A Bit of a Stretch:Diaries of a Prisoner and Motherwell: A Girlhood 2 Book Set

This 2-book collection brings together two compelling memoirs that explore confinement of different kinds — literal and emotional. Ideal for readers who enjoy powerful true-life storytelling, bestselling author insights, and reflective coming-of-age narratives, this boxed set offers a bookshelf-worthy combination: raw prison diaries and a poignant Scottish girlhood, both presented in a brand new hardcover edition.

Titles in this Set: A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner by Chris Atkins & Motherwell: A Girlhood by Deborah Orr. Condition: BRAND NEW. Format: Hardcover. ISBN: 9789123972012.

About A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner

Documentary-maker Chris Atkins turns the lens inward in this candid, often shocking diary of life inside HMP Wandsworth. Sentenced after a scheme to fund a film went wrong, Atkins chronicles the everyday realities of one of Europe’s largest and most troubled prisons: the economy of tinned tuna for clean clothes, the surprising availability of 'spice' compared with over-the-counter painkillers, and attitudes to self-harm that reveal institutional blind spots. Written with journalistic clarity and dark humour, this prison memoir gives readers a rare, on-the-ground perspective on Britain's penal system.

About Motherwell: A Girlhood

Deborah Orr’s Motherwell: A Girlhood is a tender, unsparing portrait of growing up in a Scottish mill town. Leaving Motherwell at almost 18 to attend university became a seismic choice — one that fueled resentment, yearning, and a complicated relationship with her mother, Win. Orr captures the pull of family ties and the persistent ache of wanting to be 'good enough' while forging an independent identity. This coming-of-age memoir is beautifully observed, making it a standout in contemporary women’s nonfiction and a thoughtful addition to any children’s series crossover shelf or adult memoir collection.

Why readers love this book collection

• Two distinct memoirs: One explores incarceration from inside the system; the other explores the emotional constraints of family and place.
• Hardcover, brand new: Durable, collectible, and perfect for gifting or classroom discussion.
• Trustworthy voices: From a documentary-maker and an acclaimed journalist — authentic, experienced perspectives readers can rely on.
• Great for readers who enjoy: prison memoirs, coming-of-age stories, nonfiction gift sets, and autobiographical collections.

This 2-book collection makes an excellent gift set for parents, teachers, book clubs, or anyone who appreciates honest, thought-provoking memoirs. Whether you're looking for poignant bedtime discussion starters, material for classroom debate on social institutions, or a timeless keepsake for a book lover, this boxed set delivers emotional depth and real-world insight in every chapter.