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Survival
This memoir is about a lad born illegitimate in northeast England in 1944, taken to western Ireland when five years old, brought back to England when he was nine, beaten and battered by his father throughout his teenage years calling him a bastard. He struggled to survive with memories of Ireland, his trust in his Catholic faith, the help of kind people and relatives, and his love of chemistry. His determination to read and learn, to escape, his struggle with despair, going through major crises, a growing awareness of his sexual identity under legal intolerance, taking on challenges, led him on to a prestigous university and finally migration to America.
- GenresMemoir
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
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313 people want to read
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October 16, 2015
Survival Review
There is not much I can say to really explain the deepness of this novel. Not even the word Survival justify what the author endured during his life. He's not only a survivor but he is a sign of hope to others.
Survival is a novel that is exactly about that, surviving. It's the story of one man's journey from being born to his early adulthood and what he and his family had to do to survive. Being from a low income family living in various areas in England, John had to endure what many can not even dream of which included but not limited to long days without eating, little education, living in a slum house and having an abusive father.
Although the novel is clearly about how John survived his ordeal and managed to make it to adulthood. I found that I enjoyed the subtle parts of the story as well. Such as when John is describing the history of Europe, as he talks about the Vikings, Irish migrating to America, or the Romans. The way he writes allows the reader to clearly envision his childhood courtyside. His description of every area that he went, took the story from being a typical autobiography, to that of an interactive autobiography. I say this because as John not only tells you about his life, but places you into every moment with carefully chosen words. And being a historian myself, the details added more value to his overall story. He practically laid out a visual road map of his country for his audience.
Survival is more than its title suggest, it's about overcoming what others say you will never achieve. Through perseverance John made it out of the slums of England, got his education and moved to America. This story may have taken place in Europe but it's a universal story that all people can relate to, wither in England, China, South America or Canada. Survival is a story of overcoming anger, frustration, poverty, by working hard to achieve ones dream or goals.
I give Survival 5 out of 5 stars.
There is not much I can say to really explain the deepness of this novel. Not even the word Survival justify what the author endured during his life. He's not only a survivor but he is a sign of hope to others.
Survival is a novel that is exactly about that, surviving. It's the story of one man's journey from being born to his early adulthood and what he and his family had to do to survive. Being from a low income family living in various areas in England, John had to endure what many can not even dream of which included but not limited to long days without eating, little education, living in a slum house and having an abusive father.
Although the novel is clearly about how John survived his ordeal and managed to make it to adulthood. I found that I enjoyed the subtle parts of the story as well. Such as when John is describing the history of Europe, as he talks about the Vikings, Irish migrating to America, or the Romans. The way he writes allows the reader to clearly envision his childhood courtyside. His description of every area that he went, took the story from being a typical autobiography, to that of an interactive autobiography. I say this because as John not only tells you about his life, but places you into every moment with carefully chosen words. And being a historian myself, the details added more value to his overall story. He practically laid out a visual road map of his country for his audience.
Survival is more than its title suggest, it's about overcoming what others say you will never achieve. Through perseverance John made it out of the slums of England, got his education and moved to America. This story may have taken place in Europe but it's a universal story that all people can relate to, wither in England, China, South America or Canada. Survival is a story of overcoming anger, frustration, poverty, by working hard to achieve ones dream or goals.
I give Survival 5 out of 5 stars.
January 23, 2016
John Fahey's Survival is an incredible testament to the human spirit. We follow John and share in his pain as well as triumphs from Ireland to England to Scotland, trips to Amsterdam to find himself and love and finally to America
Children of abuse take solace in reading another's life story and John's story is gripping, both from his abusive father to his struggles with his sexuality in repressive 60s UK.
This was a great good and can be a great movie as well. Very moving and highly recommended.
Children of abuse take solace in reading another's life story and John's story is gripping, both from his abusive father to his struggles with his sexuality in repressive 60s UK.
This was a great good and can be a great movie as well. Very moving and highly recommended.
July 2, 2018
A very good easy read.
This book is part one of John Fahey's memoirs. I enjoyed this very much and got through it pretty quickly, so I started reading his next book 'Arrival' straight after.
He was born in Stockton-on-Tees and he tells of his home life, school days, and then work. But through all this he has to deal with the terrible treatment from his father.
