Ashes, Ashes

by Fredrick Soukup

★★★★★ “Unflinching acknowledgement of society's unseen. You may be uncomfortable watching, but you won't look away." David R. Roth, author of The Femme Fatale Hypothesis

Dorian is carving a life for himself in Minnesota’s Northwoods. White-knuckle sober, haunted by the memories of his tumultuous childhood and adolescence. He owes his reformation to the wisdom and love of Miss Bonnie, a foster mother to him and so many others—though shame and painful memories have kept him from returning to thank her. After learning of her sudden passing, he resolves to pay his respects. What he discovers back home, however, will alter the course of his life forever.

Upon returning to his childhood home, Dorian reunites with Heath, a brother bound to Dorian not by blood, but by the years they spent together under Miss Bonnie’s roof. When Heath unburdens himself of a horrifying secret—that the local police covered up her murder—Dorian sets out to discover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

Laying bare the struggles foster children experience in their pursuit of identity, belonging, and love, Ashes, Ashes a unique and essential tale.

252 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to BookSirens and Fredrick Soukup for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

New to the world of Fredrick Soukup, I gladly accepted this ARC. Soukup pens a story about a young man who is trying to make sense of his life after spending years in a foster home. A mystery, left to percolate for years, resurfaces and Dorian is must put all the pieces back together. Soukup develops the story from here, through four parts and using the perspectives of many different characters. In the end, it is a mix of narrative meandering and superficial character depictions, with which I could not connect as I would have liked.

Dorian spends much of his life as a young man trying to put together the past that haunted him. A foster child living in Minnesota’s Northwoods, Dorian was let to wander aimlessly when his foster mother was found hanging in her home. The police initially ruled it a suicide and he was forced to carve out his own future, much to his dismay.

When Dorian discovers one of his fellow foster brothers after years apart, Heath has a lot to share. He knows more about what happened to their foster mother, Miss Bonnie, and how the police spun a story that differed from the truth. With Dorian seeking answers, he must sift through all that happened in the months leading up to the death of Miss Bonnie and the chaos that had befallen many around him, including Heath.

Armed with the determination to get answers, Dorian tries to make sense of everything, while pushing back many of the horrible memories that wander to the front of his brain. The truth is out there and someone will have to be held accountable for Miss Bonnie’s death, but only if the lies are diluted. Soukup has a lot with which to work in this piece, keeping readers wondering.

I hold out high hopes for books, especially when I have no context of the author or a significant number of reviews to help shape my opinions. Fredrick Soukup delivers what could be a strong novel, at least based on the dust jacket summary and some of the blurbs left on various review sites. What might have been a strong novel turned out to lack the gripping nature I would have hoped, While the narrative appears to flow well, it did not grab me or make me want to plunge deeper. I was forced to skim and try to extract something about which I could care, but my expedition proved fruitless. Soukup can write, there is no doubt there, but he did not hook me with the narrative or even the characters. There was so much potential here and it was lost in the shuffle of something on which I cannot place a finger. I struggled from the outset, but was able to power through the novel quickly.

Plot development was there, at least on some level. Soukup offers up some surprise in the narrative and pawns off various issues for his characters to handle, but I was not gripped by the revelations, nor did I find myself eager to learn more. This novel did not work for me. Maybe I a a one-off or perhaps this is a warning for others. I will leave it to readers to formulate their own opinions.

Kudos, Mr. Soukup, for a hearty effort.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Tracy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was the way it felt like the characters were talking right to you. For me it was a page turner. Something I’d definitely recommend. I’ll definitely be looking for more from Frederick Soukop!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Book Sirens

[Steve Zettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soukup offers up a heartfelt and genuine slice of life. Dorian was raised in foster care which has left him with a wealth of memories, both good and unpleasant, that cover the spectrum of emotions and have left him wounded. His life has taken him to Minnesota’s Northwoods, but after learning of his foster-mother’s apparent suicide he returns to the house in which he was raised to uncover the facts and find a sense of closure. But something’s off. He runs into Heath, a long-lost resident of his former foster home. The police account of their foster-mother’s death begins to unravel, and an intriguing mystery unfolds, captivating the reader. The author’s characters jump from the page with crackling dialog that transports us into an intoxicating, though often terrifying, world. Truly gripping.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fredrick Soukup's "Ashes, Ashes" transported me into the emotionally charged world of Dorian, set against the evocative backdrop of Minnesota’s Northwoods. The novel's exploration of resilience and redemption resonated deeply, bringing the complexities of foster care relationships vividly to life. Soukup's skillful portrayal of character emotions and motivations drew me in, making their struggles and triumphs feel both real and intensely relatable.

While the narrative depth was compelling, the pacing occasionally slowed, momentarily loosening the story's grip on my attention. Tightening these moments could have kept the suspense more consistent, pushing this book towards a full five-star rating. Additionally, more varied interactions between the characters and their environment could have added further dynamism and depth to the overall story.

Despite these points, "Ashes, Ashes" is a profound read, rich in emotional insights and character development. It left me moved and reflective, earning a well-deserved four stars. This novel is perfect for those who appreciate intricate explorations of personal and emotional growth within the context of societal challenges.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale told from various perspectives which doesn't always include all the facts but, the facts, according to that person's perspective. It is about foster children, predominately Heath and the boy he thinks of as a brother Bunkie/Dorian. They are each trying to functional normally in society when they lack the skills due to their upbringing. Later in life, they realize that foster Mom Bonnie really was trying to help them. It is also about other people who enter their sphere like Emma, Gavin, Monica. The novel encompasses many years and the reader sees how the characters learn and develop. I wasn't particularly fond of the ending but this story would be hard to end without everyone dying. Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read this advance review copy. I leave this review voluntarily as I would recommend this book to others.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not an easy read for me. Although never "fostered", I was part of the "system". The bullying at school because you were "different". The lies and exaggerations told while trying so hard to be accepted. The child abuse. The crippling lack of self confidence. These are all too real.

Not every child has a loving home. Watch the news; read a newspaper; turn on the radio. The children who survive this need our compassion, not our contempt.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Ashes, Ashes through BookSirens, and have chosen to leave a review.

[Malcolm Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel told in many voices that is far more than the sum of its parts

Fredrick Soukup’s ASHES, ASHES is a murder mystery set in Northern Minnesota in which uncovering the identity of the killer is not the main driver of the narrative—and it is much stronger novel for that and more psychologically complex than any mere Whodunnit.

It is a dark tale told by multiple well-realised and deftly nuanced characters / narrators, each of whom advances the central story while bringing their own perspective and insights to the unfolding events. The novel shines a light on the psychological harm inflicted by childhood neglect, abuse and trauma and dramatizes the inner lifelong battle of a victim of such neglect to turn their pain towards a positive outcome. It is a novel about developing through the course of a lifetime the self-knowledge and maturity to recognise the impact we have on each other and then consciously attempting to turn this into something proactively beneficial for those around us who need our help most. Ultimately, it is a novel about taking responsibility for what we do and the possibility of redemption.

Finishing the book, I certainly felt moved—and to an extent, vicariously shriven—by what I’d read, by participating in the convincingly rendered and often troubling experiences of the several narrators.

Dark, but necessarily so — a strongly recommended read.

[Connor Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep meditations on dark topics, but not without hope. Just a great book.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashes, Ashes starts with a simple and childlike style of writing, as you learn about Heath before foster care. It was hard for me to read and keep interest. The author used repetitive words while writing the first chapter. It became somewhat tiresome for me. I continued on, with the hope the author would speed up the pace and deliver the promised storyline. I was left a little disappointed, although the writing style did change as Heath and the other characters matured.

Each chapter is divided into a different person's point of view and abruptly ended at times, leaving me wanting more. I was unsatisfied, hoping the search for the murderer of their foster care mother, Bonnie, would add an element of suspense. While reading this book, it appeared that only Dorain, Heath's foster brother, was on the hunt. Dorian didn't have to search too hard, for too long. There was no formal investigation into the case or thrilling hunt I needed to keep the pages turning.

I enjoyed Juliette's chapter the most. The writer did a great job capturing her childlike mannerisms without overwhelming the reader. It was cute and fun. Juliette was my favorite character. Unfortunately, it was almost the end of the book by the time she was introduce to the story.

There were a few good messages that the reader is left to pounder on. Like, don't judge a book by its cover, people can change, lies and bullying can truly hurt people; no matter how innocent the words may seem.

Trigger warnings: drugs, alcohol, abuse, violence, murder, foul language.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you #BookSirens

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes Ashes is a fascinating story that hooked me from beginning to end. An intense mystery that I felt compelled to solve alongside the characters, the novel takes readers on a dark and twisted road through lies and truth, unsettling memories, and uncertain realities that feel very authentic to the messy confusion that can sometimes occur in real life.

