LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE

Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Bartlett

Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Bartlett

Imagine a 26-year-old mother of four, and consent to be a package of cocaine in northern New York State. But instead of $ 2500 bribe, then eventually to a prison term of 20 years to life. That is what happened to the theme of the book entitled "Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Bartlett."

For two and a half years, journalist Gonnerman shadowed recently released prisoner Elaine Bartlett, providing intimate insight into the many difficulties associated with trying to reassimilate in a society that is ill-prepared and often unwilling to help ex-convicts. Convicted for not forgive Rockefeller drug law, for the first time offender Bartlett served 16 years in prison for selling cocaine. An attempt to restore her four children, find work and to acquire decent housing all Herculean tasks undereducated is hot defined Bartlett. While it certainly makes it subject to, Gonnerman paints, however, is quite an objective portrait of both its strengths and its weaknesses as it tries to overcome and win public pressure and expectations. Refreshingly honest and straight, eventually reaching Bartlett personal triumph when she becomes an eloquent activist campaign against the brutally harsh drug laws that are dictated by its long-term punishment. Guaranteed to raise both eyebrows and awareness, it shows a strong persistence raises important questions about the nation's underfunded and poorly designed system is a return to paroled prisoners.

Gonnerman against Bartlett in the prison experience sensitizes us to some of the key issues faced by people serving time in prison-strained family relationships, loss of control over their lives, and loneliness. It reminds us that the prison environment does not promote positive personal growth or change, in part because prisoners must regularly deal with the negative emotions of other prisoners and to create these conflicts. Gonnerman particular focus on the difficulties to be a parent in prison, which is limited almost exclusively to phone calls and brief visits to the prison. "To Elaine, it was difficult to maneuver between these two worlds: Visiting in the room and the rest of the prison. In the cell blocks and corridors, she had to watch her back constantly, always ready to raise her fists, if someone tried to get a fight. But then, when she entered the room visits, she plays the role of mother. She must be patient and gentle, warm and loving. "(Gonnerman, 2004, pp.21)Over the Bartlett and the return of prisoners, Gonnerman calls attention to the two dominant themes: a sense of loss of control over their own lives, Bartlett, and also her family life and strong sense of loneliness. The author distinguishes between the set boundaries, physical and psychological imposed prison, and parole, and describes how living in the margins are often unbearable for Bartlett. "In jail, she feels like she is always waiting to get home, and now, when she was home, she still seemed to ...