This was written simply, a bursting out of memories, some good, but mostly bad, hard times. It compelled me to go on and find out more, would things get better? I enjoyed the nostalgia with the salt and shake crisps; Dandy and Beano comics; music of the time, eg. Beatles, Seekers, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Moody Blues.
This is a very good, quick read which tells how coming from nothing, such a hard background, he made something of himself, and he did it himself. He should be very proud.
This book is part one of John Fahey's memoirs. I enjoyed this very much and got through it pretty quickly, so I started reading his next book 'Arrival' straight after.
He was born in Stockton-on-Tees and he tells of his home life, school days, and then work. But through all this he has to deal with the terrible treatment from his father.
This was written simply, a bursting out of memories, some good, but mostly bad, hard times. It compelled me to go on and find out more, would things get better? I enjoyed the nostalgia with the salt and shake crisps; Dandy and Beano comics; music of the time, eg. Beatles, Seekers, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Moody Blues.
This is a very good, quick read which tells how coming from nothing, such a hard background, he made something of himself, and he did it himself. He should be very proud.
November 18, 2015
I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. I absolutely loved it. It is a moving memoir of a boy's determination to rise above his abusive, poor childhood in post-WWII England. The writing is excellent and the author's story will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
February 27, 2018
"Survival" is a heart wrenching memoir of a young man determined to succeed in life and love.
The author and his siblings are subjected to shocking physical and verbal abuse from their father, who calls John "a bastard." However, he is determined to obtain a degree in chemistry, despite his father's insistence he leave school early.
The author holds onto his dreams, enduring many setbacks, including a horrific accident that leaves his face badly scarred.
This book will inspire many others on their journey.
The author and his siblings are subjected to shocking physical and verbal abuse from their father, who calls John "a bastard." However, he is determined to obtain a degree in chemistry, despite his father's insistence he leave school early.
The author holds onto his dreams, enduring many setbacks, including a horrific accident that leaves his face badly scarred.
This book will inspire many others on their journey.
October 10, 2023
How this young boy survived against all odds a memoir that you certainly won’t forget tissues are definitely required and all I want to do is give him a hug
October 12, 2018
John Fahey's memoir portrays his childhood suffering and how he manages to overcome adversity with the power of his inner strength and will. Adaptation, transformation and contrasts are present all through his narrative.
He starts his chronicle with long, entangled sentences that reflect the burden of those early years, and the slowness of time passing together with the belief that a relief was almost unlike. He is a boy trapped in an aggressive environment.
As the tale progresses the sentences become a bit shorter and simpler. He finds some peace and happiness far away from home. In the end, the excitement of surpassing his past and throwing himself into a new life style makes his report quick and shallow.
His biography revolves around contrasts that enhance the conflicts he goes through and provides diverging views.
1. the violent father contrasts with the ease he finds in other homes, like grandparents or aunts and later on with fellow students.
“I’ll poke out your eyes with a red hot poker if I catch you reading
again,” he would threaten" ( His father's rage) p 9
"It was as if I had arrived in a magical land where the sky was brighter and the air
smelled sweeter and everyone was kind and spoke softly and I was
no longer you bastard; I had my own name, John." ( Ireland) p 5
2.The comparison between strangers' kindness and the tough family life is always present.
"I would get extra desserts and more on my plate every day from the women
serving the food. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized
those kind ladies were seeing the bruises and abrasions and worn
clothes that I unconsciously carried with me throughout my school" p 16
3. The suffocating abusing family atmosphere clashes with his furtive opportunities to escape:The library books, His uncle's tales about Africa, his stay in Ireland, the Scottish university and, finally America where he would live happily and peacefully.
