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

I got my books a couple of days ago. I was so excited. I took them straight up to my cell and started reading. There’s a lot to learn. I don’t know shit about electricity except that it can kill me if I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I’m glad I have the chance to get a head start. I think I’m going to need it.


McKenny has given me permission to divide my time between the laundry room and studying in my cell until I start college. Then I’m out of the laundry for good. I’ll miss the money, but I guess you have to make sacrifices for the things you really want.


Chapter 19