"The heart-wrenching, often humorous, and coldly realistic tales... provide a broad overview of not only the prison "justice" system, but of how systemic inequality forms the backdrop to incarceration. The book also captures the humiliation, hopelessness, and tragedy attendant to a life spent in prison." "...a poignant, gripping, and disturbing tribute to this underclass of women largely silenced, ignored, and abandoned by society..."

"The book combines the women's often riveting accounts of their experiences with astute ommentary provided by Faith and her co-editor, Anne Near, about the wider meaning of those experiences."

"Each is a story of resilience, of facing the world bravely and learning the lessons it teaches. Karlene Faaith's insightful commentary raises provocative questions about power, the meaning of justice, and the broad social challenges that women face."