"I had a deep set conviction that one day I would turn a
page and the solution to my fears would leap out at me and I would
be able to suddenly move myself into a much better life." p 19
4. His religious behavior, prayer, assistance to mass opposes to his sinful father's life at the pub and at home.
"I became an altar server at the church and was comforted by
the serenity and solemnity of early morning Mass." p 12
"I knew my father and mother would not
be home from the pubs until after eleven o’clock, and later if there
was a stop at the fish and chips shop so I knew I could find drunken
dangers by getting back too early." p 37
5. His decision to become an Irish citizen opposes the origin of his right to be so:his abuser.
"I’d known for some time that because my father and grandparents had been born
in Ireland I was entitled to apply for Irish citizenship. I resolved to
do it." p 96
5. His belief that he would go to jail if he loves a man makes him shrink away from love at the beginning.
"the heroic love I sought was lost in the dust of history, that I
had to hide my feelings for fear of going to jail" p 118
6. The working class accent and vocabulary his family uses make him watch in awe posh families and upper class customs.
"It would puzzle me that some of my classmates
would have food preferences, not liking this thing or that." p 26
7. The difference between Europe and America. On his trip to America he discovers a world of opportunities.
"I’d received from
Arthur in New York inviting me for a visit. He’d written that it was
a holiday called Thanksgiving and there would be feasting." p 144
8. The discrepancy between his concern about siblings and mother in the first part of the story and the way he leaves them behind later in life.
9. Last but not least, his view of English and Irish people creates a rich atmosphere in the book. The Englishmen are the tough, rich owners of the land; the upper class. The Irishmen are workers, and have to keep an eye on the abusive English.
"Martin and the other Irishmen would watch the transaction from the farmer,
looking out for me, protecting me, for the farmer was English and
they wanted to make sure I was getting what I was due, and being a
boy, needed their protection against the English" p 51
Author John Fahey does a good job in showing how effort and persistence can be the best medicine against adversity and injustice.
He starts his chronicle with long, entangled sentences that reflect the burden of those early years, and the slowness of time passing together with the belief that a relief was almost unlike. He is a boy trapped in an aggressive environment.
As the tale progresses the sentences become a bit shorter and simpler. He finds some peace and happiness far away from home. In the end, the excitement of surpassing his past and throwing himself into a new life style makes his report quick and shallow.
His biography revolves around contrasts that enhance the conflicts he goes through and provides diverging views.
1. the violent father contrasts with the ease he finds in other homes, like grandparents or aunts and later on with fellow students.
“I’ll poke out your eyes with a red hot poker if I catch you reading
again,” he would threaten" ( His father's rage) p 9
"It was as if I had arrived in a magical land where the sky was brighter and the air
smelled sweeter and everyone was kind and spoke softly and I was
no longer you bastard; I had my own name, John." ( Ireland) p 5
2.The comparison between strangers' kindness and the tough family life is always present.
"I would get extra desserts and more on my plate every day from the women
serving the food. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized
those kind ladies were seeing the bruises and abrasions and worn
clothes that I unconsciously carried with me throughout my school" p 16
3. The suffocating abusing family atmosphere clashes with his furtive opportunities to escape:The library books, His uncle's tales about Africa, his stay in Ireland, the Scottish university and, finally America where he would live happily and peacefully.
"I had a deep set conviction that one day I would turn a
page and the solution to my fears would leap out at me and I would
be able to suddenly move myself into a much better life." p 19
4. His religious behavior, prayer, assistance to mass opposes to his sinful father's life at the pub and at home.
"I became an altar server at the church and was comforted by
the serenity and solemnity of early morning Mass." p 12
"I knew my father and mother would not
be home from the pubs until after eleven o’clock, and later if there
was a stop at the fish and chips shop so I knew I could find drunken
dangers by getting back too early." p 37
5. His decision to become an Irish citizen opposes the origin of his right to be so:his abuser.
"I’d known for some time that because my father and grandparents had been born
in Ireland I was entitled to apply for Irish citizenship. I resolved to
do it." p 96
5. His belief that he would go to jail if he loves a man makes him shrink away from love at the beginning.
"the heroic love I sought was lost in the dust of history, that I
had to hide my feelings for fear of going to jail" p 118
6. The working class accent and vocabulary his family uses make him watch in awe posh families and upper class customs.
"It would puzzle me that some of my classmates
would have food preferences, not liking this thing or that." p 26
7. The difference between Europe and America. On his trip to America he discovers a world of opportunities.
"I’d received from
Arthur in New York inviting me for a visit. He’d written that it was
a holiday called Thanksgiving and there would be feasting." p 144
8. The discrepancy between his concern about siblings and mother in the first part of the story and the way he leaves them behind later in life.
9. Last but not least, his view of English and Irish people creates a rich atmosphere in the book. The Englishmen are the tough, rich owners of the land; the upper class. The Irishmen are workers, and have to keep an eye on the abusive English.
"Martin and the other Irishmen would watch the transaction from the farmer,
looking out for me, protecting me, for the farmer was English and
they wanted to make sure I was getting what I was due, and being a
boy, needed their protection against the English" p 51
Author John Fahey does a good job in showing how effort and persistence can be the best medicine against adversity and injustice.
June 20, 2017
Got to start by saying I don't usually read or particularly enjoy autobiographies but when the author asked me to review this I said I would. I'm glad I did as this is the story of a child who survived adversity, survived rejection and survived being ostracised by a prejudiced society.
John Fahey was routinely beaten by his alcoholic father, beaten because he wanted the money from his paper round, beaten because he wanted to get an education and beaten just for the sake of it. Rather than letting this constant abuse get him down, John escaped into the world of books, reading novels and non-fiction books with equal fervour. This, along with his natural intelligence, started John on his road to getting an education. He was employed by ICI at the age of seventeen and thrived in the laboratories there, taking night school and day release to further his learning. It was then he learned he had been offered a place to study for his BSc at St. Andrews university.
Although not a unique story, this is an incredibly well written and heart warming account of an individual's desire to better himself, ridding himself of the stigma associated with his father. Frank and forthright, John writes from the heart, telling the stories of the many people who have affected him in a positive way.
I spotted a few little mistakes but overall the editing and proofreading is good and the language is accessible with very few of the confusing chemical names and processes he could have packed this with. Definitely worth reading, especially if you enjoy uplifting autobiographies. I downloaded this book for free and received no financial compensation for this review.
John Fahey was routinely beaten by his alcoholic father, beaten because he wanted the money from his paper round, beaten because he wanted to get an education and beaten just for the sake of it. Rather than letting this constant abuse get him down, John escaped into the world of books, reading novels and non-fiction books with equal fervour. This, along with his natural intelligence, started John on his road to getting an education. He was employed by ICI at the age of seventeen and thrived in the laboratories there, taking night school and day release to further his learning. It was then he learned he had been offered a place to study for his BSc at St. Andrews university.
Although not a unique story, this is an incredibly well written and heart warming account of an individual's desire to better himself, ridding himself of the stigma associated with his father. Frank and forthright, John writes from the heart, telling the stories of the many people who have affected him in a positive way.
I spotted a few little mistakes but overall the editing and proofreading is good and the language is accessible with very few of the confusing chemical names and processes he could have packed this with. Definitely worth reading, especially if you enjoy uplifting autobiographies. I downloaded this book for free and received no financial compensation for this review.
August 7, 2018
I loved this book but it ended all too soon. It is beautifully written and the memories came flooding back. School dinners (or lunches) with fish on Fridays. The mangle for squeezing the water from clothes. Underground toilets and making a coal fire with newspaper. What hit a chord with me was that whatever happens to us, whatever education you have, the person in the end will emerge from all of the disadvantages and be what they are capable of being. The other thing was that a simple act of kindness from one person to another can have a lasting effect and can change a life – living in a third world country with extreme poverty, it has made me realise that the little things we do for others can change lives. I wish the author all the best (I want to give him a big hug), and I really, really loved this book.
February 26, 2018
A Sad Yet Triumphant Story
Hard to understand why an adult could be as cruel as this boy’s father. I enjoyed reading this bio as I came from a similar background but without the violent father. The book could have been better edited as it seems to get bogged down with too much detail describing step by step procedures in tests he performed working in the industrial laboratory where he was employed after high school. Also constantly injecting his sexual preference got a little boring after a while. However the book is well written and worth the four stars given. The author is to be congratulated for being able to forge an amazing career in spite of the suffering he experienced as a young boy.
Hard to understand why an adult could be as cruel as this boy’s father. I enjoyed reading this bio as I came from a similar background but without the violent father. The book could have been better edited as it seems to get bogged down with too much detail describing step by step procedures in tests he performed working in the industrial laboratory where he was employed after high school. Also constantly injecting his sexual preference got a little boring after a while. However the book is well written and worth the four stars given. The author is to be congratulated for being able to forge an amazing career in spite of the suffering he experienced as a young boy.
December 6, 2017
A truly sad book about child abuse and neglect. John Fahey suffered from the effects of his father's alcoholism and child abuse most of his entire childhood. Proving to be a brilliant student and scholar, John overcomes these abuses and puts his heart and soul into his studies. He goes on to get a Ph.D. My only complaint about the book is it gets really technical and bogs down for the average reader. The ending is very bizarre. Just drops off like someone has told Mr. Fahey to hurry up as they're late for a meeting or appointment. However, this is a decent read about determination and what a person can accomplishment when they refuse to let their daily hardships stop them.
November 22, 2020
Survival is one amazing memoir - emotional and empowering, sad and at the same way triumphant.
I don't usually read memoirs but this one caught my attention and I'm glad I had a chance to read it. The deepness of this book, the trials of the author, the way he handled them is just fantastic. I can't begin to express how amazed I am by this memoir, how impressed I am by the author, and how glad I am that he'd written this book to inspire other people with the same problems.
I recommend it 100% and I will read the next book by John Fahey for sure!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
I don't usually read memoirs but this one caught my attention and I'm glad I had a chance to read it. The deepness of this book, the trials of the author, the way he handled them is just fantastic. I can't begin to express how amazed I am by this memoir, how impressed I am by the author, and how glad I am that he'd written this book to inspire other people with the same problems.
I recommend it 100% and I will read the next book by John Fahey for sure!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
September 24, 2017
Survival but not victory?
This book made me both angry and sorrowful. I cannot imagine a childhood like Fahey's. I also cannot understand why he didn't work harder to protect himself and his younger siblings, especially in his adult years. Certainly by the time he came to America there were child abuse laws in the UK. I hope his father got what was coming to him. We will never know, now.😢
This book made me both angry and sorrowful. I cannot imagine a childhood like Fahey's. I also cannot understand why he didn't work harder to protect himself and his younger siblings, especially in his adult years. Certainly by the time he came to America there were child abuse laws in the UK. I hope his father got what was coming to him. We will never know, now.😢
February 23, 2020
A really interesting autobiography
It is difficult to imagine how tough life is for others, how emotional and physical abuse can always be with you as a festering scar, and recurrent frightening dream. John Fahey tells his story , touching the readers heart, bringing compassion and empathy, while simultaneously admiring Johns’ strength to fight and overcome. I look forward to reading the second novel, Arrival, by John Fahey.
It is difficult to imagine how tough life is for others, how emotional and physical abuse can always be with you as a festering scar, and recurrent frightening dream. John Fahey tells his story , touching the readers heart, bringing compassion and empathy, while simultaneously admiring Johns’ strength to fight and overcome. I look forward to reading the second novel, Arrival, by John Fahey.
May 25, 2018
Heartfelt, heartbreaking, heartwarming
I could not put this book down. What an amazing life journey. John's recollections are beautifully balanced between the horrors wrought by his father and the fear of accepting himself and the many good things and good people he did have in his life. Inspiring book.
I could not put this book down. What an amazing life journey. John's recollections are beautifully balanced between the horrors wrought by his father and the fear of accepting himself and the many good things and good people he did have in his life. Inspiring book.
March 22, 2019
Heartbreaking at times, inspiring for most of the time, this story of survival and much success in the face of severe child abuse is a must read. A well-flowing narrative that compels the reader to read on for the next turn of the story. I'm glad to see Mr Fahey was able to use education as a means of escape from poverty and abuse. Highly recommend!
April 23, 2023
😤😲
Such a harrowing true story.
Physically beaten by a father who didn't want him but also didn't want to not have him in his house hold for money reasons.
Some reprieve with the grandparents were some of his happier years as a child until his father decided to get him back home.
The 5* is for how this courageous child/man got out and improved his life against all odds.
Such a harrowing true story.
Physically beaten by a father who didn't want him but also didn't want to not have him in his house hold for money reasons.
Some reprieve with the grandparents were some of his happier years as a child until his father decided to get him back home.
The 5* is for how this courageous child/man got out and improved his life against all odds.
May 26, 2021
Fascinating and full of heart
A terrible beautiful tale. So much against him, but a sense of optimism and brains got him through. The story and the emotion were brilliant, the writing was a bit choppy. I do want the end of the story though...
A terrible beautiful tale. So much against him, but a sense of optimism and brains got him through. The story and the emotion were brilliant, the writing was a bit choppy. I do want the end of the story though...
March 16, 2017
I'm very impressed with the author's ability and will to overcome devastating poverty and abuse. However, the writing wasn't the greatest. I was also disappointed in the ending. He doesn't divulge how he came about the love of his life, or of his American years. I think the story is unfinished. It is an interesting read though.
May 1, 2017
harrowing read. good to see he came out the other side.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews