'Orange is the new black'

For various personal reasons, I was encouraged to read Piper Kerman's memoir of her time spent in a US correctional facility. I confess, although not my typical choice for a summer read, the idea of an insiders account of a system which locks up around 2 million people each year, was rather intriguing. Despite the factual nature of the book, the circumstances and occurrences throughout are astonishing; this, as well as the frank and honest nature in which they are told, combine two key elements which are normally associated with novels: an adventure, and a loveable heroine.

The expected storyline of prison life was subdued for the most part, with Kerman focusing primarily on the complex relationships and power struggles within the female detention centre. For an outsider, someone completely removed from the processes of the American judicial and prison systems, the witty and sometimes heartbreaking narration of day to day events was certainly an eye opener.

Although an obscure book, this is not necessarily just for readers with a connection or interest in correctional facilities of America. There is a deep personal realisation throughout the book, with many important philosophical and influential questions about Kerman's experiences.