A survey of correctional facilities gives a clear picture of what kind of literature is lent the most. Titles such as "Gola, testify, die", "The family", "Gangster paradise" and "Until everyone dies" are high in all prisons and detention centers.
"I think it's important that you try to broaden your horizons. There are several examples of inmates who have never read. When I come next with the book cart, I can be met with "Wow, that was crap. Do you have more?", says Susanne who, in addition to being a correctional officer, is also responsible for the small library at the prison in Helsingborg.
All prisons and detention centres in Sweden have some form of library. "Here are two of our most popular books," says correctional officer and library director Susanne. Photo: Johan Dernelius
Most popular book?
On the lists we have received, there is a single book that stands out as the most lent in almost all places.
- "Until Everyone Dies" by Diamant Salihu is very popular. It is on loan all the time," says Susanne.
The author himself knows that many criminals have read his book.
"The response I have received from convicted people who have read the book is that they think it gives a credible picture of their reality and that I have really tried to understand the causes of the problems. I think that's a good grade," says Diamant Salihu, author of the book "Until Everyone Dies."
Follow along to the library at the prison in Helsingborg in the clip above.