k followersWally Lamb is the author of six New York Times bestselling novels: I’ll Take You There, We Are Water, Wishin’ and Hopin’, The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much Is True, and She’s Come Undone. His latest novel, The River is Waiting, will be released in May of 2025 through Marysue Rucci Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he was a volunteer facilitator for twenty years.
Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife, Christine, and they have three sons.
Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he was a volunteer facilitator for twenty years.
Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife, Christine, and they have three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
October 1, 2007
Several years ago, I read "Couldn't Keep It To Myself", the first collection of stories from Wally Lamb and the women of York Correctional Institution. I absolutely loved the book and my copy quickly became tattered as friend after friend read the book and shared my sense of awe. When I heard that a second compilation was being released, I couldn't wait to read it.
Like its predecessor, this book is a collection of stories written by a group of women who are part of a prison writing workshop led by Wally Lamb. The stories cover a number of topics from childhood memories to the experience of incarceration. I found each one to be emotionally honest and poignant. I am so impressed by the candor these women show in telling their stories, the courage they show in sharing their stories with the world, and the wisdom that they seem to gain through the thoughtful exploration and writing about aspects of their lives. I have a very deep respect and appreciation for these writers.
So many times in our society, we think of people who are incarcerated simply as their crime and forget about the complexities of the human experience. I wish that policy makers would read books like this one and begin to recognize the myriad circumstances that are part of many incarcerated women's experience: domestic violence, child abuse, molestation, drugs, mentally ill parents. Perhaps then we would be willing to take action to prevent these things from happening and to provide services to rehabilitate and support when they do. Thank you to Wally Lamb and the women of York.
Like its predecessor, this book is a collection of stories written by a group of women who are part of a prison writing workshop led by Wally Lamb. The stories cover a number of topics from childhood memories to the experience of incarceration. I found each one to be emotionally honest and poignant. I am so impressed by the candor these women show in telling their stories, the courage they show in sharing their stories with the world, and the wisdom that they seem to gain through the thoughtful exploration and writing about aspects of their lives. I have a very deep respect and appreciation for these writers.
So many times in our society, we think of people who are incarcerated simply as their crime and forget about the complexities of the human experience. I wish that policy makers would read books like this one and begin to recognize the myriad circumstances that are part of many incarcerated women's experience: domestic violence, child abuse, molestation, drugs, mentally ill parents. Perhaps then we would be willing to take action to prevent these things from happening and to provide services to rehabilitate and support when they do. Thank you to Wally Lamb and the women of York.
June 19, 2014
I value Wally Lamb as a writer, but also he has contributed so much to women in the prison system, and I'm sure received much satisfaction. I teach homeless women and women in transition writing. I am drawn to the anonymous amongst us as they reveal a true nobility.
I'll Fly Way, further testimonies from the Women of York Prison fits into that category. I write to someone in Chowchilla, and do things in a small way to help her. She was battered, but is not under that status; lawyers are working on her and her mother's release.
The narratives within these pages speak honestly and with courage. I also have a new friend who was imprisoned for over 25 years, innocent of the charge of murder, and she was released. Prison is a horror story. I'm not absolving all those guilty of horrendous crimes, but our legal system geared to wealthier components of our society.
Wally Lam conducted writing workshops at the maximum security York Correctional Institutions, Connecticut's only prison for women. Lam discovered writing allowed these women to confront painful memoires, face their fears and their failures and begin to imagine better lives.
These pieces are very thoughtful; I'd encourage anyone to read them.
I'll Fly Way, further testimonies from the Women of York Prison fits into that category. I write to someone in Chowchilla, and do things in a small way to help her. She was battered, but is not under that status; lawyers are working on her and her mother's release.
The narratives within these pages speak honestly and with courage. I also have a new friend who was imprisoned for over 25 years, innocent of the charge of murder, and she was released. Prison is a horror story. I'm not absolving all those guilty of horrendous crimes, but our legal system geared to wealthier components of our society.
Wally Lam conducted writing workshops at the maximum security York Correctional Institutions, Connecticut's only prison for women. Lam discovered writing allowed these women to confront painful memoires, face their fears and their failures and begin to imagine better lives.
These pieces are very thoughtful; I'd encourage anyone to read them.
June 9, 2015
I would have given this three stars, if I had realized that a bio about each of the authors was at the very end.
