Many people seem to have an intrinsic curiosity about prison, as evidenced by the volumes of books, films, television series, and documentaries on the subject matter.
As a former prisoner, I sometimes wonder about people curious to consume such content, contrasting older, more conservative people who might view such material with an eye to seeing justice executed upon scourges of their society to conversely, the youth culture that tends toward putting the prison experience on a pedestal-a badge of honour to be worn and brandished weapon-like to gain peer approval, a proving ground for masculinity.
The prison experience is paradoxical.
It can be chilling in danger yet tethered to safety. Its monotony gruelling but excitement blood curdling. You can feel desolate isolation despite being surrounded by hundreds of people daily, but also develop the comradery known only to soldiers fighting at the front or pirates plotting, plundering, and pilfering.
As prison is a paradoxical experience, it is a near impossible task to completely encapsulate and convey for consumption to others who never have and, thankfully, never will experience it.
This book is my attempt to give people glimpses of the paradox.