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Within High Fences Level 2
Award-winning original fiction for learners of English. At seven levels, from Starter to Advanced, this impressive selection of carefully graded readers offers exciting reading for every student's capabilities. Nancy is a security guard at a detention centre for asylum seekers and refugees who have come to Britain to escape persecution in their own countries. Nancy thinks she has everything: a comfortable house, nice furniture, a boyfriend and a beautiful Rolex watch. Then she falls in love with George, an asylum seeker who has nothing, and her world changes completely. Paperback-only version. Also available with Audio CD including complete text recordings from the book.
- GenresRomance
48 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
9 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Penny Hancock
39 books112 followersPenny grew up in South East London and then did an English degree in Newcastle Upon Tyne. For several years she taught English as a foreign language in Italy, Greece and Morocco. She then took a PGCE, got a job as a Primary school teacher in an inner city London school, and moved into her partner Andy’s short-life house in East London, which is now part of the hardcore under the M11 that links their new home in Cambridge with her birth place in Greenwich!
While bringing up their three children, she continued to teach in primary schools, taught English to asylum seekers, and ran adult education classes in writing. She also wrote articles for various papers (The Independent, The Guardian, The Times Ed, The Sunday Express magazine, and Child Education, amongst others) specialising in family and education. Penny has also written readers for English language learners for Cambridge University Press, and a Primary English course for children published by Longmans. It was an Arvon writing course and an MA in creative writing at Anglia Ruskin University that encouraged her to complete her first novel.
Source: http://pennyhancock.com/bio/
While bringing up their three children, she continued to teach in primary schools, taught English to asylum seekers, and ran adult education classes in writing. She also wrote articles for various papers (The Independent, The Guardian, The Times Ed, The Sunday Express magazine, and Child Education, amongst others) specialising in family and education. Penny has also written readers for English language learners for Cambridge University Press, and a Primary English course for children published by Longmans. It was an Arvon writing course and an MA in creative writing at Anglia Ruskin University that encouraged her to complete her first novel.
Source: http://pennyhancock.com/bio/
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 17, 2016
This is a simple and short love story for English learner.
It's great to learn English.
It's about a girl who leaves her rich boyfriend and fall in love with an asylum seeker, a poor guy. Her rich boyfriend stole her belongings when she was away. People think asylum seek did it. Finally they found out her boyfriend did all the things to let people think it was done by asylum seek. Lastly they came together and started a new life.
It's great to learn English.
It's about a girl who leaves her rich boyfriend and fall in love with an asylum seeker, a poor guy. Her rich boyfriend stole her belongings when she was away. People think asylum seek did it. Finally they found out her boyfriend did all the things to let people think it was done by asylum seek. Lastly they came together and started a new life.
Read
December 9, 20151. Cambridge level2
2. 12/3 20min. 12/5 30min. 12/6 25min. 12/8 10min
3. Nancy-Tom-work-Refugees camp-love-George-stolen
4a. Nancy didn't want to believe that George stole her valuables and damage her room.
4b. I really surprised that criminal is Tom.
5. It is easy to read for me this book. I think living refugees camp is scary.
2. 12/3 20min. 12/5 30min. 12/6 25min. 12/8 10min
3. Nancy-Tom-work-Refugees camp-love-George-stolen
4a. Nancy didn't want to believe that George stole her valuables and damage her room.
4b. I really surprised that criminal is Tom.
5. It is easy to read for me this book. I think living refugees camp is scary.
December 7, 2017
1. Cambridge, Stage 2
2. Dec 6→80 minutes
3. fence, guard, wife, answer, work, gate, passport
4a. One day, Nancy went to work by car and she was a guard. After that, she finished working, she drove to a supermarket. She spent same as usual days, there was not something different. Then, she met George. They talked and began to get each other, she fell in love to George. But, she had husband, Tom. Tom hated George because he thought that George planned to steal her money and something important.
4b. I thought it was so interesting. Tom was in a refugee reception center and Nancy worked there. I could understand what Tom said because, recently, there are some problems about refugees in the world, some people may think refugees would steal something from someone. I thought it was love story, but it also had recent problems.
5. This book had two topics. The author might write not only love story, but also serious problems connecting to modern society. I thought the author wanted readers not only to read, but also to see an important topic.
2. Dec 6→80 minutes
3. fence, guard, wife, answer, work, gate, passport
4a. One day, Nancy went to work by car and she was a guard. After that, she finished working, she drove to a supermarket. She spent same as usual days, there was not something different. Then, she met George. They talked and began to get each other, she fell in love to George. But, she had husband, Tom. Tom hated George because he thought that George planned to steal her money and something important.
4b. I thought it was so interesting. Tom was in a refugee reception center and Nancy worked there. I could understand what Tom said because, recently, there are some problems about refugees in the world, some people may think refugees would steal something from someone. I thought it was love story, but it also had recent problems.
5. This book had two topics. The author might write not only love story, but also serious problems connecting to modern society. I thought the author wanted readers not only to read, but also to see an important topic.
June 30, 2025
This is a short book written for adults who are learning English, so my review will be in light of that.
The story was interesting, with some suspense and twists.
I liked the way the character changed, but I didn't like the way she talked about it so much.
The writing felt simplistic at times. Yes, it needs to be simplified for the audience, but the dialogue especially felt very unrealistic.
Still, I think it was written at a fairly consistent level, and will be a fun way for students to practice English.
More accurate rating: 3.5
The story was interesting, with some suspense and twists.
I liked the way the character changed, but I didn't like the way she talked about it so much.
The writing felt simplistic at times. Yes, it needs to be simplified for the audience, but the dialogue especially felt very unrealistic.
Still, I think it was written at a fairly consistent level, and will be a fun way for students to practice English.
More accurate rating: 3.5
March 2, 2020
Loved it.
May 13, 2015
1.CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Level2
2.05/04 = 90 minutes 05/05 = 90 minutes
3.same
work
boyfriends
asylum seekers
change
stolen
kiss
4a.
It was same as every other night. But that night, Nancy who is a main character in this book started to change. she lived with her boy friends, Tom is a rich. Nancy worked in a centre for asylum seekers. However, Tom opposed her job. One day, she met a man, George is a asylum seeker. They fell in love. She left Tom's home. since then, there is a strenge things in her new house. It was Tom doing. As a result, Nancy and George lived happily.
4b.
I like this book because there ara a lot of feeling in this book. I could felt different feeling every part.
5
I didn't know the meaning "asylum seekers" until I read this book. I was able to know not only the meaning but also knowledge about asylum seekers. I mean that there are many asylum seekers who can't live their countries because of some problems in the world. I could know that by reading this book. I really enjoyed reading this book.
2.05/04 = 90 minutes 05/05 = 90 minutes
3.same
work
boyfriends
asylum seekers
change
stolen
kiss
4a.
It was same as every other night. But that night, Nancy who is a main character in this book started to change. she lived with her boy friends, Tom is a rich. Nancy worked in a centre for asylum seekers. However, Tom opposed her job. One day, she met a man, George is a asylum seeker. They fell in love. She left Tom's home. since then, there is a strenge things in her new house. It was Tom doing. As a result, Nancy and George lived happily.
4b.
I like this book because there ara a lot of feeling in this book. I could felt different feeling every part.
5
I didn't know the meaning "asylum seekers" until I read this book. I was able to know not only the meaning but also knowledge about asylum seekers. I mean that there are many asylum seekers who can't live their countries because of some problems in the world. I could know that by reading this book. I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 30, 2016
1.cambridge level2
2.11/26 40min 11/30 60min
3.love,jealousy,steal,fence,work,afraid,danger
4.This is love story and main character is Nancy. Nancy works at a center for asylum seekers. She lives with her boyfriend, Bob. However she had a dream that to be a writer. It is smart job but she could not give up this, but he was making of her dream. One day, she met a man that George is asylum seekers. They fell in love each other, therefore she left their house and broke up with Bob. Then Bob was at battle to Nancy, so he blamed George and hided her passport or important things because George is an asylum seeker so need that. When she came back home it was happened. However she realized that so they lived together Nancy and George.
