Breakfast at Bronzefield is one of the best books I've read this year. No jokes. No lies.

It's one of those books that opens you up to a world you might have heard of, but never really truly knew about before. I've watched Orange is the New Black, and have heard all of the stories from shows and books like it, but Sophie's first hand account opened my eyes up so much. Seriously, it's not the fun and cutesy stuff Orange brings you in the show (although, it is still an excellent show so I'm not hating on it).

Sophie is a real woman who was in a women's prison, and man does her story shed a different light on the "correction" facilities. By the sounds of it, we can hardly call them correction facilities anymore, but that's a topic for another day (or for this book, let's be honest).

This book recounts Sophie's tales as a black woman in the Britain's justice system. Women's prisons aren't the campy fun that some television shows might have you believe. The news doesn't do it justice either. Correctional officers and probation officers aren't always out there to protect these ladies, and inmates don't always get treated the way they should. The food isn't great, when they can get it. The activities are limited, and they're lucky to get them most of the time, especially if the officer or recreation assistant running it doesn't like them (for who knows what reason). Even then, once they are no longer inmates, it isn't easy for them to get back on their feet. The programs provided don't always help or have the best interests of these ladies in mind.

This book is honest, real and raw. It made me think a lot and wonder how the system got so corrupt. If we're trying to help people get 'better' or learn from their 'mistakes', why are we so harsh? Is there not better ways? It's mind blowing. The system we've been told is supposed to help and do good is quite corrupt.

Overall, the honesty and accuracy of this account is so mind boggling. While I'm not surprised, I also totally was. Sophie's accounts felt so real, and brought some new light to my eyes. More stories like these need to be told, and then maybe the system will change. That's a tall order, but it's possible - it just might take a very long time.

Five out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, Sophie Campbell, in exchange of an honest review. ( )

https://audrasbookblabbing.wordpress.com/2022/01/08/breakfast-at-bronzefield-boo...

Content to consider: Cursing, mentions of rape, mentions of sexual assault, and violence.

Breakfast at Bronzefield is a nonfiction, autobiographical recounting of Sophie Campbell’s experience in the UK’s female prison system. All told from her perspective, this book reads a bit like a diary – giving the reader a very unique glimpse into prison life.

As someone who is pursuing a degree in criminology, Sophie’s book was extremely fascinating! She had a very different perspective than you see in a lot of prison memoirs, and she also included a wonderful amount of statistics about the UK criminal justice system to back up her points. Not only does Breakfast at Bronzefield give the reader a series of interesting stories about life in prison, it also advocates for the right of female prisoners, points out flaws in the system, touches on racism and sexism, and gives educated suggestions on how to make a positive change to reduce recidivism and improve post-prison life.

The only part of this book that got on my nerves a little was the attitude of the author during the middle of her incarceration. She seemed to have the mindset that she was entitled to do whatever she wanted, which included breaking the rules and then villainizing almost every single worker she encountered within the criminal justice system. It makes sense given the circumstances that she would feel hostile toward the guards and such, but even her own account showed that many of them were simply trying to do their job. Sophie demonstrates well her point that people become different in prison and do things they never would out in the “real world.” She provided a good example of how not to act if you become incarcerated, and how the environment cultivates a certain type of mindset.

Overall, this book is very enlightening and well-written. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the impact of incarceration – especially on black, female inmates. Remember: don’t believe everything you see on TV.

~I was sent a free copy of this book by the author for an honest review~ ( )

Many former prisoners that came out of prison as a better person, who made radical steps in starting a new life, publish their memoirs. Breakfast at Bronzefield by former public schoolgirl Sophie Campbell is the first one I read that gives an insider's view in the UK female prison system. HMP Bronzefield is the largest, notorious for sexual assaults, drug abuse, and staff that looks the other way. Despite signing an NDA, Sophie took the risk of maintaining a diary throughout her imprisonment to document her experiences.

An extensive narrative, in my opinion, way too detailed is the result. Breakfast at Bronzefield starts on the day of entering the prison and ends with the process of getting finances for a bachelor's degree university career as a kind of Sophie 2.0. The book is more than just a memoir. It's backed up by research and statistics on recidivism, substance abuse, medical prescribing, prostitution, etc.

Backed up by recent research and statistics, Breakfast at Bronzefield offers a powerful glimpse into a world few see: riots; unethical medical prescribing; and prison barons – key figures behind prostitution and drug-smuggling. Sophie defies the stigma of female prisoners as being uneducated women of color, willing to compensate lack of finances with prostitution with inmates or guards, chanceless in the outside world. ( )