Told in the first person through multiple characters' perspectives, and at multiple ages for some characters, Soukup masterfully renders unique voices for each character that never feel contrived, even capturing voices of younger characters with great skill and believability. By telling the same story from multiple perspectives, Soukup gives the story a depth and fullness that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.

Heartbreaking, inescapable tragedies shape the plot, but Soukup somehow allows his reader to feel deep sympathy even for the so-called villain of the story as we come to truly understand what it means to be the victim of one's circumstances.

This book is confronting, many parts of it are hard to read, but Soukup doesn't shy away from his subject matter. Through beautifully crafted prose, he shines a light on dark truths that are so very worth telling.

[alex m. · Rating 4 out of 5]

- an ARC review -

Wow, this book ended differently from what I expected. What I appreciate most is the author's writing style. It feels like each character is speaking directly to you; they're all treated as 'persons of interest,' sharing their own stories as you delve into them.

The plot revolves around uncovering who killed Miss Bonnie, the foster mother of Heath and Dorian. As they search for answers, the emotional baggage and troubled past of each character unfolds.

To me, this book isn't just about 'who's who' or 'what-why-how.' It's the story of a boy seeking love and acceptance, yearning for freedom, peace, and happiness in a cruel world that forces him to fight back. Everyone's talking about Dorian, but Heath, my guy, deserves the spotlight.

I'm giving this 4 stars because I really like the message and story. The only issue I encountered is the lack of clear identifiers for events in the past, and I'm also not a fan of Dorian and Emma. Lol

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found the way the story is told from the perspectives of the different characters compelling, and I was drawn to the compassion that Dorian showed in the face of life’s difficulties and messiness. Great read!

[Ann Epstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Above the Smoldering Remains – It’s difficult for a writer to make readers care about characters whose lives are far from enviable — people who, while trying to befriend others, become their own worst enemies. Yet that is the challenge Fred Soukup sets for himself in Ashes, Ashes, and brilliantly achieves. As if surmounting that hurdle wasn’t high enough, he’s wraps his portrayal in a Rashomon-like murder mystery. The story is told from multiple points of view, each with a distinctive voice. It damns the foster care system and the callous society that looks the other way as its victims land on the trash heap. As a novelist myself (see my Goodreads author page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...), I admire Soukup’s ability to elicit compassion for unlikable characters who seek salvation but will settle for a salvage operation. This is a bleak book and yet, because the protagonists don’t give up on themselves, readers can’t give up hoping for them. Soukup’s creations cling to life, determined to realize dreams and find redemption. They may differ from us on the surface, but underneath their scars, these throwaways embody a deep and abiding humanity. Soukup reveals the dark underbelly of the nursery rhyme we all learned as children, most of us unaware that it refers to a deadly plague. We’re not innocent children, but Ashes, Ashes challenges readers to rise above the smoldering remains.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am left in a quandary regarding this book, as I almost gave up after chapter 4. Each chapter told by a different character until this author created them all, then continued the story from the perspective of each. It reminds me of the stories told around campfires that made you question, but kept one's rapt attention throughout.
The vocabulary used, descriptive scenes and events, comparisons etc., just kept me going. I don't think I can name a main character except it started and ended with Heath. I'm still trying to decide what was lies or the truth, and who was telling what.
Children in a foster home became so confusing, some trying to run away only to join up again in a different home. Who was sane and who actually needed psychiatric help? One day I might want to try another book from this author.
I received a copy from BookSirens Reviews and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Pam Watmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had to force myself to finish this book as it was disjointed and boring in my opinion. Not sure of what, if any, message it was trying to convert but it was about two boys who were in the same foster home and one of them had been in several homes as his behaviour was not tolerated. He misses his foster sibling brother and attempts to find him and keep running away. He later gets a girl into trouble and he serves time for murdering his foster Mum. His foster sibling gives him a job and a home when he has served his time. It appears to be trying to say he is a lonely boy and causes his own problems by his behaviour yet at the same time he does not appear to be in control of himself. Not sure whether he is remorseful about his foster Mum. I was glad to finish the book. I do not this that English is the authors first language and this could be some of the problem.

