Prison Breaks explores the gripping history of prison escapes, examining the ingenuity of escapees, the flaws in prison security, and the psychological factors driving these daring acts. The book unveils how individuals risk everything for freedom, highlighting the resourcefulness required to challenge the system. For instance, the meticulous planning behind escapes often exposes vulnerabilities in prison design and protocols. The book adopts a narrative non-fiction approach, blending rigorous research with compelling storytelling.

It progresses by first introducing key concepts like prison design flaws and psychological manipulation. It then dissects significant historical escapes, such as those from Alcatraz, Colditz and Dannemora, analyzing security failures and escape strategies. Finally, it examines the broader consequences, including policy changes and ethical dilemmas. Each escape serves as a stress test, revealing vulnerabilities and providing insights into the minds of the incarcerated, thereby contributing to the ongoing debate on prison reform and the effectiveness of security measures.