Erwin James: From Convict to Celebrated Author
So a terribly abused, apparently mindless thug who has transformed himself into a highly cultured, deeply thoughtful man, a walking testimony to the power of redemption.
Imagine losing your mother at a tender age and then being thrust into a world of domestic violence and crime. That's the beginning of Erwin James' story. By the time he was 7, his life had already taken a dark turn. His father's descent into alcoholism and violence set the stage for Erwin's own spiral into criminal activities, leading to 53 convictions and eventually, the murder of two men in London in 1982.
His escape to the French Foreign Legion was short-lived, as Scotland Yard caught up with him two years later, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence. But this is not just a tale of crime and punishment; it's one of redemption and transformation. While serving his sentence, Erwin discovered a passion for writing. He began chronicling his life from behind bars, which led to an acclaimed column in The Guardian and several books, including 'Redeemable'.
Today, he is the editor-in-chief of 'Inside Time', a publication for prisoners. In this episode of 'More Than My Past', hosted by Jason Flemyng, Erwin opens up about his journey from being labeled a 'mindless thug' to becoming a respected writer. He discusses the brutal realities of prison life, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on inmates, and his thoughts on prison reform. Erwin's story is a powerful reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, change is possible.
It's about grabbing hold of the opportunities that come your way and believing in the possibility of a better future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in stories of personal transformation and the power of hope.