|
|
| Women Publish From Prison |
| By Hartford Courant |
| Published: 01/13/2003 |
|
A month before its release, the latest book by best-selling author Wally Lamb is already sparking a discussion. But this time the conversation is not taking place on the Oprah Winfrey Show. 'Couldn't Keep It To Myself,' is a series of autobiographical stories written by 10 women at the Janet S. York Correctional Institution in Niantic who were participants in Lamb's writing workshop. The book details the women's lives and the events that led to their incarceration. It is scheduled for release at the end of the month. It is also raising concerns among victims' rights advocates who question whether Lamb, who volunteers at the prison, and the women, should be allowed to profit from its publication. A spokeswoman for the book's publisher, HarperCollins, said the company does not believe this is a case of people profiting from their crimes. 'The stories written by these women do not discuss their crimes. These are stories written as part of a prison-initiated creative writing class,' said Lisa Herling, a company spokeswoman. She said HarperCollins published the collection based on the quality of the writing. Department of Correction officials would not comment on the book's publication, but said they would review the matter of proceeds paid to the inmates. It did not appear that Lamb violated any of the department's volunteer and recreational service directives, Polce said. 'The department does recognize Mr. Lamb's service to the agency as a volunteer. He has provided females at the York facility with an educational as well as a positive therapeutic experience,' she said. A source inside the department said correction officials are reviewing Lamb's contract to determine whether he violated any of its provisions. Lamb is the author of 'She's Come Undone' and 'I Know This Much Is True,' both selections of Winfrey's book club. He began volunteering at York, the state's only all-female prison, in July 1999. He initially intended to hold one session. Two years later, he and the women had secured a publishing contract for their project. A copy of the manuscript was not available, but initial reviews have been positive. One writer described it as powerful and said Lamb 'succeeds in giving the collection an intense, recognizable emotional core reminiscent of his blockbuster debut.' |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Do you know someone who has been arrested in Waco or McLennan County? It’s important to find a good Waco lawyer to represent you in the matter involving your own liberty. Look for the best Waco lawyer that you can find. Whether you have been accused rightly or wrongly, it’s important to know your legal rights that concern whether you go to jail.