Publication Date: August 16, 2024
In the backdrop of 1970s England, young Gary navigates the chaotic seas of adolescence in the south coast town of Hove. With humour and delicious naivety, he steers through a life marked by a blend of love and dysfunction, anchored by his offbeat mother and his deeply cherished father.
But school is a different story. At Knoll, Gary faces fierce and vicious bullying that tests his spirit and resilience to breaking point. These terrible and hate-filled experiences at Knoll leave deep scars, colouring his life as a young man. Amidst the bruises and taunts, he discovers the awkward thrills of first love and the surprising strength within himself.
From the crazy and unpredictable antics of Gary and his family to the dark corridors of his school, Gary’s journey is one of ultimate transformation. His path leads him from the pain of his youth to a place where he can give back, embodying the change he yearned for.
The Hate Game is a testament to the power of laughter, love, and perseverance. It’s a coming-of-age memoir that will leave you rooting for Gary, laughing with him, and inspired by his indomitable spirit.
The Knoll School for Boys might have been marketed as an elite school, but many former students reported bullying, erratic teacher behavior, and a constant sense of hopelessness.
Author Gary Trew shares his experiences in The Hate Game. While he learned how to survive, others were not so lucky. The hazing and initiation rituals, starting on the first day, set a horrifying tone that continues throughout the memoir.
The author uses chronological order, beginning in 1972 when his father decided The Knoll School is the public equivalent of Eton or Harrow. At age 11, young Gary enters the school and is subject to things that would never be tolerated today.
The book illustrates how lonely and afraid a child can be in such an uncaring environment where even the teachers don’t bother intervening.
The Hate Game illustrates the dysfunction rampant in a UK school and the impact the abuse had on students.
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 enduring accent and quick-witted sense of humour. Gary has successfully navigated careers in the police force in the UK and social work in Canada. He holds degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Social Work (specialising in child protection). He has a deep affection for Marmite, sunshine, spicy food, and Cadbury’s chocolate. He is a dedicated Brighton & Hove Albion football (soccer) club fan.
Books have always been a source of solace for Gary, helping him to escape, appreciate, and dream. 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 attributes his ability to find humour in difficult situations to his long-suffering wife and his four spirited daughters, who have inherited his resilience and ability to laugh through their own struggles.
In January 2024, 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 places.
