Ralph Griffith's Monkey House is a memoir of his time served at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Butner in North Carolina. He spent the last seven years of his sentence with Bernie Madoff, Jonathan Pollard, Nicky Scarfo, Carmine Persico, and other well-known criminals. FMC Butner is a high-security prison that houses inmates with serious medical conditions and mental health issues. The prison also has a designation for high-profile criminals. Griffith describes the prison as a "giant Monkey House for the criminally insane." Monkey House is a fascinating and often humorous account of prison life. Griffith writes about the day-to-day routines of the inmates, the power dynamics within the prison, and the challenges of living in close quarters with dangerous criminals. He also shares his insights into the minds of some of the most notorious criminals in the world.
The book has been praised for its honesty, humor, and insight. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of crime and punishment. Here are some of the things that make Monkey House such an interesting and memorable book:
The author's unique perspective. Griffith is not a typical prison memoir writer. He is a skilled storyteller with a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail. He is also able to see the humor in even the bleakest situations.
The cast of characters. Griffith's fellow inmates are a fascinating bunch. They include some of the most notorious criminals in the world, as well as lesser-known offenders with their own unique stories to tell.
The setting. FMC Butner is a unique and challenging environment. It is a place where the rules are constantly changing and where danger is always lurking around the corner.
If you are looking for a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend Monkey House. It is a book that you will not soon forget.