It is not every day that one gets first hand insight of what goes on behind the closed walls of a penitentiary. As you say, different locations very broadly from each other - and one appreciates that you made an effort to tone down on the brutal reality of the worst of it all.
Any effort to remind us that we are still humans regardless of our history is one that strikes me as being very important. This has my vote.
I'm pleased that it made such impression on you, thank you @pathforger!