[Joanne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes, Ashes by Fredrick Soukup tells the story of several foster children raised by the kind hearted and loving Miss Bonnie. The children grow up, tragedy strikes and this well-paced thriller takes off with the reader happily in tow. Soukup’s story is a patchwork quilt of voices as main characters give their view of the crime and what is to be done. The hero of the story (or is he??), Dorian, has traveled difficult roads to find sobriety. Part of his success involves staying clear of the past, but his allegiance to Miss Bonnie pulls him back to his former home.

Empathy, compassion, and intrigue hold this quilt together. Readers will want more from every voice and find themselves wondering what role they would take in this mystery of not only death, but of what we make of the lives we are dealt, of the pieces we can use to create our own patchwork quilt of life.

[Miriam Gershow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes, Ashes is dark and twisty, a character study as much as a whodunit. Through interwoven voices, Soukup unfurls a rich and layered story without a single false note. He is unafraid to look at the ghosts and traumas of a whole community and manages to both reveal a tragedy and leave the reader with hard-earned hope. I was afraid this was one of those books that would make me angry at all of humanity, but instead left me feeling real tenderness toward those among us who make grievous mistakes. I read Ashes, Ashes in two-sittings. Imagine if Barbara Kingsolver’s pathos met Dennis Lehane’s grit.

[Karol Lagodzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Ashes, Ashes at a local bookstore after having ordered it through them. That was yesterday. Today, around 2 pm, I decided to read some of it. I finished the entire book at around 8 pm. This is a novel you won't be able to put down. Fascinating characters, a taut and suspenseful plot, and artful language combine into one riveting story. The novel manages to be a beautifully written literary work of art while being a heart-thumping thriller that'll make you bite off your fingernails. It is one of the examples why I hate how we've come to divide books into genres. Ashes, Ashes doesn't concern itself with taxonomy. It's simply a kick-ass book. Go read it.

[Annalisa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bold, audacious novel. The narrative is told from different perspectives - each of the main characters getting their spotlight, sharing their own heartbreaks and anguish and joy of living in their small midwestern town. The story is told in layers. First you peel away the truths, then the lies - some wilful, some accidental.

Fredrick Soukup allows his characters an almost stream-of-conscious narration as if they're talking directly to you and following the tangents of their thoughts. It's beautifully written, cleverly told, and completely absorbing.

[Charity Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a foster and adoptive parent this book piqued my interest. But I struggled a little with this book. There were sometimes parts that were a little hard for me to follow. It may be a 'me' issue though.

Foster care isn't pretty. I think the author did portray that pretty well. Many kids are deeply hurt and scarred. They need people like Miss Bonnie.

I was impressed with the end portion of the book and the compassion and empathy taught. We need more of that in the world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, beautifully written, and honest tale of two foster brothers who reunite following the mysterious death of their beloved foster mother, Miss Bonnie. Soukup’s unique voice keeps the reader engaged through twists and turns of a story that tackles complex issues such as mental health and America’s rural foster care system. I recommend Ashes, Ashes as a great story for readers who appreciate smart humor and prose.

[ElizabethLibbyH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt disjointed. Felt like just spewing memories as they were happening and didn't feel like I was understanding anything in the beginning. Nothing was really making any sense until the very end of the book and then it just felt like I didn't particularly care, really? I finished the book, but didn't really feel like I gained anything from finishing it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok. I struggled through it as it really seemed to jump around and really not get to the point that I feel the author was trying to get to. The premise was good but left me wanting more and more depth to the characters let alone the story. It wasn't bad, just not enough.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fredrick brings another thought provoking novel to life. He makes you feel so much for the characters, even when they don't deserve it. For what they've been through and have yet to face. This is a book that you will not be able to put down until the last page has been turned, and it will leave you thinking long after you've finished.

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in adisjointed manner jumping time and story teller without notice at times. Even at the end of the book do you have a vague idea of what the author is trying to convey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tara Donaldson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a lot of potential but fell a bit short in my opinion . Overall, the biggest downside for me was the dialogue. The vernacular used just seemed odd in places when considering the time period , setting , & ages of the characters . I did however love that it touched on the brokenness we have in our current foster system ,social service offices and the stigmas that surround the children and families in them. The story also brought to light the ease with which small town “good old boy “corrupt justice systems can operate without repercussions. The ending felt a bit jumbled and rushed in places as well. I wish there had been maybe a bit of reworking on the order certain things were brought into the story line . Personally I would have also loved more expansion towards the end on some events and less fluff of details in the beginning chapters. Overall, it was an okay read but not a 5 star for me personally .

I received this book as an advanced reader copy for free and am giving my review voluntarily for this courtesy.