Strangeways cover art

Strangeways

A Prison Officer's Story

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Strangeways

By: Neil Samworth
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Neil ‘Sam’ Samworth spent 11 years working as a prison officer in HMP Manchester, aka Strangeways. A tough Yorkshireman with a soft heart, Sam had to deal with it all – gangsters and gangbangers, terrorists and psychopaths, addicts and the mentally ill. Men who should not be locked up and men who should never be let out.

Strangeways is a shocking and at times darkly funny account of life in a high security prison. Sam tackles cell fires and self-harmers, and goes head to head with some of the most dangerous men in the country. He averts a Christmas Day riot after turkey is taken off the menu and replaced by fish curry, and stands up to officers who abuse their position. He describes being attacked by prisoners, and reveals the problems caused by radicalization and the drugs flooding our prisons.

As staffing cuts saw Britain’s prison system descend into crisis, the stress of the job – the suicides, the inhumanity of the system, and one assault too many - left Sam suffering from PTSD. This raw, searingly honest memoir is a testament to the men and women of the prison service and the incredibly difficult job we ask them to do.

©2018 Neil Samworth (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd Social Sciences Crime Funny Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Scary

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All stars
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An informative insight into prison culture. Whether you sympathise or empathise with the characters is up to you and your politics.
Are prisons tough enough on offenders or are they too soft and easy going on inmates. Is punishment properly dealt with from a crime victim's point of view. I learned a lot from this book. I'll say no more.

Good insight

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very gruesome at times. reads very honestly. a must for those interested in prison and social justice.

amazing book wonderful in sight

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This was a real eye opener for me, in terms of what goes on in a prison, and how they operate. Although much of the content was difficult to listen to as it conjured up images and situations that were often repulsive and/or upsetting, it was also compelling. It saddened me to hear about the detrimental impact that this career choice has on a persons mental and physical health. I was pleased to hear that Samworth got the help that he needed, and I wish him and his family all the very best.

Insightful

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really good tales from the frontline of the prison service told with heart and humour

Fascinating well told account- great narration

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interesting look at the prison system and like most public services, its collapsing due to underfunding of staff

interesting look at the prison service

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The complete gritty truth of life as a prison officer! The author hasn't held back here and it's so refreshing to read about the job without the made up claims you get from the tabloids. Excellent read!

Fantastic!

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One of a few books I've never been able to put down......or in this case turn off! Alot of laugh out loud moments and some truly shocking moments. Well worth a listen and read

Fascinating!

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This is on of the top 15 books I have read in my whole life. Written from the heart the book is highly descriptive and I can not describe the sheer quality book. Exceptional in all ways.can't commend this highly enough, it's gripping reading. A MUST READ. A real life story for a real world.

Brilliant Unmissable

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an honest look at the change in the prison service. How many are mentally ill, inmates and guards. looks in to the unjust 68-year-old retirement rule. This is another government corruption against civil servants. and how prison rehabilitates nobody. He looks at the prison as a worse punishment than the death penalty. I think he's right, he explains the increase in inmates and reduction in officers is coming to a crunch. graphic and vile i truly feel for all of them. change is needed.

amazing and truly depressing

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went though this really quick, if I had 5 mins I would put it on. really interesting and thought provoking.

thoughts provoking

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