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Summary: A long-awaited and vividly told true story. A great read!
Review: "Out of the Darkness" is indeed the perfect title for the long-awaited telling of these events. For the past 50 years, only students and professionals in the child protection field have learned the profound significance of Mary Ellen's story. This, the first book entirely devoted to this landmark case, brings Mary Ellen to life along with all those who helped her survive. The story opens in May 1864 on a battlefield in Cold Harbor, Virginia, as Thomas Wilson receives word of the birth of his little girl in New York City and dreams of returning soon to his wife, Fanny, and their child. Shortly afterward, however, he dies in battle. Amid the hustle and bustle of New York City life, Mary Ellen's mother attempts to care for her little girl, but poverty soon forces her to abandon the child. We learn of Mary Ellen's stay in an almshouse for a time before being taken into a foster home where she is beaten, locked in a closet, burned, and permitted no contact with the outside world. She remains in this home for 6 long years. Shelman and Lavoritz accurately and poignantly describe the New York City of the 1860s and 1870s, allowing the reader to experience the overcrowding and the sounds and smells of the infamous Hell's Kitchen area of NYC where Mary Ellen is finally found and rescued. The story follows two threads, first told separately, and then woven skillfully together. We learn of Mary Ellen's plight, while at the same time in NYC, Henry Bergh is working to found the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). We are with Bergh as he enforces the new animal protection laws in NYC. He fights to protect them all --from turtles to horses. He is often ridiculed as he charges, "Turtle abuse!" But he persists. Amazingly, in 1874 there was no agency to aid mistreated children. When Etta Wheeler, a dedicated social worker, appeals to Bergh and his animal rights society to take the lead in the child's rescue, he and the ASPCA's talented attorney, Elbridge Gerry, conduct the then famous trial that ultimately brings Mary Ellen freedom and a new home and results in the founding of the New York City Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, still in existence today. The story culminates in the standing-room-only trial where Mary Ellen's foster mother is charged on several felony counts. The authors effectively recreate the circuslike atmosphere that prevails throughout the trial at which witnesses from all walks of life testify about what they have seen and heard. The transcripts of the trial are complete and authentic. While most will read this book as a novel, a complete index at the back provides access to the wealth of factual material carefully researched by the authors. An epilogue tells what finally happened to Mary Ellen as an adult. Adding to the authenticity are a number of previously unprinted photographs provided to the authors by relatives of the principals. An invaluable reference for those interested in the history surrounding child and animal protection, "Out of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson is also just "a good read."
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Summary: One line is not enough to describe this powerful story.
Review: A fascinating and compelling chronicle of love, war, hope, despair, good intentions, bad luck, brutality, and the misery of a child who was at the center of it all. One might well expect to be drawn deeply into a true American story penned by a well known and established writer---after all, a good writer is supposed to stir the reader on multiple levels and successful writers practice their art unto perfection. It is, however, quite rare to find such skill in an unknown author, and rarer yet to see a first novel that reaches into your psyche and awakens the part of you that used to care about people you never met. Mr. Shelman has surpassed any meager expectations with a well-researched, well-written, well-received book about the first child abuse prosecution on record. This was a story that cried out for 100 years to be told, and Mr. Shelman has answered with sensitivity and an absorbing narrative concerning scandalous times. Interlaced throughout this fine book is demographic and cultural detail that transports the reader back to the latter half of the 19th century as a familiar place. Much of the story is in New York City's "Hell's Kitchen" and the author again does us a service by reminding us how it is to live in utter squalor. Crime was a daily hazard for these poor residents and work---when you could find it---was usually hard, the hours long, and the pay meager. But worst of all was the fear of getting the fever, any fever. This is a time in America when disease would strike a tenement at a time and take almost all of the children and many of the adults within the space of a few days. The struggle and eventual success of the A.S.P.C.A. movement in their efforts to stop the blatant and open abuse of animals is superbly presented as a background to the horrible existence Mary Ellen Wilson suffered for much of her childhood. As Blacks were taking their first few steps toward their rightful place in American society, animals in New York City were suddenly being rescued and their owners fined and even jailed for their cruelty. Civil and animal rights had finally crept into the American consciousness yet there was no one to take a stand for the many women and children who were simply abused at will, the abuser operating without fear of retribution. Mary Ellen Wilson's story brought child abuse into headlines and finally into American ethos. Mr. Shelman tells a powerful story that should have been told years ago, lest we forget from whence came. I can't wait to see what this guy does next...