5.I recommend this book because this book is very intersting and exciting.
2.11/26 40min 11/30 60min
3.love,jealousy,steal,fence,work,afraid,danger
4.This is love story and main character is Nancy. Nancy works at a center for asylum seekers. She lives with her boyfriend, Bob. However she had a dream that to be a writer. It is smart job but she could not give up this, but he was making of her dream. One day, she met a man that George is asylum seekers. They fell in love each other, therefore she left their house and broke up with Bob. Then Bob was at battle to Nancy, so he blamed George and hided her passport or important things because George is an asylum seeker so need that. When she came back home it was happened. However she realized that so they lived together Nancy and George.
5.I recommend this book because this book is very intersting and exciting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2014
1.Penny Hancock, Cambridge level2
2.4/24=20min;4/25=50min
3.1,Nancy's work
2,A asylum seeker & biscuits
3,Tom's stupid thinking
4,George's Past
5,Can't stop their feelings
6,The accident
7,Live together
4.a)"I'm talking about asylum seekers that come here to get a good life," said Tom. "This is our country. Not theirs."
b)I couldn't believe his thinking. How stupid man he was! His thinking was like a child!
5.Sometimes, we need disagreement by someone, but Tom (a exhusband of Nancy) was wrong. Whenever she wanted to do something, he did't allow to do them, even he laughed her. I felt scare about the change of Tom's attitude. I think it is important to find the partner who has TRUE kindness.
2.4/24=20min;4/25=50min
3.1,Nancy's work
2,A asylum seeker & biscuits
3,Tom's stupid thinking
4,George's Past
5,Can't stop their feelings
6,The accident
7,Live together
4.a)"I'm talking about asylum seekers that come here to get a good life," said Tom. "This is our country. Not theirs."
b)I couldn't believe his thinking. How stupid man he was! His thinking was like a child!
5.Sometimes, we need disagreement by someone, but Tom (a exhusband of Nancy) was wrong. Whenever she wanted to do something, he did't allow to do them, even he laughed her. I felt scare about the change of Tom's attitude. I think it is important to find the partner who has TRUE kindness.
November 10, 2016
1. Cambridge, level 2
2. 09/11/2016; 180 minutes
3. young woman; night work; within high fences; dangerous; against the rules; afraid; kindness
4. Nancy is young woman who works at center for asylum seekers. She gave up her dream to be a writer because of her boyfriend Tom. Tom discouraged her dream. They have started to live together, but she is dissatisfied with her empty life with Tom and plenty of money.
5. Firstly, I didn't know the word " asylum seekers " and I was happy to get knowledge about it. I don't like a guy like Tom and I like a woman like Nancy who always seeking new things. The end of the story is not good, but I found that it is true that a kindness is primary.
2. 09/11/2016; 180 minutes
3. young woman; night work; within high fences; dangerous; against the rules; afraid; kindness
4. Nancy is young woman who works at center for asylum seekers. She gave up her dream to be a writer because of her boyfriend Tom. Tom discouraged her dream. They have started to live together, but she is dissatisfied with her empty life with Tom and plenty of money.
5. Firstly, I didn't know the word " asylum seekers " and I was happy to get knowledge about it. I don't like a guy like Tom and I like a woman like Nancy who always seeking new things. The end of the story is not good, but I found that it is true that a kindness is primary.
November 14, 2012
- Cambridge University Press, level 2
- Time: 11/14 = 90 minutes
- 7-word summery: live - boyfriend - rich - asylum - seeker - love
- Discussion questions:
1. If you live with a man who earn much money, but you love another man, which man will you choose?
Of course I will choose the man I really love! It is happier to stay with the man even though we don't have much money.
