Brilliant Books Club: A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner

A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner

By Chris Atkins (Atlantic Books)

For most of his life, documentary-maker Chris Atkins didn’t give much thought to prisons. But after becoming embroiled in a scheme to fund his latest film, he found himself jailed in HMP Wandsworth for 5 years. A Bit Of A Stretch is his attempt to reveal his world of life behind bars and the stories of those surrounding him.

If you’re stuck in a lift with a cynic, what would you say to encourage them to read your book?

I bet you’re wondering how to survive being locked in a small room without going mad. Well I was stuck in a tiny prison cell in Wandsworth for 9 months, and had a surprisingly interesting time. So if you want some good tips on getting through an uncomfortable lock down, this is the book for you.

What are three lessons you want readers to takeaway?

 - It’s not bad news that is the problem, it’s the uncertainty leading up to the bad news

- Don’t judge people by the worst thing they’ve ever done

- Bad people can do good things

What inspired you to write the book? Was there a particular event/thought which set you in motion?

I was given a 5 year prison sentence in 2016. As I was led down to the cells under the courthouse I bumped into Max Clifford, a man who I had helped convict. We got on surprisingly well. I thought this was a ridiculous coincidence, so started writing everything down.

What’s been the biggest adversity you’ve faced - and what did you learn from the experience?

The biggest adversity was missing my son, I was effectively separated for 2.5 years. I learned not to waste a second of my time with him.

What piece of advice/wisdom from your book don’t you follow enough?

I’m still a bit judgemental, especially of Tory politicians, but I do try and see the world through their eyes.

What’s the most moving - or strangest - reaction you’ve had from a reader?

George from Gogglebox got 3 months for drink driving recently. He spent that time in Wandsworth, and after he came out he read my book, saying he’d fell in love with it.

Which book (by another author) has changed your life - and why?

Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. Taught me that the world was a very very silly place and we should never stop laughing at it. And it also turned me on to Quantum Physics, which is what I ended up studying at Oxford.

And, most importantly, what snack keeps you going whilst writing?

I still drink a gallon of tea a day while writing, comes from being in prison so long.