Upon arrival at Barton Prison, Julian is processed and taken to a cell occupied by a prisoner named Gordon, who soon becomes his lover. However, six months later, a jealous guard sends Gordon to another wing of the prison, separating the lovers. Not to be deterred, Julian sends a message to Gordon via Lanky, another prisoner, which starts a long correspondence between them.<br><br>Through their letters, readers learn more about the two men -- their backgrounds, their secrets, their hopes and dreams. The letters reveal the story of two lovers trapped inside a prison, separated from the world outside and from each other.<br><br>But prison life is hard. There are bashings and murders. There are corrupt prison officers and violent inmates. How can Julian, who comes from an upper middle-class family and is incarcerated for an accident, hope to survive against such odds, especially when he becomes the target of a particularly corrupt and vicious screw?

Letters from the Inside

But I remember thinking there was no way you were into blokes. You looked too rough, too straight. It didn’t matter. I reckon I fell in love with you right then and there, and I was so happy I’d be sharing a cell with you. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that. I used to crack a stiff every time I saw you in the showers. I had to make sure I always went last.


I nearly forgot. Did you hear there’s going to be a film in the rec. [recreation] hall over Easter? I know it’s a few weeks away, but they’re going to be putting us all together. Everyone except the psychos in E Block and anyone in solitary. That’s the word around A Block anyway. Not sure if it’s going to happen or not.


Chapter 3