Compact Failure explores the relationships between three women prisoners: Chelle, Ruthie and Maya. Old-timer Chelle is lonely. Maya is missing her children who don't know she's in prison. Ruthie, in her early twenties, is a breath of fresh air for Chelle, who thought she was done with friendship.
Jennifer Farmer's sharp and richly textured narrative is about the hierarchy of prison life, its impact on families and visitors, challenges or release and resettlement and, ultimately, redemption.
★★★★
