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Behind These Doors
- Stories of Strength, Suffering and Survival in Prison
- Narrated by: Sofia Zervudachi
- Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins
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Behind These Doors
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Summary
A powerful and affecting look at life in prison
The men I have worked with and the staff I've worked alongside over the last ten years in prison have taught me strength, compassion, courage, and fundamentally, the need to talk, the need to share and the need to tell these stories. These are the stories of lives lived, lost and taken, behind walls so high we can pretend they hide another world entirely. But at what cost?
Behind These Doors is a provocative, insightful and illuminating interrogation of what it is to live and to work in the UK's most infamous prisons. The individuals Alex introduces us to are, for the most part, living on the margins of society and the impact of the cycles of violence that so often accompany those lives is clear to see. Alex takes us by the hand, behind the gates and through security into prison cells, to the shared kitchens, the prison library, down the corridors and into the 'seg' (segregation unit); we will meet men who will surprise and shock us in equal measure, as well as prison officers who struggle to contain the challenges the job presents.
This is a no-holds-barred depiction of life in prison and its many devastating and astonishing, and sometimes inspiring, consequences. As a woman in this environment, her perspective feels especially urgent.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Adele Stephens
- 16-07-23
Brilliant
Heart wrenching, intelligent, thoughtful, amazing book. Alex South is brave and strong and I hope her book helps people
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Jess H.
- 16-01-24
A good female perspective
The narration was good, editing a little weird. A good look from a females perspective at a largely male world
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Caroline
- 23-02-24
A must-read for anyone interested in prison life
I’ve enjoyed a few books about prisons, but this takes it to another level. Incredible insight into the work of prison officers, with no self-pity, and with genuine compassion for prisoners.
This should be obligatory reading for every politician, to make them appreciate the deep-rooted flaws of our penal system and how it only serves to fuel despair and further crime.
The book is also excellently written; it’s hard imagine a braver or more talented person. Great narration too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- J QUITTNER
- 29-11-23
Excellent
The book was excellent. It’s something the world needs to be aware of. Although harrowing at time it all needs to be said and I passionately hope that more results from the telling. More support is needed for Officers in Prison.
The book was read wonderfully with passion.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr L.
- 18-01-24
An eye opener
What a great listen. Alex takes you through her journey of her career in the prison service and details the contrast of highs and lows. I've completely changed my mindset on prison life, day to day challenges, fear, routines and absolute opportunism by the residents. You'll laugh, be shocked and be inspired by her determination to make a difference. I just loved it. Thank you to Alex and all prison workers, you're special folk and your undoubted sacrifices are appreciated...by me at least. I hope to never meet any of you at your work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rachel Ward
- 24-01-24
Brilliant look inside a broken system
I loved Alex's writing and her ability to tell a story. A great book looking inside the UK prison system
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- susan H
- 31-07-24
So interesting
This was recommended to me and I am so pleased that I listened as I have learned so much.
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- Philip
- 14-11-23
A Brilliant Book, Brilliantly Narated
There are some very rare books that you just know you're going to listen to a second time. This is one. Riveting, harrowing, desolate, and hopeful. The narration has a way of drawing you in just close enough for you to let your guard down, only for events to flip and hit you full square in solar plexus. But this is no cheap device it is just another day on shift in one of the toughest jobs imaginable.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- G. D. Parrett
- 21-10-23
Very well written and really interesting real life account of the world most of us never experience ., thank god!
Really worth listening to and really beautifully read with real
Life compassion and the truth! Don’t ignore it needs addressing as our society is so broken!
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- Pensive Scarlet
- 18-01-24
Thought Provoking
A deeply interesting journey following the career of the author from her first day as a prison officer. This book is well written, superbly narrated and gives a glimpse into a world most of us will be lucky enough to never enter. It is an honest account of human nature, very few of the inmates are just their crime, they are people with good and bad characteristics, they are products of the situation they were born into and for the large part they are people that we as a society and our prison system are failing. I've often thought of the kind of life a prisoner might lead, but I'd never really considered the impact of prison on a prison officer, Alex South has been able to successfully get across the highs and lows of the role and shows how the system fails not only the prisoners but those supervising them. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
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