Written by Jonathan Aitken, an ex-MP who was jailed in 1999 for 18 months for perjury, and Edward Smyth who served a short prison sentence in 2025, “Doing Time - A Spiritual Survival Guide” is a concise book about how to cope with being in jail from the first night, through the important step of coming to terms with your situation and onwards. This book comes specifically from a spiritual place, but I think the book is for everyone. Each chapter is told from both authors’ point of view, with Edward’s contributions being most affecting. Not that I have no sympathy for a jailed Tory MP, of course, but I had more for Edward. Both authors write well, though, especially Edward who has written very profoundly about his experiences. At the end of each chapter is a prayer. There are sections on prison chaplains and the various kinds of chapels available. I was quite surprised to learn that religion has a major presence in prisons, with chaplains of all faith types available. Other chapters on living successfully with prison officers and avoiding the temptations of drugs offer more sound advice. Aitken writes candidly about the importance of writing and receiving letters (he often helped out his less-skilled inmates by reading their letters), and of the hundreds he received while inside from both well and ill-wishers. Edward movingly relates how he still retains every letter he received in prison and how he occasionally still reads them. The emotional turmoil of prison visits are also explored which can be a difficult experience for both the inmate and their visitor. The final chapter is one of reflection and a summing-up of the authors’ advice. Most of my knowledge of prison comes from repeats of Porridge, so I found this book immensely interesting and not a little surprising in parts. Both men’s experiences have helped shape their futures for the better - Aitken was ordained in 2018 and is now serving as a voluntary prison chaplain and Edward has acquired a master’s degree in criminology and forged a career in criminal justice. Whether or not you believe in God, there is a lot of good advice on this book. It is profound and uplifting and I hope this book finds its way into many prisons, if that is its purpose.