This book is an attempt by the author to give us a brief human insight into life behind bars in one of our penal institutions. It is written from the perspective of someone who has walked the walk with the prisoner for twenty years and now questions the effectiveness of our criminal justice system. She is an advocate for a Restorative Justice System and sees this model as the way forward. She argues that true justice lies in healing for all involved in criminal behaviour, including victim, perpetrator and society.

The second part of the book hears the voices of the prisoners in emotionally charged reflections on the reality of life within a prison cell.

The author challenges the use of prisons to deal with addictions, mental health issues and homelessness.Where prisons are needed, as they are for a small cohort of people, they should be open institutions dedicated to rehabilitation based on the needs of the individual and on societal needs of the time.

About the Author
Imelda Wickham was a prison chaplain for twenty years and held the role of National Coordinator of Prison Chaplains for three years. She is a founding member of TRAIL (Transitional Residential Accommodation for Independent Living) - a project designed to help homeless people leaving prison. She is currently involved in establishing a support service for the families of people in prison.

Reviews

short, accessible reflections, artfully written, which cut straight to the reality of what imprisonment does to people...accessible, funny, and pastoral, the book represents a clear call for the beginning of something like a prison abolitionist movement in Ireland.'

Working Notes, Jesuit Centre for Faith & Justice, August 21

-- Kevin Hargaden * Working Notes *

'written with warmth and understanding, challenge and encouragement, passion and compassion.'

Catholic South West August 21

-- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West *

'This is a beautiful, sad book. It should be read sporadically, slowly and reflected upon; it needs to impel us into action'

The Sunday World

-- Fr Brian D'Arcy * The Sunday World *

'I would recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in our criminal justice system and in society in general'

Irish Examiner

-- Mick Clifford * The Irish Examiner *

'...Sr Imelda Wickham [is] a champion of social justice and a believer in the redemptive ideal...a challenge she has set down in these humbling pages.'

* The Furrow *

'...a short but profound insight into the daily humdrum of life behind bars...it serves as a witness to the "unconditional love" of Christ that is being "lived out within prison walls".

* Doctrine & Life *

'[author Imelda Wickham's] is a compassionate, urgent voice'

-- Brian Maye * The Irish Times *

'...her care and consideration is evident...her empathy shines through'

* Methodist Recorder *

'...a fine and moving account of prison life. It should be read by all those who wish to listen to the unheard voices of those who live and work in prison. They may well find themselves changed.'

* The Way2023 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788123365
Author Imelda Wickham
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Messenger Publications
Publisher Messenger Publications