A Bit of a Stretch

The Diaries of a Prisoner

By: Chris Atkins

Narrated by: Chris Atkins

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.

©2020 Chris Atkins (P)2020 Audible, Ltd

Could not put it down

Interesting, not a dull moment of life behind bars. It was also great that the author was the reader.

Catastrophic insight

I have no way to compare American prisons to British. but if they r half as bad we r a huge crisis as well. Fascinating as well as deeply concerning… beautifully written & narrator rd.

Great Look into Prison Life

The author does a wonderful job of showing the realities of prison life while simultaneously keeping the book as lighthearted as possible.

A must read!

This book popped up on my social ads, then i saw it in the airport book shop so i felt it was calling to me!

I couldn’t stop listening! Great book and a real eye opener to the clearly flawed reform system in our country. I was sad to finish it and struggling to fill this void!!

Never Dull

I was going to start this review by saying this is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to but have decided it is THE best audiobook I have ever listened to. Chris Atkins is an extraordinary writer and an equally impressive performer of his work. His book details the horrific conditions inside Wandsworth Prison in London, England and it's effects on the men unfortunate enough to be housed there. Atkins' superlative vocal skills bring it all to vivid life. Highest recommendation.