2. Have you ever been stolen anything?
Yes, I have. When I was a high school student, three thousands yen was stolen from my wallet. I was really really shocked.
- Time: 11/14 = 90 minutes
- 7-word summery: live - boyfriend - rich - asylum - seeker - love
- Discussion questions:
1. If you live with a man who earn much money, but you love another man, which man will you choose?
Of course I will choose the man I really love! It is happier to stay with the man even though we don't have much money.
2. Have you ever been stolen anything?
Yes, I have. When I was a high school student, three thousands yen was stolen from my wallet. I was really really shocked.
November 28, 2012
- Cambridge University Press, level 2
-11/22=60min. 11/26=60min.
-asylum, seeker, rich, man, lover, dream, steal
-Q. Which will you choose lover or your dream?
I want to choose both of them, but this book, Tom is against Nancy's dream. I think he is selfish because she cannot try to be a writer. I want my lover to stay with me when I try my dream. Am I selfish?
-Q. What do you think about the discrimination in Goege's country?
He was a cameraman and he took the political fact. Finally he was chased by the government. Freedom of thoughts and ideas must be free in every countries.
-11/22=60min. 11/26=60min.
-asylum, seeker, rich, man, lover, dream, steal
-Q. Which will you choose lover or your dream?
I want to choose both of them, but this book, Tom is against Nancy's dream. I think he is selfish because she cannot try to be a writer. I want my lover to stay with me when I try my dream. Am I selfish?
-Q. What do you think about the discrimination in Goege's country?
He was a cameraman and he took the political fact. Finally he was chased by the government. Freedom of thoughts and ideas must be free in every countries.
May 27, 2013
- Cambridge University Press, level 2
-5/23=60min. 5/24=60min
-asylum, seeker, rich, poor, love, dream, believe
-Q. Can you believe people until the truth come out?
A. I'm not sure. In this story, they love each other very much, but they spent time together for only 2 months. She went to George's to know the truth. I thought she was very brave.
-At first i thought Nancy is irresolute woman because she quite writing because of her boyfriend. However after she met George she became independent and knew what the true love is. The story told me the importance of not to have stereotype.
-5/23=60min. 5/24=60min
-asylum, seeker, rich, poor, love, dream, believe
-Q. Can you believe people until the truth come out?
A. I'm not sure. In this story, they love each other very much, but they spent time together for only 2 months. She went to George's to know the truth. I thought she was very brave.
-At first i thought Nancy is irresolute woman because she quite writing because of her boyfriend. However after she met George she became independent and knew what the true love is. The story told me the importance of not to have stereotype.
May 27, 2015
1: Canbridge level 2
2: 5/26= 20 5/27=65minis
3: Nancy, Tom, asylum seekers, George, smile, Harriet, gold watch
4: 'You can do anything, if you really want to' said George. I was moved this phrase and this phrase made me positive! I have one thing that I want to achieve! I have to make efforts, and I shouldn't think 'I can't do it'.
This book inspired me.
5: This book was a love story but I didn't like this story because ending was bad. I hoped Nancy and George got married but they didn't. However as I write, this book inspired me, so it's okay!
2: 5/26= 20 5/27=65minis
3: Nancy, Tom, asylum seekers, George, smile, Harriet, gold watch
4: 'You can do anything, if you really want to' said George. I was moved this phrase and this phrase made me positive! I have one thing that I want to achieve! I have to make efforts, and I shouldn't think 'I can't do it'.
This book inspired me.
5: This book was a love story but I didn't like this story because ending was bad. I hoped Nancy and George got married but they didn't. However as I write, this book inspired me, so it's okay!
June 12, 2015
1.level2 Cambridge
2.6/12=80minutes
3.work, love, asylum seeker, writer, money, terrible, happy
4.a)"You can do anything, if you really want to,"
b)I am encouraged by this passage. When I intend to give up something, I would like to be said this passage!!
5. This is love story. I could read easily because this is interesting. I think Tom is selfish because he tried to shift the blame to Nancy's boyfriend named Tom to marry Nancy. Tom is very kind and clever man. In the end, Nancy and Tom could be together, so I am happy!!!