My main gripe with this collection (I gave "Couldn't Keep It to Myself" 5 stars - just for your reference) was the fact that the stories blurred together. I loved in CKITM that prior to each short story, there was a picture of the inmate, with, I believe, their name and reason for being incarcerated.
In this collection, I went from short story to short story - they blurred in their sameness. I kept lamenting the fact that Wally had chosen not to include this bio of each before the story, so that the stories could really hammer home the fact that these women are more than their crime.
You can imagine how pissed I was when I got to the end and realized there they all were - little bios on each woman. Damn it. I tried to read them then, and going back to their short story to reference who they really were, but it just wasn't the same.
I thought the best short stories were by Barbara Parsons ("Reawakening through Nature: A Prison Reflection") and Deborah Ranger ("Shhh, Don't Tell").
My main gripe with this collection (I gave "Couldn't Keep It to Myself" 5 stars - just for your reference) was the fact that the stories blurred together. I loved in CKITM that prior to each short story, there was a picture of the inmate, with, I believe, their name and reason for being incarcerated.
In this collection, I went from short story to short story - they blurred in their sameness. I kept lamenting the fact that Wally had chosen not to include this bio of each before the story, so that the stories could really hammer home the fact that these women are more than their crime.
You can imagine how pissed I was when I got to the end and realized there they all were - little bios on each woman. Damn it. I tried to read them then, and going back to their short story to reference who they really were, but it just wasn't the same.
I thought the best short stories were by Barbara Parsons ("Reawakening through Nature: A Prison Reflection") and Deborah Ranger ("Shhh, Don't Tell").
June 6, 2009
I really liked this book--I feel like if you kill your abusive husband after he molests your grandchild you shouldn't get a 25 year sentence.
September 15, 2021
I just finished this book for the second time. And I loved it all over again. Compassion, compassion, compassion. That’s the word that keeps running through my mind on a loop. These women are guilty of committing crimes, but they are just as much victims of their circumstances as those they have wronged. None of these women blame their victims; all show remorse. Their ability to write so eloquently about their stories is wondrous, healing, cathartic.
June 10, 2014
Powerful vignettes from women in prison about glimpses of time in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and prison. It changed some of my views and banished stereotypes.
July 29, 2024
Poor choice
November 28, 2025
Inspired by reading The River is Waiting. I skimmed through a few of the stories but read most. I found the Forward very interesting.
July 13, 2019
I'll fly away is something I've secretly said to myself, throughout my life. Also I've read Piper's book and watched "Orange is the New Black", so those are my determining factors when I picked up this book. I wondered about my friends in jail, and how I managed to escape the Law...
Wally Lamb is not just an editor, he teaches the women in NY prison how to write. I was really impressed to read about his contributions! These women worked hard, it shows when you read what they wrote. I read through the book so fast, it all flowed and I related to many of them. Many of the reasons the women were (and are) in the prison were after effects of being abused.
Why are we jailing abused women, who kill in self defense?A lot of women are hopeless either stuck in prison for numerous years or life, all their golden years spent in a prison... for things like drugs, abuse and things that could have been avoided.
"I'll Fly Away" just touched my heart, and I encourage anyone to read the words of the women from NY Prison. One woman on the outside, lives the same as on the inside.
Wally Lamb is not just an editor, he teaches the women in NY prison how to write. I was really impressed to read about his contributions! These women worked hard, it shows when you read what they wrote. I read through the book so fast, it all flowed and I related to many of them. Many of the reasons the women were (and are) in the prison were after effects of being abused.
"In tears, I stare up at the night sky. "Hi. It's me." I am speaking aloud. "If anyone's up there, I need your help. I love him, but I'm not strong enough. It's been bad for months and it keeps getting worse. So I'm asking for a favor. Please let me die. I don't want it to be painful. Just let me go to sleep and not wake up." II Torn Pants, Empty Sky 1998 Charrissa WilletteThis is a statement I have made dozens of time, and when I read this it hit me rock hard in the heart. Char as a 14 year old, gets picked up by an 18 year old boy...(at that age, I thought it was cool too) and her first relationship with this man (who raped her) ends up her last and lands her in prison years later.. although he abused her.
