The Four Stages of Cruelty A Novel Author:Keith Hollihan “Through the eyes of a young, vulnerable, tough female guard, Hollihan presents prison life in all its daily bleakness and occasional violence and reveals the intricate social strata, black-market dealings, alliances and hostilities between the prisoners and guards in Ditmarsh Prison. In precise and visceral language, he gathers up the var... more »ious, fascinating threads of his plot and weaves them into a stunning, unforgettable story.”--Kate Christensen, author of The Great Man“This is one intense book--brutally sad and heartbreakingly brutal, and filled with precise, vivid detail that brings the world of Ditmarsh Penitentiary vividly to life. I found it impossible to put down, not only because the plot is kinetic but because of Hollihan’s deep understanding of moral and emotional complexities.” --Dan Chaon, author of Await Your Reply« less