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Ashes
In the dead of night, in the height of summer, a house burns. There, covered in ash, unharmed, except for her loss of memory, a child is found. Eva, when no one claims her, is taken into care.
Dan, the firefighter who found Eva, mourns the loss of his own daughter and faces a future estranged from his wife.
Carrie-Anne, near the burnt out house, lives a half life sleeping through the day and drinking away the night.
Ashes brings these three stories together in a beautiful and moving novel about finding hope even in the darkest place.
Dan, the firefighter who found Eva, mourns the loss of his own daughter and faces a future estranged from his wife.
Carrie-Anne, near the burnt out house, lives a half life sleeping through the day and drinking away the night.
Ashes brings these three stories together in a beautiful and moving novel about finding hope even in the darkest place.
334 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2017
6 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mitchell-Jackson
1 book13 followersSarah Mitchell-Jackson was born and brought up on the Isle of Thanet on the Kent coast. She took a degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield, rapidly followed by a Masters from the University of York. Thereafter, she moved to London. Following a non-religious epiphany in Goodge Street tube station one morning in August, she left London and studied at the University of Cambridge. She has had poetry and short fiction published in The Critical Pass Review, Really System, The Conium Review, Gravel Magazine, Firefly Magazine, and broadcast on the No Extra Words podcast. She has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Ashes is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 1, 2017
Ashes is a beautiful and powerful novel which explores human resilience and the power of hope. The narrative is told from a variety of perspectives and the interweaving strands are skilfully handled. Sarah Mitchell-Jackson writes with sensitivity and insight; her eye for detail is extraordinary, the language fresh and often startling, and her characters are convincing and compelling. Captivating writing; I thoroughly recommend "Ashes".
April 13, 2018
A beautifully written, insightful book. I stepped into the pages and didn't want to leave. The three strands of the story are filled with authentic characters; five year old Eva's world view touching, believable and inspiring. This is by far the best book I have read for a very long time. I would highly recommend it for its style, uniqueness and the way Sarah Mitchell-Jackson draws you into her world of broken people trying to find their way to happiness. A five star read from cover to cover.
June 8, 2017
2.5 - 3
Five-year-old Eva is rescued from a burning house by fireman, Dan. The house appears to be otherwise empty, Eva doesn't know anything about herself other than her name, and there is no one at all around to claim her. Because of this, it looks like she will become part of the foster care system. Dan and his wife have been left reeling from the still birth of their baby and are struggling to maintain their marriage. He wonders if taking in Eva would help them to rebuild their relationship. The third story depicted in Ashes is of Carrie-Anne, a depressed alcoholic who lives in a caravan behind the house little Eva has been rescued from. Sleeping through the days, her life appears to be in tatters and she seems reluctant to make the moves to improve it.
Sarah Mitchell-Jackson's new novel is a sensitive and moving story about human resilience. It examines the circumstances that are beyond our control in life, the choices we make as a result of them and the strength people can evoke to change the outcome of their personal paths. I enjoyed the structure of Ashes and how it is written from three different narrative perspectives. I particularly enjoyed the section written by young Eva, and felt this was quite unique. Overall, the narrative is skilfully handled, never seeming messy but interweaved nicely. The language is quite fresh and the prose, at times, insightful. The story flows quite well and resulted in quite an enjoyable read.
This didn't stand out as one of my top reads of 2017 so far, by any means, but to be fair, it is up against some stiff competition. While it didn't blow my mind, I would still recommend Ashes to fans of contemporary fiction. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.
Five-year-old Eva is rescued from a burning house by fireman, Dan. The house appears to be otherwise empty, Eva doesn't know anything about herself other than her name, and there is no one at all around to claim her. Because of this, it looks like she will become part of the foster care system. Dan and his wife have been left reeling from the still birth of their baby and are struggling to maintain their marriage. He wonders if taking in Eva would help them to rebuild their relationship. The third story depicted in Ashes is of Carrie-Anne, a depressed alcoholic who lives in a caravan behind the house little Eva has been rescued from. Sleeping through the days, her life appears to be in tatters and she seems reluctant to make the moves to improve it.
Sarah Mitchell-Jackson's new novel is a sensitive and moving story about human resilience. It examines the circumstances that are beyond our control in life, the choices we make as a result of them and the strength people can evoke to change the outcome of their personal paths. I enjoyed the structure of Ashes and how it is written from three different narrative perspectives. I particularly enjoyed the section written by young Eva, and felt this was quite unique. Overall, the narrative is skilfully handled, never seeming messy but interweaved nicely. The language is quite fresh and the prose, at times, insightful. The story flows quite well and resulted in quite an enjoyable read.
This didn't stand out as one of my top reads of 2017 so far, by any means, but to be fair, it is up against some stiff competition. While it didn't blow my mind, I would still recommend Ashes to fans of contemporary fiction. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.
November 9, 2017
A very cute and touching story
This book revolves around the life of Eva, we meet her when she's five years old. A child who wants to be treated like a grown-up, a Matilda-like child. She loves reading, likes her school and learning. Perhaps the only thing that sets her apart from the other children is that she has no real idea of who she is. She just emerged from a burning building and a fireman spotted her. Ever since, she's been trying to find a place to belong.....
