While the book has interesting parts, the reviewer finds the author's self-pitying tone hard to sympathise with given his criminal record.
The Waterstones reviewer acknowledges that there are interesting aspects to this book, particularly the detailed account of life inside Alcatraz. However, they find it challenging to sympathise with Jim Quillen due to his self-pitying tone, especially considering his extensive criminal record. The reviewer feels that this tone detracts from the otherwise compelling narrative, making it difficult to fully engage with the story.
Quick quotes
The book has some interesting parts but I felt the author was a bit self-pitying despite having a truly horrendous criminal record.
It was hard to sympathise with the author's plight given his background.
The self-pitying tone detracted from the otherwise compelling narrative.