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Behind the Ivy Walls
Behind the Ivy Walls is based on the true story of a young boy born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth and is written in the time-honored tradition of a feel-bad/feel-good story in which someone else’s tragedy teaches us life lessons about positive thinking and seizing each day as a gift.
After years of mental and physical abuse, the boy discovers that he was secretly adopted and begins an unlikely journey to search for his family. In this wonderful Huck Finn type story, one surprising deception after another is revealed, culminating in a secret so powerful it had to be buried for more than fifty years.
Peppered full of twists, life-determining challenges, positive role models, and many surprising skeletons in the closet, it ends with the final unraveling of the mystery of the doctor’s ultimate vengeance and his wife’s last retaliation.
After years of mental and physical abuse, the boy discovers that he was secretly adopted and begins an unlikely journey to search for his family. In this wonderful Huck Finn type story, one surprising deception after another is revealed, culminating in a secret so powerful it had to be buried for more than fifty years.
Peppered full of twists, life-determining challenges, positive role models, and many surprising skeletons in the closet, it ends with the final unraveling of the mystery of the doctor’s ultimate vengeance and his wife’s last retaliation.
- GenresFiction
171 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 5, 2015
“Behind the Ivy Walls”
This is an extraordinary story, plain and simple, and simply told. It is a book that could easily be read in one sitting, yet I did not do so because I wanted to savor it, absorb it and think deeply on it, as that is what the author encourages the reader to do. It is a story that I am glad he told; but then again, it was a story he had to tell in order to make sense of it for himself, his family and his own life.
As a native of Trenton, NJ myself, it was hard not to be moved by this story. Yet, one does not have to be from Trenton to be moved by Hal’s story. It is the story of a boy who grew up in an affluent and privileged setting, but who endured unimaginable and horrific abuse by his stepfather, who was a prominent physician in the community. We see how Hal’s parents go to extreme lengths to hide the secrets of what goes on behind closed doors. The whole time Hal was growing up, he sensed he was different from his siblings, primarily because he was singled out by his father to be the recipient of physical and emotional abuse. As Hal’s story unfolds, we see all of the twists and turns that lead him on his insatiable desire to uncover to the unspeakable truth. Hal embarks on an inspiring journey to find out who he is, only to encounter more questions with each rock he overturns. Along the way, he develops into a courageous and adventurous young man overcoming shame, as he develops the self-esteem he never had as a child. As Hal himself tells us, “Wounds heal and physical pain ends, but mental pain can forever be etched into a person’s mind.” Although Hal’s pain doesn’t vanish, by the end of the book, we are inspired to find that Hal has learned from this pain, grown immeasurably from it, and emerged with a strong and healthy sense of familial love.
On a personal note, I was transported right back to my own childhood with many emotions being brought to the surface as I read this. Here was a family that lived in my own neighborhood, and I attended school with these children; yet I was innocently oblivious to the horrors going on in my own backyard. His vivid descriptions of Cadwalader Park, The Roly Poly restaurant and the endearing enclave of the Chambersburg section of the city made me smile, as these were places where I spent much of my time growing up. Hal talks about his strong love and admiration of Chambersburg and its residents, and it’s not surprising that he was drawn to it, as it represented everything that his own neighborhood and home did not. What a small world; I wondered how many pizzas I ate at Hudson Beer Gardens in Chambersburg that Hal had actually prepared! Likewise, Hal’s chilling descriptions of the horrors that went on behind the walls of the infamous Trenton Psychiatric Hospital made me recall how, growing up, there were always “stories” about that place which was shrouded in mystery and terror. I lived just a couple blocks away from the grounds of the hospital and was always told to “steer clear” of the place.
Not only is this a story that had to be told by the author, it is a story that must be read, as it will not fail to grip you, horrify you and make you cheer for Hal all at the same time.
This is an extraordinary story, plain and simple, and simply told. It is a book that could easily be read in one sitting, yet I did not do so because I wanted to savor it, absorb it and think deeply on it, as that is what the author encourages the reader to do. It is a story that I am glad he told; but then again, it was a story he had to tell in order to make sense of it for himself, his family and his own life.
