Prison Noir (Akashic Noir)

Some of the most powerful and authentic writing I have read in quite some time. Each word of their shreds society's illusions about the prison population.

does not open in kindle for pc. requires additional pc app to play, works on kindle readers though.

I taught in prison in the 70s and 80s. One of my students did a long stretch in the California penal system. He is out now, and we are in touch. He has made something of his life. So, it was great to learn that Ms. Oates had picked one of his stories for this very interesting collection.

The first word to come to mind while reading Prison Noir is "honest." That's not to say that these stories are true or even autobiographical fiction, but there is a sincerity running through them that transcends talent and/or style.These are prison stories written by prisoners(one of whom has since been executed) and they are not all the greatest writers (although "Bardos" and "A Message in the Breath of Allah" are among the best in the entire Akashic Noir series), but every one of these stories is engaging and entertaining in its own way.

Sad, dark, seldom funny. I am so sad about the reality of being in prison, but I know it is important for me to know of this human suffering. After I wrote this review, a few months later, a parolee rented an apartment from me, now I truly understand the purpose of prisons. He is an incorrigible grifter and arsonist. He is definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing, a very mild, sedate and well dressed young man. A true example of "what lurks within". May we have a volume 2 soon?

As an anthology, this book is difficult to review properly except to say that each story is a great read in and of itself. There is a tightness of story line to each but with such expressed and implied descriptions that the reader gets more than the small number of pages each story fills. This volume is a must read for anyone who enjoys good writing, good story telling and insights into people one doesn't readily come into conact with.

Great read - just what I wanted - thanks.

Joyce Carol Oates is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint in the editing of this very edgy compilation of stories. Worthy of a re-read. The introduction truly draws the reader in. I am now going to seek out other Noir books.

I have read at least half a dozen of this series, and this is easily the best.Of the fifteen stories, I found eleven to be outstanding. Usually I will find two or three I really like in a volume.Most of the stories are deeply thoughtful, and not full of the bravado and bulls... that many stories in other volumes are, where the authors seem to think that by piling horror on horror that will somehow make the story better.The horrors in this volume come with inevitability, but it is the measured, thoughtful understanding of the algebra of prison life, the community dynamics if you like, which almost all of these stories offer which makes them compelling.There are some fantastic writers in this book