Thank you to the author of this book. I've had this book on my shelf for a while and I wish I read it sooner but glad I finally got to it.

An amazing historical book based on true facts of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the horrible way that the fire happened.

The book was not just about the fire itself and it's deplorable working conditions, but lives of many but especially of Miriam and her family who fled Russia to New York for a better life and how they struggled on the small paycheck of Miriam's wages at the factory. Her aunt and uncle and their family were wonderful to them when they came to New York and lived with them.

The friends that Miriam made at the factory were like sisters to her and I loved them all.

Then there was Jacob, the union coordinator, who fell in love with Miriam and she with him. He was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Then came the sad part of the fire itself and the details were unbelievable and graphic to a point where I just had to stop reading the book for a minute and get myself together and dry my tears. The people jumping to their deaths was just horrifying and to think this happened in real life.

I think I cried most at when Miriam and Jacob got married -- happy tears for a change. ( )

This beautifully written novel of the horrendous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 is Friedman’s debut in historical fiction. I certainly hope she will write more books in this genre.

The Raisky family endures one tragedy after another – the horrific pogroms in Russia in 1903 which resulted in the death of many Jews, leaving their home country to escape persecution in Russia, daily financial struggles as they settle into New York’s lower east side, and finally the fire. Yet in the midst of all this tragedy could be found love and hope.

All the characters were wonderfully developed and came to life as I read about them. The story focuses on the Raisky family as they adapt to life in America. While the primary focus is on daughter Miriam, we also experience the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments of the entire family - father Meir, mother Sadie, Sadie’s sister Malka, and Malka’s children. I felt pride as Malka’s son Avrum, just a child, stood up to his abusive father. I ached for Miriam’s friends – sweet funny little Osna, happy loving Rivka, Angie and Ambra – as they grasped to hold on to their hopes and dreams. And at the end I was holding my breath, wondering which of them would survive the fire. I struggled with the fear each girl experienced as she fought bravely to escape the fire, and the terror and anguish of their loved ones as they learned who lived and who died. I also felt angry toward the people who allowed such deplorable work conditions to exist, people who were never held accountable for the loss of innocent lives.

It must have been very difficult for Friedman to write this story as it is obvious she was emotionally committed to it. She described in vivid detail how New York was during this era and how difficult life was – limited employment, low wages, crowded filthy tenement houses. The pacing was excellent as the closer we got to the date of the fire, the shorter the time intervals of the chapters. Once I reached March 1911 I found myself dreading what was to come and hoping that for some reason the girls would not go to work on March 25, 1911.

I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction. ( )

As ASHES begins, we meet and follow Meyer and his family through their horror in Kishinev and then their travel to and their struggles in New York.

The characters and incidents are described so well that you are there with the characters in both Kishinev and New York.

You will feel their pain and suffering and become fond of the characters and hope for the best for them.

We are introduced to the horrific pogram that occurred in Kishinev and that forced Meyer and his family to move to the United States.

We are introduced to struggling families and their lives in the early 1900's in New York.

We are introduced to the treatment of factory workers who were paid next to nothing for working 15-hour days.

We are introduced to the attempt at the organizing of unions to ease the toil of workers and the requirement of safety standards.

ASHES is very well written and smoothly moves from one chapter to the next with Ms. Friedman's educational, well-researched historical topics.

I wasn't aware of the horror in Kishinev, the plight of factory workers, this horrible fire, or the trial of the owners of the Triangle Factory. That is why historical fiction is one of my favorites genres - I always learn something new.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, family sagas, and the making of America, you will want to add ASHES to your reading list.

ASHES is bit depressing because of the sorrow and historical events, but the characters are personable and lovable and Ms. Friedman's writing style is marvelous and pull-you-in.

You will need tissues for the terribly sad as well as happy incidents. 4/5

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )