The Life Inside

Now a major BBC drama, Waiting for the Out.

A unique insight into survival behind bars, inherited shame and some of life’s most pressing questions.

An Irish Times and The i Book of the Year
'Tense and intimate . . . an education' – Geoff Dyer
'Authentic, fascinating and deeply moving' – Terry Waite

Andy West teaches philosophy in prisons. Every time he steps behind bars, he also confronts his inherited shame: his father, uncle and brother all spent time inside. While Andy has built a different life for himself, he still fears that their fate will also be his.

Every day he has conversations with prisoners about their lives. Together they tackle the big questions: Can someone in prison be more free than someone outside? Would we ever be good if we never felt shame? What makes a person worthy of forgiveness?

As he discusses pressing questions of truth, identity and hope with his students, Andy searches for his own form of freedom too.

Now a six-part BBC drama, 'Waiting for the Out', The Life Inside is an elegantly written and unforgettable memoir, offering a new insight into our stretched justice system, our failing prisons and the complex lives being lived inside.

'Inspiring' – The Observer
'Enriching, sobering and at times heartrending' - Lenny Henry
'A remarkable insight into prison life' – Amanda Brown
'Expands both heart and mind' – Ciaran Thapar
'A fascinating and enlightening journey . . . A legitimate page-turner' – 3:AM Magazine