Life in Strangeways - From Riots to Redemption, My 32 Years Behind Bars: From Riots to Redemption, My Thirty-Two Years Behind Bars

by Alan Lord

A key player in the worst prison riot in British history at Strangeways Prison in April 1990, Alan Lord was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was drawn to trouble like water to a sponge.After experiencing a troubled childhood during which Alan was in and out of children's homes - after being put into care at the tender age of eighteen months old - Alan was a teenager in 1981 when he was sentenced to life in prison for murder during a robbery that had gone badly wrong. He served thirty-two years in various prisons throughout the United Kingdom. This book tells the truth of what goes on behind prison walls and exposes the level of inhumane treatment and brutality that Alan had to endure throughout his thirty-two year journey, during which he never stopped standing up for human rights.Fighting against the degrading prison system of the late twentieth century, Alan helped change the historical humiliating slop out and weekly shower that hundreds of thousands of prisoners had to adhere to throughout the centuries. The battle came at a cost though as it meant more time behind bars, time spent mainly in the segregation unit.Powerfully detailing the way prisoners are treated on a daily basis, Life in Strangeways is a gripping tale that will change the perception of Alan convicted murderer and riot leader.

Genres: Nonfiction

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2015

Reviews

[Erik Surewaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read quite a few “prison journals”. I must say that this book is the first book about a prison not located in the USA: i.e. this prison is located in England.

I expected large differences in prison life versus the USA. I was however surprised that also the UK uses solitary confinement in a lot of cases, although in a way moderate way. What was very different is that there is way more snitching, no gangs, more opportunities for education and way less violence. I was also amazed by the high number of prison transfers this inmate experienced.

Compared to the USA, quite some of the guards in the UK are also abusive, lying, sadistic and corrupt. I was amazed to read that they purposely tortured a shackled inmate by cutting open his arm by using a knife. Throwing an inmate down the stairs, with risking death or paralysis, also amazed me.

Overall, this book was a quick and comfortable read. For me, it deserves four stars since it was a good way to see the differences between USA and English prison life.

[Kay Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very enlightening. It really opens your eyes to what goes on behind prison walls. It was a very interesting read that I found both compelling and eye opening.

Thanks for the insight.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really insightful book and one that is incredibly easy to read in its literature style regardless of the often grim content. I raced through it in 4 days desperate to know more about Alan. It sometimes sounds a bit more like commentary than prose, with events described in a very matter of fact way and emotions told to us rather than alluded to. Remind yourself at the beginning that this is by a classic “unreliable narrator”. Obviously, we only have Alan’s word for most of the goings on in the book. Despite that, it often feels very honest to the point of me wondering if sometimes he should admit certain things. It is a very us and them narrative throughout, in the most simple form the prison officers (screws) being the baddies and the prisoners being the goodies. I gain a lot of respect for Alan when he admits to a few things that are maybe outside his nature, like actually forming a respectful relationship with one screw an also the dirty protests. At the beginning of the book I feel so much sympathy for him, then I feel confusion over his ability to so easily be violent and dangerous (to screws), and then respect as he changes his ways an breaks the cycle. I finished with a lot of respect mixed with sadness, he’s clearly a motivated, intelligent and compassionate person - perhaps if people had treated him differently from the beginning, and he had responded and taken ownership for his actions in a different way, then it could have been a very different life.

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutally honest. Alan Lord, one of the twenty five prisoners who were part of the infamous Strangeways prison riot of 1990, gives the truthful description of how life behind bars actually was.

Choosing to live his way, in protest at the Victorian regulations, such as slopping out, one change of clothing and one shower a week. Lord is the reason why these archaic regulations are no more. Lord gives an honest, if brutal version of how he was mistreated by screws and governors, just because of how the media portrayed him after the riot at Strangeways. Lord portrays himself as the exact opposite, which is truthful and honesty all in one. Lord was like the way he was, because of the way he was treated inside. Lord comes across as one of the nicest, most honest persons one can meet.

[Leesa Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life inside

A good read. Many people believe that life means life but this book makes you consider another way of thinking. Life going forward will be hard for him, is this no more or less than he deserves? read this and make a decision. If your of a closed mind then this read isn't for you.

[Jo Cleobury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. I'm glad this fella is out now.... but we need to free Charlie Salvador (Bronson), he has now been inside for over 44 years..... FREE CHARLIE BRONSON!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and interesting read into the UK prison system!

[A JACKSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top read.

Excellent read. Heartfelt and a truly gruelling experience for anyone to go through. An insight into prison life the public never see. Could not put this down, genuinely feel for Alan.

[Fyza · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching the documentary, reading the book from the perspective of one of the prison riot ring leaders, was undoubtful in my mind. Highly recommend.