The book tackles heavy themes like suicide, drugs, and institutional challenges with a mix of gravity and occasional levity. It offers a unique perspective on the healthcare system within prisons.
This memoir doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of prison life, but it also finds moments of lightness and humanity. The author's experiences with patients facing severe issues like suicide and drug addiction are recounted with both professionalism and empathy. There's a particularly interesting dynamic when she describes interactions with older, more traditional doctors. It's a book that balances the grim with the heartwarming, showing how compassion can exist even in the toughest environments. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in healthcare and social justice.
Quick quotes
It tackles a range of themes, from coping with change to suicide, through drugs, rape and soirees with fusty, old doctors.
The book opens with a scene that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the narrative.
Brown's writing is both informative and deeply personal, offering a window into a world most of us will never experience.