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A Bit of a Stretch
- The Diaries of a Prisoner
- Narrated by: Chris Atkins
- Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
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A Bit of a Stretch
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Summary
Where can a tin of tuna buy you clean clothes? Which British education system struggles with 50 percent illiteracy? Where do teetotal Muslims attend AA meetings? Where is it easier to get 'spice' than paracetamol? Where does self-harm barely raise an eyebrow?
Welcome to Her Majesty's Prison Service, a creaking and surreal world that has been left to rot for decades in the shadows of polite society. 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 oldest, largest and most dysfunctional prisons in Europe. Horrifying, moving and darkly funny, this is the unvarnished depiction of what he found. With a cast of characters ranging from wily drug dealers to corrupt screws to senior officials bent on endless (and fruitless) reform, this is the reality behind the locked gates. Full of incredible and hilarious stories, A Bit of a Stretch reveals the true scale of our prison crisis and why it is costing us all.
Includes exclusive bonus chapter, available only from Audible.
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What listeners say about A Bit of a Stretch
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs D J Brannigan
- 09-02-20
Interesting listen
I really enjoyed this book and liked the author narrating it himself. The music in random places was odd (I was looking around my house trying to work out where it was coming from the first time it happened) apart from that I highly recommend
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16 people found this helpful
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- Richard
- 30-09-20
Thoroughly enjoyable listen
Many of the problems highlighted still exist in prisons in 2020. Chris lays out cause and effect in this personal and compelling narrative.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Jason
- 23-09-20
Very good
I enjoyed this book. I think over-all it was solid and entertaining. A real insight into what goes on inside
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rose_Sews
- 14-10-20
Absolutely fascinating !
Brilliant delivery and an incredibly insightful look into the failings of our prison system. He perfectly balanced humour and darkness in a conversational tone.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- C
- 28-09-20
Listen to this book
Fascinating insight into how unfit the prison system is. Shocking, moving with plenty of black humour this was a compulsive listen.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Stephen
- 04-02-22
Great book
Overall great insight into the disgusting life in some prisons. Very well written and sucked in from the start. I did feel I was becoming bored towards the end.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Megan Oliver
- 03-01-21
Entertaining and informative
Great book. Informative, but presented in an entertaining way, ensuring that the facts really sunk in. Stories of relationships both inside and out were also well depicted. Would definitely recommend.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- longtallsally
- 01-02-21
Dark, but insightful
I found this tough going due to the subject matter, but it was insightful of the prison experience. It challenged my preconceptions, but totally affirmed what I believe; that UK prisons do nothing to address crime, and certainly do nothing to educate or rehabilitate offenders, and therefore nothing to prevent reoffending.
It also shames us in our treatment of criminals with mental health issues.
Each MP responsible for the prison services should start by listening to this book and take it from there!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Arkadiusz K.
- 26-12-20
Insightful
Loved it. Easy listening and a real reality check into what goes on outside of our conscious world.
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- Jonathan Lowenstein
- 25-01-21
A potential classic. Funny , deep and riveting
I have listened to over 30 audio books by now and this may be the best yet. Superbly read. Funny and insightful.
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