2.6/12=80minutes
3.work, love, asylum seeker, writer, money, terrible, happy
4.a)"You can do anything, if you really want to,"
b)I am encouraged by this passage. When I intend to give up something, I would like to be said this passage!!
5. This is love story. I could read easily because this is interesting. I think Tom is selfish because he tried to shift the blame to Nancy's boyfriend named Tom to marry Nancy. Tom is very kind and clever man. In the end, Nancy and Tom could be together, so I am happy!!!
July 9, 2015
1, CAMBRIDGE Level 2
2, 7/1 15 min 7/3 30min 7/5 15 min
7/7 20 min
3, asylum seekers, love, stolen, police, believe, farewell,
4, a)I gave you everything you wanted. but you left me for an asylum seeker with no money. I wanted to show you it was a mistake.
b) Nancy's ex-boyfriend said that. I think what he done to Nancy was terrible. I think he is miserable person.
5, This plot twist was interesting so, I enjoyed reading this book. however I ca't understand why George went away from Nancy, because if he do that, Nancy will get confuse and complicated.
2, 7/1 15 min 7/3 30min 7/5 15 min
7/7 20 min
3, asylum seekers, love, stolen, police, believe, farewell,
4, a)I gave you everything you wanted. but you left me for an asylum seeker with no money. I wanted to show you it was a mistake.
b) Nancy's ex-boyfriend said that. I think what he done to Nancy was terrible. I think he is miserable person.
5, This plot twist was interesting so, I enjoyed reading this book. however I ca't understand why George went away from Nancy, because if he do that, Nancy will get confuse and complicated.
November 21, 2012
- CAMBRIDGE, level 2.
- Time: 11/16 = 20 minutes: 11/19 = 20 minutes: 11/21 = 60 minutes
- 7-word summary: guard - asylum seeker - biscuits - phone - love - steal - gold watch.
- Discussion questions:
1. If your friend cheat on you, what do you think?
I think I won't believe people.
2. Have you ever been broken into by a thief?
No, I haven't. I don't want to been done.
I like this book. It is interesting story and my mind was captured by it.
- Time: 11/16 = 20 minutes: 11/19 = 20 minutes: 11/21 = 60 minutes
- 7-word summary: guard - asylum seeker - biscuits - phone - love - steal - gold watch.
- Discussion questions:
1. If your friend cheat on you, what do you think?
I think I won't believe people.
2. Have you ever been broken into by a thief?
No, I haven't. I don't want to been done.
I like this book. It is interesting story and my mind was captured by it.
December 2, 2012
150min total
7words summary
asylum, guard, rule, kind , doub, believe, love
Discusion Question
Q did you keep your boyfriend or girlfried secret for your friends or family
A yes I did. I was too shy to talk about my girlfried in public when Iwas JHS student.
Q Do you believe in relationship between men and women.
A I belive, I used to consult with my friend. she is great listner and make my mind be possitive.
This is one of the best love stories I read.
the end surprised me very mush.
7words summary
asylum, guard, rule, kind , doub, believe, love
Discusion Question
Q did you keep your boyfriend or girlfried secret for your friends or family
A yes I did. I was too shy to talk about my girlfried in public when Iwas JHS student.
Q Do you believe in relationship between men and women.
A I belive, I used to consult with my friend. she is great listner and make my mind be possitive.
This is one of the best love stories I read.
the end surprised me very mush.
May 22, 2013
1)Penny Hancock ,Cambridge,Level 2
2)5/22=90minutes
3)1.love 2.asylum seeker 3.afraid 4.need 5.believe 6.work 7.friend
4)What is true love?
-Each of couple can feel easy to stay beside each other. I thinks it's true love.
5)I found out myself when I finished reading this book. I may like forbidden love story. I couldn't stop reading it. I thought that if I have a girlfriend, I should think about her feelings.