This book was a hopeful read, the story is told from the perspective of five year old Eva. This definitely scored the book major points, it's very unique. I can't say I've read anything like it. Eva was a sweet character, who often found herself in lonely situations. Her friendships with Jack and Jordan were adorable and her observations and insights were mature but also quite innocently hilarious. Her story is told alongside the story of Carrie-Anne, a recovering alcoholic who, like Eva, seems to be forgetting something important. We also have Dan's story- Dan was the fireman who helped Eva. He and his wife, Bea, are struggling to keep their marriage strong after facing a huge loss.
It was lovely to see Eva find a place for herself, to see how she shaped the lives of her new family. She was a very well developed, well written, character. It was interesting to see the story unfold, to the point that Eva becomes an almost grown up. I think readers would especially like the linking of the different characters' stories- all in all, the book flowed fluently, and I was quite surprised by the ending and my sympathetic reaction to it I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this brilliant book.
I received this book through NetGalley.
This book revolves around the life of Eva, we meet her when she's five years old. A child who wants to be treated like a grown-up, a Matilda-like child. She loves reading, likes her school and learning. Perhaps the only thing that sets her apart from the other children is that she has no real idea of who she is. She just emerged from a burning building and a fireman spotted her. Ever since, she's been trying to find a place to belong.....
This book was a hopeful read, the story is told from the perspective of five year old Eva. This definitely scored the book major points, it's very unique. I can't say I've read anything like it. Eva was a sweet character, who often found herself in lonely situations. Her friendships with Jack and Jordan were adorable and her observations and insights were mature but also quite innocently hilarious. Her story is told alongside the story of Carrie-Anne, a recovering alcoholic who, like Eva, seems to be forgetting something important. We also have Dan's story- Dan was the fireman who helped Eva. He and his wife, Bea, are struggling to keep their marriage strong after facing a huge loss.
It was lovely to see Eva find a place for herself, to see how she shaped the lives of her new family. She was a very well developed, well written, character. It was interesting to see the story unfold, to the point that Eva becomes an almost grown up. I think readers would especially like the linking of the different characters' stories- all in all, the book flowed fluently, and I was quite surprised by the ending and my sympathetic reaction to it I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this brilliant book.
I received this book through NetGalley.
April 26, 2017
Eva is five years old. She appears out of a house burning. Dan, one of the firemen takes her home for the night. Eva doesn't remember anything but her name. Social Services puts her in one foster home after another. Eva isn't happy that she keeps being moved from one home to the next. It makes her feel very insecure. Dan would like to adopt Eva. He and his wife are mourning the loss of their child but his wife doesn't. Why doesn't she want to adopt Eva? Carrie-Ann is a woman who lives in a caravan. She fights her depression and alcoholism.
The author has writte an excellent novel showing the power of human resistance in spite of what happens to them. There is hope no matter what is happening.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author/publisher from Good Reads. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has writte an excellent novel showing the power of human resistance in spite of what happens to them. There is hope no matter what is happening.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author/publisher from Good Reads. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 15, 2018
A Gorgeously Written Debut Novel
From the first page, “Ashes” draws you in with its graceful prose, compelling stories and characters that are, by turns, strong, weak, broken but, in some cases, transcendent.
Eva, the little girl found in the ashes of a house fire, with no memory, observes her fluid situation with a calmness that belies her young years. Her strength is her ability to adapt, learn, grow and love, whatever her circumstances.
Dan, the fire fighter who rescues Eva, sees in her the chance for healing after the death of his own daughter, which has left his marriage in tatters.
And, on the fringes of the story, Carrie-Ann, the young woman adrift on a sea of alcohol and despair, waits with her own threads to weave into the plot’s fabric.
Together, these three draw the novel toward its beautifully realized conclusion.
Author Sarah Mitchell-Jackson writes with such empathy for her characters, despite their flaws. But in Eva, she truly shines as an author. She always treats the character with respect, despite her tender age. Her revealing insights into the thoughts of a child never edge toward condescension or childish stereotypes.
Mitchell Jackson’s novel sings with emotion, arresting details and a core of humanity that led me to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
I encourage you to do the same.
From the first page, “Ashes” draws you in with its graceful prose, compelling stories and characters that are, by turns, strong, weak, broken but, in some cases, transcendent.
Eva, the little girl found in the ashes of a house fire, with no memory, observes her fluid situation with a calmness that belies her young years. Her strength is her ability to adapt, learn, grow and love, whatever her circumstances.
Dan, the fire fighter who rescues Eva, sees in her the chance for healing after the death of his own daughter, which has left his marriage in tatters.
And, on the fringes of the story, Carrie-Ann, the young woman adrift on a sea of alcohol and despair, waits with her own threads to weave into the plot’s fabric.
Together, these three draw the novel toward its beautifully realized conclusion.
Author Sarah Mitchell-Jackson writes with such empathy for her characters, despite their flaws. But in Eva, she truly shines as an author. She always treats the character with respect, despite her tender age. Her revealing insights into the thoughts of a child never edge toward condescension or childish stereotypes.
Mitchell Jackson’s novel sings with emotion, arresting details and a core of humanity that led me to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
I encourage you to do the same.
May 26, 2018
This was, I'm not going to lie, a tough read. A gorgeous, compelling, hard to put down read, but a tough one. You know how sometimes you get a book at what might not be the right time? This may have been just a bit too emotionally raw for me just now. I won't go into it too much because I want to write a spoiler-free review, but a tough although highly recommended read. Eva is a great character...you don't often see such great kid protagonists in books for adults. I loved that. Switching between the multiple points of view was at first a little forced but as the story kicked in became a really lovely storytelling device and forced me to not think too much about timeline and focus on story. An overall lovely book.
October 14, 2018
Ashes is profound.
The book started slow. It is not fast paced. The author made me settle in the story, every scene was palpable and memorable. Some scenes made me gaily, others made me sad. Eva made me nostalgic. I pitied Carrie-Anne. Emotions flowed throughout the pages.
I love the writing style of Carrie-Anne's story the most. I love the exploration into the mind of a child in Eva's character; one of the best since Tom Sawyer. And I was rooting for Dan and Bea to be happy. It made me so sad Dan didn't get to see Eva again. I guess like life, some things are not meant to be.
Ashes is beautifully written. I love it.
The book started slow. It is not fast paced. The author made me settle in the story, every scene was palpable and memorable. Some scenes made me gaily, others made me sad. Eva made me nostalgic. I pitied Carrie-Anne. Emotions flowed throughout the pages.
I love the writing style of Carrie-Anne's story the most. I love the exploration into the mind of a child in Eva's character; one of the best since Tom Sawyer. And I was rooting for Dan and Bea to be happy. It made me so sad Dan didn't get to see Eva again. I guess like life, some things are not meant to be.
Ashes is beautifully written. I love it.
October 7, 2020
Mysterious past.
Follow a little girl as she grows and finds her past. Eva impacts a lot of lives as she figures out her past. A marvelous mystery drama that shows that a family can be made.
Follow a little girl as she grows and finds her past. Eva impacts a lot of lives as she figures out her past. A marvelous mystery drama that shows that a family can be made.
October 31, 2018
Opening line:
"The house was well under way by the time they got there."
I couldn't put this book down and yet when I did, I remained a little unsettled and a little disappointed. I wanted a little bit of a different ending but it was as it should be.
ASHES is told from three different perspectives, all who have lost something and, eventually find something but it is not what they were seeking.
All perspectives are from different places in a family and how families change and grow and come together.
Eva, Dan and Carrie-Ann all seek peace, a home, and love and they all find those things in different ways.
I enjoyed this book but it wasn't something I would have picked up on my own. Human resilience is a big part of this story and it gives hope that we all can be resilient and we can all love. I wanted to keep reading and see how the three ended up in each other's lives or how they maybe changed each other's lives.
thanks to netgalley for the early read!
"The house was well under way by the time they got there."
I couldn't put this book down and yet when I did, I remained a little unsettled and a little disappointed. I wanted a little bit of a different ending but it was as it should be.
ASHES is told from three different perspectives, all who have lost something and, eventually find something but it is not what they were seeking.
All perspectives are from different places in a family and how families change and grow and come together.
Eva, Dan and Carrie-Ann all seek peace, a home, and love and they all find those things in different ways.
I enjoyed this book but it wasn't something I would have picked up on my own. Human resilience is a big part of this story and it gives hope that we all can be resilient and we can all love. I wanted to keep reading and see how the three ended up in each other's lives or how they maybe changed each other's lives.
thanks to netgalley for the early read!
January 14, 2019
I thought this was a beautiful novel. Each sentence is lovingly constructed and each character is has a life of their own. But most of all, I wanted to find out what had happened to Eva.I really felt for her and wanted to see her given a loving home! This is a story that made me think about what defines a family, and what a child really needs to thrive.
April 7, 2022
Mitchell-Jackson's debut is haunting and elegant. It's some time since I read this book, but the characters and story have stayed with me. Ashes follows three devastated lives. Eva, a five year old girl who stepped from the ashes of a house fire; Dan, the firefighter who cared for her; and Carrie-Ann, a troubled and sorrowful alcoholic.
Mitchell-Jackson excels at creating emotional resonance. Eva's changing situation is explored with integrity, the author never straying into cliched representations of childhood. But it is in Carrie-Ann's story with all its visceral detail of the effects of alcoholism and mental illness that the writing really shines.
Mitchell-Jackson weaves the threads of this story into a breathtaking novel.
Mitchell-Jackson excels at creating emotional resonance. Eva's changing situation is explored with integrity, the author never straying into cliched representations of childhood. But it is in Carrie-Ann's story with all its visceral detail of the effects of alcoholism and mental illness that the writing really shines.
Mitchell-Jackson weaves the threads of this story into a breathtaking novel.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews