The Remarkable Story of How One Man Defied the Odds

At 18, Paul Wood thought he had lost everything. He had committed an act he knew would send him to prison for many years. To a young man like Paul, it might as well have been for the rest of his life.

Plunged into a nightmarish world of extreme violence, solitary confinement, gang allegiances, drugs, vindictive wardens and regular stabbings, Paul spent the next 11 years confined in some of New Zealand’s toughest jails.

Based on an account of his experiences he wrote while still inside, How to Escape from Prison chronicles Paul’s road to redemption and a new life as a doctor of psychology, helping others strive to fulfil their potential and develop the resilience to flourish, even in adversity. This is a gripping read about a man who sank to the depths of despair, before scaling the heights of true freedom.

‘Paul’s transformation is unbelievable. We are sometimes brought up to think a zebra can’t change its stripes. Paul Wood’s story is proof that anyone can change. It gives you great courage that you can do anything.’

• Sir John Kirwan