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Summary: I couldn't put it down...
Review: Although one might think that a story of child abuse might not be one to enjoy reading about, this book tells a great story of the strength of the human spirit. Not only did I get hooked right away by following the story of a family, but by the twists and turns that lead up to and follow the life of a remarkable little girl and the odds that she somehow overcame. This book touches on all emotions and once it is picked up, it is hard to put down.
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Summary: I couldn't put it down...
Review: Although one might think that a story of child abuse might not be one to enjoy reading about, this book tells a great story of the strength of the human spirit. Not only did I get hooked right away by following the story of a family, but by the twists and turns that lead up to and follow the life of a remarkable little girl and the odds that she somehow overcame. This book touches on all emotions and once it is picked up, it is hard to put down.
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Summary: Make room in your heart for Mary Ellen...
Review: Child abuse is a subject many people would prefer not to think about. This account of the life of Mary Ellen Wilson will change that way of thinking. This story will open your heart to a little girl who, for much of her childhood had no friends, no hugs, no kisses, no bedtime "I love you" moments. The book will take you from the beginnings of a love story, through death, child abuse, hate, compassion, rescue, and survival. It's a must read for anyone who thinks that one person cannot make a difference in the life of a child. Thank you, Mr. Shelman and Dr. Lazoritz for bringing Mary Ellen into our lives...may the doors of our hearts be opened as a result.
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Summary: Make room in your heart for Mary Ellen...
Review: Child abuse is a subject many people would prefer not to think about. This account of the life of Mary Ellen Wilson will change that way of thinking. This story will open your heart to a little girl who, for much of her childhood had no friends, no hugs, no kisses, no bedtime "I love you" moments. The book will take you from the beginnings of a love story, through death, child abuse, hate, compassion, rescue, and survival. It's a must read for anyone who thinks that one person cannot make a difference in the life of a child. Thank you, Mr. Shelman and Dr. Lazoritz for bringing Mary Ellen into our lives...may the doors of our hearts be opened as a result.
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Summary: A Must Read
Review: Eric Shelman should be commended for his efforts to bring Mary Ellen Wilson's story to life. Not only does this book captivate the reader, it also provides amazing information about the way children were treated in the late 1800s and should be a required read for all individuals preparing for an educational profession. Beyond that, Mary Ellen Wilson's life is such an example of resiliency. She lived through unbelievable abuse and after rescue grew up in upstate New York, married and had two daughters that positively impacted the lives of thousands.Both Eta and Florence (Brasser) dedicated their lives to the education of children. I seldom find non-fiction material to be interesting, yet I could not put this book down, hence my title, A MUST READ!
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Summary: An eye-opening reading experience.
Review: Even as a well-rounded book reader, I must admit that the subject of child abuse was not one of great interest to me UNTIL I read the Out of the Darkness. Historical facts are presented in a well-written novel format seducing the reader into an almost voyeuristic journey into the life of Mary Ellen. Definitely a book difficult to put down until finished, it carries the reader into some of the most unspeakable acts of child abuse and finally presents resolution and the heroes who fought hard to end such abuse. A must-read for anyone angered by injustices to the defenseless.
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Summary: salvation for creatures great and small
Review: henry bergh started the first movement towards the humane treatment of animals, the aspca. horses, dogs, cats, and one little girl was saved from a torturous life. this book captivated my attention as well as my mind. i was unable to put it down. congratulations to eric shelman and dr. stephen lazoritz for recognizing marry ellen wilson's brutal strugal in life and bringing attention to the forgotten rights for abused children everywhere, thank you.
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Summary: the most touching and passionate book on child abuse
Review: i am already in the human services field and when i read this book for a class project i was doing it only confirmed and reaffirmed as to why i was in this field to begin with. we all have human rights and our children do as well. this book, this child gave us all a precious gift, the love of children. the authors did a magnificent job in giving us all the ability to relive this child's life even though she is gone. god bless mary ellen, the authors and all the children that are living this terrible ordeal today called "child abuse." it is up to all of us, the readers to learn and to stop it. the book gave me a new perspective on my work in the human services field and its victims of trauma. i would suggest everyone in the field of social work to definitely read this book and fast. you will never regret it and you'll cry when you are done.
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