A Bit of a Stretch

Shocking, scathing, entertaining.' Guardian
'Incredibly compelling.' The Times
'Heart-breaking.' Sunday Times

Where can a tin of tuna buy you clean clothes? Where is it easier to get 'spice' than paracetamol? Where does self-harm barely raise an eyebrow?

Welcome to Her Majesty's Prison Service. Like most people, documentary-maker Chris Atkins didn't spend much time thinking about prisons. But after becoming embroiled in a dodgy scheme to fund his latest film, he was sent down for five years. His new home would be HMP Wandsworth, one of the largest and most dysfunctional prisons in Europe.

With a cast of characters ranging from wily drug dealers to senior officials bent on endless reform, this powerful memoir uncovers the horrifying reality behind the locked gates. Filled with dark humour and shocking stories, A Bit of a Stretch reveals why our creaking prison system is sorely costing us all - and why you should care.

About the author

Chris Atkins is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker. His documentaries Taking Liberties and Starsuckers were critically acclaimed and made front-page news. He has also worked extensively with Dispatches for Channel 4 and BBC Panorama. Following his release from prison, he is now back in North London, filming documentaries and writing.

Summary

A shocking and darkly funny account of the reality of Britain's prisons

Foreword

A shocking and darkly funny account of the reality of Britain's prisons

Product details

• Authors: Chris Atkins
• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 31.10.2020
• EAN: 9781838950170
• ISBN: 978-1-83895-017-0
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature > Letters, diaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Biographies, autobiographies; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Criminals & Outlaws, PSYCHOLOGY / Psychopathology / General, TRUE CRIME / General, Memoirs, PSYCHOLOGY / Forensic Psychology, Humour, Politics & government, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Drugs trade / drug trafficking, Central / national / federal government policies