The World's Worst Prisons

Inside Stories from the Most Dangerous Jails on Earth

By: Karen Farrington

Narrated by: Colin Mace

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Incarceration has a long and inglorious history, from dungeons in the bowels of castles to oppressive penal colonies in Australia. Karen Farrington brings this history up to the 21st century, exploring some of the world's worst prisons, from Alcatraz to Pollsmoor, and the unending battles that rage between convicts and warders. Inside the prison walls, gangs rule, guards devise sadistic punishments, and newcomers suffer abuse at the hands of experienced tormentors.

The World's Worst Prisons is packed with shocking accounts of prison breakouts, drug smuggling and life on death row. It also explores the politics of incarceration, including the harsh labour camps of North Korea and controversies surrounding private management of prisons.

With prison populations rising each year, questions surrounding incarceration are all the more pertinent. Whether focusing on punishment, containment or rehabilitation, the prison system is imperfect and The World's Worst Prisons examines this dysfunction through some of the most dangerous jails on earth.

©2019 Arcturus Holdings Limited (P)2023 Arcturus Publishing & ID Audio

Broad and multifaceted display of penal reality

We think of incarceration establishments as necessary to perform certain basic functions such as shielding communities from criminals, and allowing reform and correction to the institutionalized population. However, such institutions often perpetuate abuse and damage to those incarcerated, and what's awful is that the power given to the governing bodies and prison authorities can often be exploited by corrupt officials.

This book starts with a concise historical introduction to prisons throughout the ages till we reach our current times. Its chapters reveal the devolved state and hardships of modern prisons, then exhibits violent prisoners, prison gangs, and high-profile prison escapes, before delving into capital punishment carried out inside, and finally overviewing current day prisons.

Sobering.. eye-opening.. at times grim, but ultimately a quite engaging listen.

Very interesting read

I thought the book would be a bit dry, but in fact it kept me interested from start to finish. The chapters seemed a bit short on each subject, but there was a lot to cover. Definitely recommend!

Very informative and heartbreaking.

A captivating audiobook that sheds light on the realities of incarceration around the globe. While the subject matter is undoubtedly harsh, the book's exploration is both informative and thought-provoking.
The narrator's voice draws you into the stories, making the accounts of prison life all the more impactful.

This isn't just a voyeuristic journey into despair. The audiobook doesn't shy away from the difficult aspects of prison life, but it also explores potential solutions and positive stories of resilience. Listeners are left contemplating the role of prisons in society and the possibility for rehabilitation.

"The World's Worst Prisons" is not an easy listen, but it's a necessary one. It's a powerful audiobook that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

I received this audiobook for free from the publisher.