The history of prisons in the US paired with the origins of Christian monasteries. Disturbing but so important to understanding mass incarceration and incarceration in the common era.

An engrossing look at the concept of silence. Prisons where in past times silence forced silence was used as part of the punishment .Monastaries with long histories of monks living in silence .In modern times authors like Sara Maitland have moved to spots of isolation where she lived in total silence ,silence that at times had her screaming out loud to hear noise,The idea of silence as punishment or refuge from the conastant noise of the world we live is definitely worth contemplating, This book would make for very interesting discussion in a book club or classroom settings.Highly recommend,#netgalley #silence #hmh

A fascinating book! I was unsure about reading this through at first, but I quickly became hooked on the writing and the subject matter.

"Silence" and "variety" are two concepts that aren't often thought of together, to put it generously. Jane Brox however shows quite clear that silence is nothing close to as simple as the overwhelming majority considers is. Silence is something that can be nurtured and utilized as an expression of faith, it can be experimented with (not very effectively) as a tool of reform, and it can wreck painful havoc as a method of punishment. In just these three areas, Brox explores and reveals a complex and surprisingly diverse world. And as one reads this eye-opening book in their very own form of silence, it will be hard to make it even halfway through before the author will successfully get you pondering about it, and whether it's something you could stand to make room for more of in your day to day life.