2)5/22=90minutes
3)1.love 2.asylum seeker 3.afraid 4.need 5.believe 6.work 7.friend
4)What is true love?
-Each of couple can feel easy to stay beside each other. I thinks it's true love.
5)I found out myself when I finished reading this book. I may like forbidden love story. I couldn't stop reading it. I thought that if I have a girlfriend, I should think about her feelings.
October 30, 2013
Cambridge level2
10/29=60min.
Seven words summary / asylum, seeker, rich, poor, love, steal, believe
Q If your boyfriend is poor, what do you think?
A I don’t mind that if my boyfriend is poor. All adults including my parents say “ money is most important”. I also think money is very important, but not all for me. So if my boyfriend is poor, I don’t mind that but I don’t have a boyfriend~~~!lol
This story was love story and I like this story. It was easy to understand and interesting!
10/29=60min.
Seven words summary / asylum, seeker, rich, poor, love, steal, believe
Q If your boyfriend is poor, what do you think?
A I don’t mind that if my boyfriend is poor. All adults including my parents say “ money is most important”. I also think money is very important, but not all for me. So if my boyfriend is poor, I don’t mind that but I don’t have a boyfriend~~~!lol
This story was love story and I like this story. It was easy to understand and interesting!
April 10, 2014
1:Cambridge English Readers Level2
2:4/10=55minutes
3:Nancy, George, Tom,an asylum seeker, escape, passport, love
4:George said to Nancy "You can do anything, if you really want to be."
George was in in difficult stiation but he never gave up and said it to Nancy. After this, Nancy became like him. I think this passage make Nancy change.
5:Before readin this book, I thought it take long time to read it. But this story is really fun for me. So I can read in short time.
2:4/10=55minutes
3:Nancy, George, Tom,an asylum seeker, escape, passport, love
4:George said to Nancy "You can do anything, if you really want to be."
George was in in difficult stiation but he never gave up and said it to Nancy. After this, Nancy became like him. I think this passage make Nancy change.
5:Before readin this book, I thought it take long time to read it. But this story is really fun for me. So I can read in short time.
April 16, 2014
1. Cambridge English Readers, Level 2
2. 4/11=60 minutes for Within High Fences; 4/13=40 minutes for Logan's Choice
3. Nancy, George, Tom, asylum seeker, gold watch, passport, love
4. a. "You can do anything, if you really want to,"
b. Tom said "Writers were intelligent. You're not intelligent," to Nancy, so she didn't come true her dream. however, George encourage her to be writer, so I like his words.
5. It's a love story, but I think I have to consider my future on my own feet.
2. 4/11=60 minutes for Within High Fences; 4/13=40 minutes for Logan's Choice
3. Nancy, George, Tom, asylum seeker, gold watch, passport, love
4. a. "You can do anything, if you really want to,"
b. Tom said "Writers were intelligent. You're not intelligent," to Nancy, so she didn't come true her dream. however, George encourage her to be writer, so I like his words.
5. It's a love story, but I think I have to consider my future on my own feet.
May 12, 2014
1: Cambridge, Level 2.
2:5/8=57minutes, 5/9=15minutes
3:Nancy, night work, asylum seekers, George, empty room, love, writer
4:a)Nancy said,"My life was not a better life for me before, because George was not in it."
b)I understood theirs love is so strong when I read this passage.
5:George changed Nancy so much, I think . I could learn that we have the power to change other person.
2:5/8=57minutes, 5/9=15minutes
3:Nancy, night work, asylum seekers, George, empty room, love, writer
4:a)Nancy said,"My life was not a better life for me before, because George was not in it."
b)I understood theirs love is so strong when I read this passage.
5:George changed Nancy so much, I think . I could learn that we have the power to change other person.
June 6, 2013
It was a nice love story. Nancy wanted to be a writer,but now she is a guard. She has a boy friend but one day she meets a nice man at her work. They can't be together because of the rules. It was surprising that finally they got together.
June 7, 2013
Excellent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2016
my first book read in English, I'm so proud!! :)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews