The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence by Gary Trew
Gary Trew’s compelling book, The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence, takes us back to the difficult years of the author’s boyhood in 1970s Hove, England, a southern coastal town. This coming-of-age tale offers an uncompromising look at the brutality of school bullying and the courage needed to overcome it. It is a potent blend of humor, sadness, and resilience.
I was very grateful to receive an ARC of this book, which is releasing everywhere on August 8, 2024.
At home, he experiences a unique blend of love and dysfunction that I found very relatable. He’s anchored by his quirky mother and deeply cherished father. School would prove difficult for him, however. (Un)affectionately known as “Knollditz,” Gary’s new school will expose him to bullying, abuse and trauma – all of which will leave marks well into adulthood.
Through vivid storytelling and an engrossing narrative style, Gary Trew’s memoir immerses readers in his world with the intensity of a well-written novel. The book is also sad and thought-provoking since it depicts his terrible initiation procedures, bullying, and abuse at Knoll with real honesty. Trew’s story, which captures the strange and frequently surreal aspect of his school days, is a brilliant blend of sadness and humor.
It made me think back to my own school days – many times I moved from school to school – and how easy it was to go from a popular kid to most hated with finicky peers.
One of the memoir’s most remarkable aspects is the author’s ability to strike a balance between humor and gloomy subjects. Gary’s tale is peppered with humor and lighthearted times despite the brutality and violence he experienced, highlighting his extraordinary fortitude and proving that sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Trew’s writing beautifully encapsulates the spirit of his childhood, highlighting a period and setting in which it was frequently difficult to distinguish between disorder and love. The memoir provides an insight into Gary’s family life, where his eccentric mother and beloved father offer obstacles as well as support, giving the story more nuance and complexity. Along the way, he will not only learn to survive school but also find his inner strength and the transformative force of first love.
Gary’s experiences were upsetting, kids are cruel, and school administration lacked discipline. But there’s something about Gary’s story that is so relatable, making it both beautiful and heart-wrenching to read. The balance between sadness and humor will keep you turning the pages, however. And long after the last chapter, this memoir will continue to replay in your mind.
The Hate Game is not for sensitive readers or the easily offended, despite its humor. The book includes direct, honest material about abuse and bullying, which is necessary to comprehend Gary’s story and his tenacity. Nonetheless, the memoir is uplifting to read because it balances these challenging issues with inspiring moments of victory and hope.
To conclude, Gary Trew’s gripping memoir The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is sure to make you laugh out loud as well as cry. It’s a tale of survival, of change, and of the eternal power of love and laughter. It’s a must-read for anybody looking for a moving yet optimistic story.
It’s 5 stars from me and I look forward to anything else this author decides to write as well.
About the Author
Gary Trew
Author of Non-Fiction and Humorous Fiction
Books have always been a source of solace for Gary. They help him to escape, admire, and dream. Throughout his career as a police officer, minister, and child protection investigator, Gary has learned to appreciate the ability to laugh in the face of life’s challenges. Gary is immensely grateful for his exceptional wife and amazing daughters. Born in Great Britain, he now calls the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, his home.
Gary’s Favourite Reads:
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
- The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
- It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn
Even though Gary has lived in Canada for over twenty years, his close friends and work colleagues still call him “that funny British guy” due to his accent and quick-witted sense of humour. He has successfully navigated careers in the police, the ministry, and social work. His work as an investigator with abused and neglected children and youth has taught him the value of laughter in the face of life’s challenges. Gary holds degrees in chemistry & biochemistry and a BSW in social work. He has a deep affection for Marmite, sunshine, spicy food, and Cadbury’s chocolate. Additionally, he is a dedicated fan of the Brighton & Hove Albion football club and Vancouver Canucks.
Gary added another feather to his cap by publishing a humorous crime fiction book under his pen name, Denny Darke. The book, ‘The Man with the Pink Sombrero,’ is a testament to Gary’s creative side and ability to find humour in unexpected scenarios.