Why are we jailing abused women, who kill in self defense?A lot of women are hopeless either stuck in prison for numerous years or life, all their golden years spent in a prison... for things like drugs, abuse and things that could have been avoided.
"I'll Fly Away" just touched my heart, and I encourage anyone to read the words of the women from NY Prison. One woman on the outside, lives the same as on the inside.
June 8, 2018
While difficult to read at times, this book is amazing. I'm glad this opportunity of cathartic release, healing or whatever the women in the writing group got fom it was available to them. If only such a program was available to all inmates perhaps recidivism rates would decrease. The accounts of prison life in this book actually does much more to degrade, dehumanize and revictimize people who have already endured more than I can imagine than peison does to rehabilitate. The most eye opening and powerful essay in the book is the last one by Barbara Parsons. Her recount of a prison guard exercise was gut wrenching and appalling. This book helps to breakdown stereotypes of inmates and to humanize a population often forgotten or avoided. I will be reading the other book of essays from the women of York as soon as I get my hands on it.
January 1, 2016
Wally Lamb is one of my favourite authors and I have always been interested in his work with inmates at York Correctional Institute. The writings of these women are healing, disturbing, interesting, and a reminder that we all have a story to tell.
January 22, 2013
A compilation of short true stories from women in prison. It was ok. Felt like Mr. Lamb was helping these women learn to write their pain down while teaching them to write and published it.
February 23, 2017
Just as good as Couldn't Keep It To Myself.
August 20, 2018
I picked this Kindle version up when I saw something with Wally Lamb's name on it was only $1.99. I've loved Wally Lamb ever since reading I Know This Much is True in college. Given my surprise when I began reading and discovered it was not a book written by him, but a collection of stories from women incarcerated in York Prison in Connecticut, I was pleased to find I actually enjoyed much of the content of this collection.
Lamb gives an excellent introduction for I'll Fly Away, delving into why the writing workshops performed in the prison were important and ultimately successful for many of the inmates. It was sad, but not ultimately surprising, to learn that the State of Connecticut sought to recoup money from the women who had made modest profits from having their work published.
While the stories are deeply personal tales from the women themselves, all non-fiction reflections of their lives in and out of prison, the whole collection invokes broader themes of domestic abuse and violence, and the punitive v. rehabilitative aims of mass incarceration in America. Do we want those convicted to be punished for their crime, or do we as a society, benefit more from individuals being rehabilitated and unlikely to offend again? (Did I tip my hand with the way I asked that question?). There is something grossly dehumanizing about numbering and locking people away that I think does damage to both captive and jailer. That's not to say that some people are too violent and damaged in a way that means they should not ever be allowed in society again, but the way in which we house and incarcerate large swaths of our population should be examined.
Hearing first hand accounts from these women help to keep them from being mere names and numbers in a sea of inmates, and hopefully helps show their human sides, our shared humanity after all, is a great equalizer.
Lamb gives an excellent introduction for I'll Fly Away, delving into why the writing workshops performed in the prison were important and ultimately successful for many of the inmates. It was sad, but not ultimately surprising, to learn that the State of Connecticut sought to recoup money from the women who had made modest profits from having their work published.
While the stories are deeply personal tales from the women themselves, all non-fiction reflections of their lives in and out of prison, the whole collection invokes broader themes of domestic abuse and violence, and the punitive v. rehabilitative aims of mass incarceration in America. Do we want those convicted to be punished for their crime, or do we as a society, benefit more from individuals being rehabilitated and unlikely to offend again? (Did I tip my hand with the way I asked that question?). There is something grossly dehumanizing about numbering and locking people away that I think does damage to both captive and jailer. That's not to say that some people are too violent and damaged in a way that means they should not ever be allowed in society again, but the way in which we house and incarcerate large swaths of our population should be examined.
Hearing first hand accounts from these women help to keep them from being mere names and numbers in a sea of inmates, and hopefully helps show their human sides, our shared humanity after all, is a great equalizer.
November 5, 2018
Despite the intro explaining the writing group at York Prison, I had a hard time deciding what the point of this book was. That's not to say it wasn't a worthwhile read but I do have some issues with the way the book itself is handled. One is that in many short story/essay style books, there will often be a list of contributors somewhere on the cover, but in this case what we really get is a single name on the cover, and that person happens to be the editor. I certainly don't mean to diminish Lamb's participation in and dedication to the program but if this is meant to be for the women of the prison, shouldn't his name be the aside and not the focus?
It is particularly noticeable because the stories are extremely personal and yet all of the contributor's bios are bunched at the end instead of with each piece where connection and credit would make the most sense. A friend pointed out that perhaps this was intentional since one goal of the project is to remind us that these prisoners are humans, not the embodiment of their crime.
As is to be expected in a book with 20 or so authors, the writing here is inconsistent but none of the pieces rely on writing skill to get their message across. With the exception of perhaps 3-4, every story is heartbreaking, frustrating, exhausting, infuriating, shocking, and startlingly identifiable.
This isn't a book to pick up for a "light read" but it is a great book club selection, and certainly a book that is sensitive to how sexual and domestic abuse makes double victims out of so many.
It is particularly noticeable because the stories are extremely personal and yet all of the contributor's bios are bunched at the end instead of with each piece where connection and credit would make the most sense. A friend pointed out that perhaps this was intentional since one goal of the project is to remind us that these prisoners are humans, not the embodiment of their crime.
As is to be expected in a book with 20 or so authors, the writing here is inconsistent but none of the pieces rely on writing skill to get their message across. With the exception of perhaps 3-4, every story is heartbreaking, frustrating, exhausting, infuriating, shocking, and startlingly identifiable.
This isn't a book to pick up for a "light read" but it is a great book club selection, and certainly a book that is sensitive to how sexual and domestic abuse makes double victims out of so many.
May 1, 2020
If I were Wally Lamb and the women of York Prison, I would be annoyed. These inmates WERE "Orange is the New Black" long before Piper Kerman or Jenji Kohan laid claim to being the authority on female correctional institutions. This book is raw and heavily underrated. I've been a long time fan of Wally Lamb and although his work as a creative writing teacher would go on to inspire one of his later novels, "The Hour I First Believed" (also wonderful), it's the writers of the essays in this anthology, not the collector of those essays that should be celebrated. I want to have faith that the women who lived and wrote these incredible stories are not forgotten. That being said, I fear these inmates have been outshined by flashier versions of their tales. Everyone should get themselves a copy of this book and bear witness to what they've endured, the mistakes they've made and how they've served their time.
April 29, 2019
I love writing the gives me a perspective on a life I have never experienced, and this was wonderful for that.
Some of the pieces were too short for me to actually feel connected to them, but most were the perfect length. I got insight into the reasons women find themselves as prisoners and some of the realities of prison life for these women. There was a lot I didn't know or realize about prison life, and it was interesting to learn the things these women now take as standard parts of their lives.
I wish the ebook had done a better job of explaining that there were biographies of each woman at the end of the book. I found myself having troubling connecting each writer to her story. I could remember repeating names as authors, but couldn't remember what their other story was. If those bios had been at the beginning of the book, or possibly at the end of each story, it would have helped to connect more. The story that did add a follow up notation at the end was one of the most memorable for me.
Some of the pieces were too short for me to actually feel connected to them, but most were the perfect length. I got insight into the reasons women find themselves as prisoners and some of the realities of prison life for these women. There was a lot I didn't know or realize about prison life, and it was interesting to learn the things these women now take as standard parts of their lives.
I wish the ebook had done a better job of explaining that there were biographies of each woman at the end of the book. I found myself having troubling connecting each writer to her story. I could remember repeating names as authors, but couldn't remember what their other story was. If those bios had been at the beginning of the book, or possibly at the end of each story, it would have helped to connect more. The story that did add a follow up notation at the end was one of the most memorable for me.
January 28, 2021
I am the sister of a victim that has been written about in this book by the story teller of “Wishes.” For all of you, who think that what was written is the truth, I’m here to tell you that it was NOT. It was proven in court that nothing that was written was the truth as well. I lived what the truth was and I still live it everyday. I live it even more so when I’m looking down at a headstone with his name on it. The real victim is buried in the Cemetery and has been since the young age of 24 yrs old. I suggest no one feel sorry for a writer of lies because I certainly don’t and never will. The day of sentencing there was no remorse and the one sided story shows no remorse either. There are two sides to this story and one side was silenced with premeditated intent and that is the truth....
October 7, 2024
It’s hard not to love this book, especially after spending time working in a jail and providing a space where the individuals could share their stories, thoughts and feelings in different mediums - writing, drawing, music, cartoons. I found it so impactful on the individuals to provide them with a safe space to share whatever they wanted. This book did just that - it allowed the ladies of York Correctional Institute to share their stories and help with their mental health. It was such a fun thing they did for the women and reading the rationale hit the heartstrings. Such a wonderful and powerful read.
February 7, 2017
Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors. I also admire his work teaching creative writing at York Correctional Prison for Women in Niantic, Connecticut. The talent he uncovers and the lives he rescues from oblivion renews my faith in the strength of human character. This selection of essays, poetry, and memoirs reveals self-awareness and clarity of expression - and a lot of effort on the part of both the individual contributors and Wally Lamb.
August 14, 2019
Not quite as impressive as "Couldn't Keep It To Myself" but definitely still powerful and meaningful. This book is probably excellent on it's own but having just recently finished the first publication by Wally Lamb and the Women in his writing group, not sure that much could compare.
I appreciated the organization of the book, the picture of the contributors (was sad that there weren't some included) and the biographies.
Worthy read.
I appreciated the organization of the book, the picture of the contributors (was sad that there weren't some included) and the biographies.
Worthy read.
February 15, 2019
Wally Lamb books give us an insight into the how and why's our sister's are in prison. When reading each story, I get more and more insight into lives of women who were raised much differently than I was. Some of the stories are painful to read, but well worth the effort. Brings much more understanding and compassion to those who are serving time in our jails and prisons.
June 13, 2019
4.5
I was so impressed with the quality of these women’s writing, and entranced in their stories. This book made me better understand incarceration, and how trauma and cycles of abuse play out and often lead to it. It humanized prisoners in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I only saw a few episodes of Orange Is The New Black, but this reminded me of that.
I was so impressed with the quality of these women’s writing, and entranced in their stories. This book made me better understand incarceration, and how trauma and cycles of abuse play out and often lead to it. It humanized prisoners in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I only saw a few episodes of Orange Is The New Black, but this reminded me of that.
July 23, 2019
This features writing from women who took part in a writing programme at Connecticut’s York Correctional Institution. There were some powerful pieces in his compilation - accounts of horrendous childhoods, stories that highlighted the dehumanising nature of the prison system, sad stories of addiction, hopeful accounts of women determined to turn their lives around, and pieces that made me go WTF? I mean why would a woman with the mental age of a child be held in a maximum security prison? A revealing look at a world I hope never to inhabit.
September 8, 2019
The essays reveal such hard times in these women's lives and emotionally hard to read at times. But they are also very well written. There is at least one story that had me laughing out loud. Yet more of them made me want to cry.
I read this as part of the Read Harder Challenge and I am glad I did.
I read this as part of the Read Harder Challenge and I am glad I did.
February 13, 2021
Gruesome. Heart wrenching. Vouyeristic.
These women write from their heart of hearts. Writings range from poetry about friends, an innocent memory of their childhood, the recollection of their guilty verdict, and a narration of how they imagine their execution to be.
I think this is an important read. All too often society forgets incarcerated people are people too.
These women write from their heart of hearts. Writings range from poetry about friends, an innocent memory of their childhood, the recollection of their guilty verdict, and a narration of how they imagine their execution to be.
I think this is an important read. All too often society forgets incarcerated people are people too.
July 9, 2025
Although I’m familiar with Michigan’s penal system, I understand a women’s facility is very different, as are its prisoners. I have had my viewpoint altered from the many readings I’ve undertaken in retirement. The writing in these essays is remarkable, and I have a new opinion of program volunteers.
November 12, 2025
When I first picked up this book I thought it was about stories of the ladies when they were actually in prison. It was actually a book about stories that the ladies had gone through mostly before they got locked up. I know there was a couple of the stories sprinkled in there of them actually being in the prison.
October 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book because I found it so true to my experiences ministering to women in prison. I kept thinking I knew the authors of the stories. Ladies in prison are people like everyone else with stories to tell and hardships most of us can't fathom.
July 4, 2021
I've always maintained that it's very difficult to dislike people if you actually hear their stories. This book does an excellent job of humanizing women convicted of felonies. Our prisons may have many cold, unfeeling people inside of them, but most are just people that made terrible mistakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews