Prisoners: A Journey into the Heart of the Brazilian Prison System

By Drauzio Varella

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Criminal Justice, Human Rights, or Brazilian Society

In his groundbreaking book, Prisoners, Dr. Drauzio Varella takes readers on a journey into the heart of the Brazilian prison system. Based on his firsthand experiences as a volunteer doctor in some of Brazil's most notorious prisons, Varella offers a unique and deeply personal perspective on the lives of prisoners and the challenges they face.

A Vivid and Unflinching Look at Life Behind Bars

Varella's writing is both vivid and unflinching as he describes the harsh realities of life in Brazilian prisons. He takes readers inside overcrowded cells, where prisoners are forced to live in squalid conditions, often without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. He also sheds light on the rampant violence and corruption that plague the system, and the devastating impact these conditions have on the lives of prisoners and their families.

The Human Toll of Mass Incarceration

Through the stories of individual prisoners, Varella humanizes the statistics and brings to life the human toll of mass incarceration. He introduces readers to characters like "Zé Maria," a young man who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a petty crime, and "Dona Zica," a grandmother who was arrested for selling drugs to support her family. These stories highlight the systemic injustices that lead to mass incarceration, and the devastating impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.

A Call for Reform

Prisoners is not only a powerful indictment of the Brazilian prison system, but also a call for reform. Varella argues that the current system is not only inhumane, but also counterproductive, as it fails to rehabilitate prisoners and often perpetuates the cycle of crime. He proposes a number of reforms, including reducing the prison population, improving conditions in prisons, and providing prisoners with access to education, job training, and mental health services.

A Must-Read for Anyone Concerned About Social Justice

Prisoners is a must-read for anyone concerned about social justice, human rights, or Brazilian society. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing the criminal justice system and the urgent need for reform.

Praise for Prisoners

"A powerful and important book that sheds light on the hidden world of Brazilian prisons. Varella's writing is both compassionate and unflinching, and his stories will stay with you long after you finish reading." — The New York Times

"A must-read for anyone interested in criminal justice, human rights, or Brazilian society. Varella's book is a powerful indictment of the current system and a call for reform." — The Washington Post

"A gripping and unforgettable account of life behind bars in Brazil. Varella's writing is both vivid and compassionate, and his stories will open your eyes to the harsh realities of mass incarceration." — The Guardian