Rating: 
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."
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
Summary: An Inspiring Story and Author
Review: I bought this book having met Eric in a Californian hotel two weeks ago - we were both on business trips. Towards the end of our time talking he mentioned that he had written a book and I told him I would buy it from Amazon.com and read it. I kept my word and sat by the pool and read it. I have dealt with child abuse personally and have read other books on the subject. I found that Out of The Darkness had been written in a way that did not read like social workers case notes, like I have found some other books. It does not dwell on each beating this poor child received, it gives you the facts in a beautifully written way that truly inspires. Mary-Ellen's story proves how just one person like Etta has to care to rescue a childs life. I am sure anyone who reads this book will not think twice about reporting a suspected case of child abuse. Eric - you are a gifted author as well as a really nice guy.
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring account of our ability to survive...and to care
Review: I met Eric Shelman while training to become a sexual assault nurse examiner (S.A.N.E.). He was a speaker during the training. Eric was such an insightful, enthusiastic and educating speaker, that I decided to read his book. I found all of his best qualities as a speaker in this book. This is a story you won't forget. As a S.A.N.E., the message I most want to bring to the survivors of abuse and assault who I tend to is one of the great human ability to overcome terrible things. This book is a great illustrator of that quality we all have inside ourselves. Thank you, Eric!
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring account of our ability to survive...and to care
Review: I met Eric Shelman while training to become a sexual assault nurse examiner (S.A.N.E.). He was a speaker during the training. Eric was such an insightful, enthusiastic and educating speaker, that I decided to read his book. I found all of his best qualities as a speaker in this book. This is a story you won't forget. As a S.A.N.E., the message I most want to bring to the survivors of abuse and assault who I tend to is one of the great human ability to overcome terrible things. This book is a great illustrator of that quality we all have inside ourselves. Thank you, Eric!
Rating:
Summary: I Posted the Info about this book on FIVE group SITES so far
Review: I read Eric Shelman's book and once you read it in such vivid detail you will never get over it! This book allows you to really KNOW the characters, their feelings and the abuses this child is suffering. She becomes so real and before you understand how the circumstances just all happened to allow her to fall through every crack, you would not believe this could happen, even back then! It is a MUST READ book for any collection of quality literature... Excellent book - a true story about an abused little girl (and then I wrote more)
Rating:
Summary: historical, groundbreaking child-abuse case in 1800s
Review: Out of the Darkness - The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson by Eric A. Shelman and Stephen Lazoritz, M.D. Dolphin Moon Publishing, CA. 1999. 342 pp. notes; index. Out of the Darkness is not only the story of the abused child Mary Ellen Wilson of the latter 1800s, but also the story of Fanny Connor, her mother who abandoned her after the death of her husband in the Civil War; Mary Connolly, the stepmother who cruelly abused the girl; Henry Bergh, founder of the ASPCA, who anguished by Mary Ellen's case, founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; the judge who presided over the court case of Mary Ellen, the journalist who covered it for the NY Tribune, and other individuals who were involved in the matter in various ways. The authors describe their book as dramatized history; it's based on extensive research, while employing the techniques of creative nonfiction, including scenes and dialogue, to bring Mary Ellen's story alive. Shelman's experience as a screenwriter is evident in the informative, revealing, and dramatic dialogue, pithy descriptive passages, and brisk narrative. Lazoritz is a pediatrician specializing in the care of abused and neglected children. He is also the director of the Child Protection Center at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The collaboration began with an acquaintance over the Internet. Out of the Darkness fills in considerable historical background on the timely subject of child abuse in American society. Mary Ellen eventually went on to lead a normal life, having two daughters who became school teachers. Henry Berry, Book Reviewer Editor/Publisher, The Small Press Book Review
Rating:
Summary: A very powerful book - so consuming I couldn't put it down!
Review: Shelman's portrayal of the young life of Mary Ellen Wilson is astounding. The author takes a very difficult subject, child abuse, and integrates it with the history of animal rights laws, leaving the reader totally engrossed in the story! Definitely a "must-read" book for all appetites!
| 
