The women's House of detention - Hugh Ryan

The Women’s House of Detention focuses on the lives of the women who passed through the WHOD, exploring the ways in which gender, race, sexuality, and class shaped their experiences of incarceration. Hugh Ryan takes readers through the prison's history, from its inception during the Prohibition era to its eventual demolition, while shedding light on the often overlooked history of women in the criminal justice system.

The book examines the lives of incarcerated women in the WHOD, featuring poignant and powerful stories of resistance, trauma, and survival. It highlights the lives of political prisoners, activists, and marginalized women who were often criminalized for behaviors considered deviant or transgressive in the eyes of society. Ryan also explores the intersection of gender and sexuality, noting how many of the women imprisoned at the WHOD were members of the LGBTQ+ community, and how their experiences were shaped by both their gender and their sexual identity.

In addition to focusing on the women themselves, the book contextualizes their stories within broader movements for civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights, all of which influenced the social and political climate during the time the prison was operational. Ryan offers a detailed look at the impact of the women's liberation movement and how it intersected with the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to the treatment of women prisoners.

Through meticulous research and storytelling, Ryan brings to light a forgotten chapter of New York City’s history, giving voice to the women who were silenced by both the criminal justice system and mainstream narratives of the time.