As a native of Trenton, NJ myself, it was hard not to be moved by this story. Yet, one does not have to be from Trenton to be moved by Hal’s story. It is the story of a boy who grew up in an affluent and privileged setting, but who endured unimaginable and horrific abuse by his stepfather, who was a prominent physician in the community. We see how Hal’s parents go to extreme lengths to hide the secrets of what goes on behind closed doors. The whole time Hal was growing up, he sensed he was different from his siblings, primarily because he was singled out by his father to be the recipient of physical and emotional abuse. As Hal’s story unfolds, we see all of the twists and turns that lead him on his insatiable desire to uncover to the unspeakable truth. Hal embarks on an inspiring journey to find out who he is, only to encounter more questions with each rock he overturns. Along the way, he develops into a courageous and adventurous young man overcoming shame, as he develops the self-esteem he never had as a child. As Hal himself tells us, “Wounds heal and physical pain ends, but mental pain can forever be etched into a person’s mind.” Although Hal’s pain doesn’t vanish, by the end of the book, we are inspired to find that Hal has learned from this pain, grown immeasurably from it, and emerged with a strong and healthy sense of familial love.
On a personal note, I was transported right back to my own childhood with many emotions being brought to the surface as I read this. Here was a family that lived in my own neighborhood, and I attended school with these children; yet I was innocently oblivious to the horrors going on in my own backyard. His vivid descriptions of Cadwalader Park, The Roly Poly restaurant and the endearing enclave of the Chambersburg section of the city made me smile, as these were places where I spent much of my time growing up. Hal talks about his strong love and admiration of Chambersburg and its residents, and it’s not surprising that he was drawn to it, as it represented everything that his own neighborhood and home did not. What a small world; I wondered how many pizzas I ate at Hudson Beer Gardens in Chambersburg that Hal had actually prepared! Likewise, Hal’s chilling descriptions of the horrors that went on behind the walls of the infamous Trenton Psychiatric Hospital made me recall how, growing up, there were always “stories” about that place which was shrouded in mystery and terror. I lived just a couple blocks away from the grounds of the hospital and was always told to “steer clear” of the place.
Not only is this a story that had to be told by the author, it is a story that must be read, as it will not fail to grip you, horrify you and make you cheer for Hal all at the same time.
August 25, 2023
An inspirational story poorly written. However, the poor writing adds to the voice and character of the book and may be one of the book's few good attributes. The book's best attribute is that it is a sincerely intended effort to inspire the homeless and downtrodden to develop positive self-images and strive for better futures.
The riches-to-rags-to-happiness plot comes across as so obvious that it must be true. If it were not a true story, I would be tempted to call the plot unimaginative.
I am glad that Hal English published his story. The lives of most of the homeless people he hopes to inspire will not have the dramatic roots that underpin his story. Their stories may share the abuse and neglect of his story, but without the spice and drama. He had a hateful family and to escape it he abandoned the wealth and privilege that came with it. Most of his target audience never had the privilege of that option.
Unfortunately, the book opens with a lie. The edition notice includes the following statement: "All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." And yet the back cover states: This book "is based on the true story of...." One or the other of these statements is false. The person who lent this book to me knows the author and assures me the book is the author's true story.
As long as the work is fiction, make the story more relatable to the audience. Or be honest and claim it for what it is. Unfortunately, English's efforts to tell his story without offending people (eg: his siblings).
A 2013 Japanese language book by Asako Yuzuki 柚木 麻子 called "The Many Faces of Ito" (伊藤くん A to E) retells exactly the same story - which centers on one of the characters (Ito) - from the point of view of each of the six main characters (including Ito). Each story is equally valid and strikingly different because each narrator brings his/her perspective and experience. A TV drama version of "The Many Faces of Ito" was available through Netflix with English subtitles. I would find it very interesting to hear Hal English's life story from the points of view of Hal's mother, Harrison, Vernon, Rachel, and perhaps one of his siblings. I imagine the narrative details, and our understanding of Hal and the main characters (especially his parents), would be very different.
Behind the Ivy Walls can be read quickly; it's short with large print. The author deserves credit for his accomplishments and I hope someone reads his book and finds inspiration from it.
The riches-to-rags-to-happiness plot comes across as so obvious that it must be true. If it were not a true story, I would be tempted to call the plot unimaginative.
I am glad that Hal English published his story. The lives of most of the homeless people he hopes to inspire will not have the dramatic roots that underpin his story. Their stories may share the abuse and neglect of his story, but without the spice and drama. He had a hateful family and to escape it he abandoned the wealth and privilege that came with it. Most of his target audience never had the privilege of that option.
Unfortunately, the book opens with a lie. The edition notice includes the following statement: "All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." And yet the back cover states: This book "is based on the true story of...." One or the other of these statements is false. The person who lent this book to me knows the author and assures me the book is the author's true story.
As long as the work is fiction, make the story more relatable to the audience. Or be honest and claim it for what it is. Unfortunately, English's efforts to tell his story without offending people (eg: his siblings).
A 2013 Japanese language book by Asako Yuzuki 柚木 麻子 called "The Many Faces of Ito" (伊藤くん A to E) retells exactly the same story - which centers on one of the characters (Ito) - from the point of view of each of the six main characters (including Ito). Each story is equally valid and strikingly different because each narrator brings his/her perspective and experience. A TV drama version of "The Many Faces of Ito" was available through Netflix with English subtitles. I would find it very interesting to hear Hal English's life story from the points of view of Hal's mother, Harrison, Vernon, Rachel, and perhaps one of his siblings. I imagine the narrative details, and our understanding of Hal and the main characters (especially his parents), would be very different.
Behind the Ivy Walls can be read quickly; it's short with large print. The author deserves credit for his accomplishments and I hope someone reads his book and finds inspiration from it.
July 17, 2017
Such a great topic for potential and felt for the writer. Must have been a horrible childhood filled with trauma. I just could not get past the poor writing style. Luckily it is more of a short story book but nonetheless couldn't finish it based on writing.
December 27, 2015
Highly enjoyable and moving story
I really enjoyed this book by Trenton author Hal English. It really gives you a wonderful sense of what Trenton was like during its heyday that my mother speaks about so fondly. Hal’s journey from abuse, to homelessness to independence and success is moving, funny and exciting. It paints a vivid picture of the horror of growing up in an abusive home while at the same time, showing the energy and determination of a young man coming in to his own.
It has some of the “home-made” writing style of most auto-biographies, but I like that. This is Hal’s story, and it’s clear it didn’t get written through editing committee. My only criticism is that there seems to be a bit of the story missing. For a saga about family, you hear very little about Hal’s own wife and children, which would have been a nice juxtaposition between the cold experiences of his youth. Also, Trenton serves as a character in its own right and I would have liked to have heard about the city’s melancholy demise. Behind the Ivy walls is one of those unpleasant stories that is not a chore to read. It’s a rough journey, but one you won’t regret taking.
I really enjoyed this book by Trenton author Hal English. It really gives you a wonderful sense of what Trenton was like during its heyday that my mother speaks about so fondly. Hal’s journey from abuse, to homelessness to independence and success is moving, funny and exciting. It paints a vivid picture of the horror of growing up in an abusive home while at the same time, showing the energy and determination of a young man coming in to his own.
It has some of the “home-made” writing style of most auto-biographies, but I like that. This is Hal’s story, and it’s clear it didn’t get written through editing committee. My only criticism is that there seems to be a bit of the story missing. For a saga about family, you hear very little about Hal’s own wife and children, which would have been a nice juxtaposition between the cold experiences of his youth. Also, Trenton serves as a character in its own right and I would have liked to have heard about the city’s melancholy demise. Behind the Ivy walls is one of those unpleasant stories that is not a chore to read. It’s a rough journey, but one you won’t regret taking.
July 28, 2015
Strange book. Some of the reminisces are interesting (the family history is stranger than fiction), but this is a book desperately in need of an editor. The chapters are rambling and the narrative lacks structure, apart from the obvious chronology of his life. The style vacillates oddly between formal and extremely colloquial, which distracts from the narrative. I also found the way he named family members odd - his brothers and sister were never given names at all. His father was called a wide variety of things, from "my father" and "Dad" (only once) to "Harrison" and "Dr. English" - in one case, switching between three of these on a single page. It seemed like the author was working through his own issues as he wrote, switching between his child-self's point of view and his adult-self's. While this may be good therapy, it is not good writing, and a skilled editor would have been able to improve it immensely.
September 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Having been born and raised in Trenton, NJ, it was especially prolific for me. A good story, the author kept my interest through out.
September 7, 2014
I read this in one day! Having lived in Trenton all my life, and having met the author several times, it was a step-back in history and a story that I found amazing!
September 30, 2014
Excellent book. Hal is a true inspiration!
October 27, 2015
Very interesting true story of a fellow New Jersey resident who discovers the buried truth of his family dynamics. Short and easy read.
April 11, 2017
This is an entertaining, moving, inspirational (and apparently true) story of an abused, eventually homeless child who became a loving, successful man with an amazing backstory of family secrets. It could have been more detailed about the author's success in later life and about the theme, merely implicit, of the devastating consequences of living a life of blackmail and deceit (as the author's ostensible parents did).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews