Paddy Hill of the Birmingham Six described Sister Sarah Clarke as “the Joan of Arc” of the prisons. This book is her story, tracing her life from childhood, to teaching art in the Bower Convent in Athlone and, finally, her work with prisoners in British jails. Over a period of 25 years, Sister Sarah relentlessly pursued the cause of justice on behalf of Irish prisoners arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
In 1974, she gave up her teaching job and started to do full-time pastoral work with prisoners and their families. Among the thousands of prisoners with whom she worked, were the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven. Sister Sarah never judged nor condemned any prisoner. Her campaigning work frequently resulted in clashes with the Home Office and she was eventually barred from visiting prisoners.
She continued her work outside the prisons with wives and children of prisoners, helping them to locate their imprisoned relatives and with other problems in their lives.
This book is a testimony to the determination and courage of a woman who, for many years, was at odds with both Church and State about her belief in the appalling failings of the British criminal justice system.