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Ashes
Winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction
A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and Survival
Easter Sunday, 1903 ushered in three days of government-sanctioned brutality on the Jews of Kishinev, Russia. In the aftermath of slaughter, rape, and destruction, Meyer and Sadie Raisky escape to New York City with their thirteen-year-old daughter, Miriam. Their home and business gone, reeling from devastating personal tragedy, the Raiskys cling to the promise of a better life in America. But upon arriving in New York City, Miriam and her parents quickly learn that promises are easily broken in the tenements of the Lower East Side. When circumstances force Miriam to abandon the schooling she loves to help support her family, she goes to work at the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, joining other immigrant girls who work long hours for low wages in shocking conditions. Against the backdrop of emerging workers’ rights and women’s rights, Miriam’s social conscience and young womanhood both blossom when she falls in love with a union organizer. Bringing early 20th-century New York to life, Ashes is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a haunting elegy to the young women whose suffering inspired changes to working conditions in the garment industry.
A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and Survival
Easter Sunday, 1903 ushered in three days of government-sanctioned brutality on the Jews of Kishinev, Russia. In the aftermath of slaughter, rape, and destruction, Meyer and Sadie Raisky escape to New York City with their thirteen-year-old daughter, Miriam. Their home and business gone, reeling from devastating personal tragedy, the Raiskys cling to the promise of a better life in America. But upon arriving in New York City, Miriam and her parents quickly learn that promises are easily broken in the tenements of the Lower East Side. When circumstances force Miriam to abandon the schooling she loves to help support her family, she goes to work at the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, joining other immigrant girls who work long hours for low wages in shocking conditions. Against the backdrop of emerging workers’ rights and women’s rights, Miriam’s social conscience and young womanhood both blossom when she falls in love with a union organizer. Bringing early 20th-century New York to life, Ashes is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a haunting elegy to the young women whose suffering inspired changes to working conditions in the garment industry.
313 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2018
34 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Gloger Friedman
3 books68 followersSharon Gloger Friedman was born and raised in South Florida and now happily resides in Georgia with her husband. A former teacher, copy editor and freelance writer, her articles and essays have appeared in The Boston Globe, Woman’s World Magazine, Yahoo News and Examiner.com. Her debut novel, Ashes, is the winner of the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2019 New Apple Summer Ebook Awards solo medalist for Historical Fiction. Her newest historical novel is the recently released In Freedom's Light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 10, 2019
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.
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.
March 14, 2019
A fascinating read.
Sharon Gloger Friedman has brought history to life within the pages of the Historical Fiction novel, Ashes.
The historical aspects of this novel are very well researched as well as versed. If you know little of the Jewish faith, you will learn about historical events such as The Pogroms within the Jewish Community of Russia; it's rage and terror. The calamities, variables and tragedies of the early 20th Century come to light all the while immersing you into its timeline.
One family's horror and loss as well as their strong stance on being true to their religion, to themselves, causes unforeseen choices that need to be made.
As those choices weave into solid decisions of how to escape their nightmares, and on to the States, a new life begins to emerge upon their arrival at Ellis Island. That life becomes abundant in love, beauty and sadness and.... lethal consequences.
The Garment Industry of New York also plays a major roll within this story as to it's workers, the deplorable conditions, its anti- semitism, it's hardship and the harrowing attempts for the right to be treated fairly, and just to the heart of its standing within the community and to its employees. The owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fight against all that is good, all that is right, as their workers are treated as property and nothing more. With that injustice, tragedy ensues.
This is an inspiring tale, through and through. The characters are written as strong, real and believable. This story will not only grab ahold, but it is written fluidly and with true purpose which makes this reading experience interesting, intriguing, as well as knowledgeable.
Personally, my attachment to this book was more than just a fascinating story, as my own grandmother worked her entire life in the Garment Industry in Upstate New York for a Pocketbook Factory with conditions not far from the descriptions in this book. Though some stories were shared by her, others were not, and I truly believe that in reading this novel it has brought me to a better understanding of what truly happened in those earlier days before Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted Federal Reform to ensure worker's safety and treatment.
I thank Sharon Gloger Friedman for this incredible story, one in which I highly recommend.
5+ Stars
#Ashes
#SharonGlogerFriedman
Wild Sage Book Blog (FB)
Novels & Latte Book Club (FB)
Sharon Gloger Friedman has brought history to life within the pages of the Historical Fiction novel, Ashes.
The historical aspects of this novel are very well researched as well as versed. If you know little of the Jewish faith, you will learn about historical events such as The Pogroms within the Jewish Community of Russia; it's rage and terror. The calamities, variables and tragedies of the early 20th Century come to light all the while immersing you into its timeline.
One family's horror and loss as well as their strong stance on being true to their religion, to themselves, causes unforeseen choices that need to be made.
As those choices weave into solid decisions of how to escape their nightmares, and on to the States, a new life begins to emerge upon their arrival at Ellis Island. That life becomes abundant in love, beauty and sadness and.... lethal consequences.
The Garment Industry of New York also plays a major roll within this story as to it's workers, the deplorable conditions, its anti- semitism, it's hardship and the harrowing attempts for the right to be treated fairly, and just to the heart of its standing within the community and to its employees. The owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fight against all that is good, all that is right, as their workers are treated as property and nothing more. With that injustice, tragedy ensues.
This is an inspiring tale, through and through. The characters are written as strong, real and believable. This story will not only grab ahold, but it is written fluidly and with true purpose which makes this reading experience interesting, intriguing, as well as knowledgeable.
Personally, my attachment to this book was more than just a fascinating story, as my own grandmother worked her entire life in the Garment Industry in Upstate New York for a Pocketbook Factory with conditions not far from the descriptions in this book. Though some stories were shared by her, others were not, and I truly believe that in reading this novel it has brought me to a better understanding of what truly happened in those earlier days before Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted Federal Reform to ensure worker's safety and treatment.
I thank Sharon Gloger Friedman for this incredible story, one in which I highly recommend.
5+ Stars
#Ashes
#SharonGlogerFriedman
Wild Sage Book Blog (FB)
Novels & Latte Book Club (FB)
April 19, 2019
Happy Passover! Sharon Friedman's Ashes is a triumph of Jewish resilience and fortitude through unimaginable horrors. This story is an amazing depiction of Russian Jews and the persecution they experienced in Russia that caused families to emigrate to New York. The horror of beatings and killings of their loved-ones in Russia is replaced by the struggle and drudgery of working in the shirtwaist factory. They bond together to form a union, but would it enough to save them? This is a great book for those who want to understand Jewish history better. The writing is descriptive and brings you into these peoples lives like they are best friends. Hard to believe life was so hard for them.
May 30, 2020
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Not only do I enjoy it for the good stories that are told but because a majority of the time I'm also being educated. Ashes did not disappoint. I learned of the horrific Pogroms in Russia which I had never heard about until I had read this book. I knew of the sordid condition in the garment industry in the early 1900s but the author describes it in such detail and with raw emotions that my prior knowledge had just touched the surface. I was floored by the conditions these poor women had tolerated and for such poor pay. This book is certainly an eye-opener and one that I highly recommend to anyone that enjoys Historical Fiction.
May 14, 2019
Ashes
Sharon Gloger Friedman
A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and Survival
Easter Sunday, 1903 ushered in three days of government-sanctioned brutality on the Jews of Kishinev, Russia. In the aftermath of slaughter, rape, and destruction, Meyer and Sadie Raisky escape to New York City with their thirteen-year-old daughter, Miriam. Their home and business gone, reeling from devastating personal tragedy, the Raiskys cling to the promise of a better life in America. But upon arriving in New York City, Miriam and her parents quickly learn that promises are easily broken in the tenements of the Lower East Side. When circumstances force Miriam to abandon the schooling she loves to help support her family, she goes to work at the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, joining other immigrant girls who work long hours for low wages in shocking conditions. Against the backdrop of emerging workers’ rights and women’s rights, Miriam’s social conscience and young womanhood both blossom when she falls in love with a union organizer. Meticulously researched and rich with beautifully drawn characters that bring 20th-century New York City to life, Ashes is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a haunting elegy to the young women whose suffering inspired changes to the working conditions in the garment industry.
📗📘📔My Review:📗📘📔
The book was incredibly well-written and the characters are all very well developed. I loved the fact the author put the date at the beginning of each chapter. It allows the reader to recognize how much time is passing .The whole story was described with such detail that it made me feel like I was actually there. If you're looking for a page-turning, exciting, and entertaining read....look no further!
Sharon Gloger Friedman
A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and Survival
Easter Sunday, 1903 ushered in three days of government-sanctioned brutality on the Jews of Kishinev, Russia. In the aftermath of slaughter, rape, and destruction, Meyer and Sadie Raisky escape to New York City with their thirteen-year-old daughter, Miriam. Their home and business gone, reeling from devastating personal tragedy, the Raiskys cling to the promise of a better life in America. But upon arriving in New York City, Miriam and her parents quickly learn that promises are easily broken in the tenements of the Lower East Side. When circumstances force Miriam to abandon the schooling she loves to help support her family, she goes to work at the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, joining other immigrant girls who work long hours for low wages in shocking conditions. Against the backdrop of emerging workers’ rights and women’s rights, Miriam’s social conscience and young womanhood both blossom when she falls in love with a union organizer. Meticulously researched and rich with beautifully drawn characters that bring 20th-century New York City to life, Ashes is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a haunting elegy to the young women whose suffering inspired changes to the working conditions in the garment industry.
📗📘📔My Review:📗📘📔
The book was incredibly well-written and the characters are all very well developed. I loved the fact the author put the date at the beginning of each chapter. It allows the reader to recognize how much time is passing .The whole story was described with such detail that it made me feel like I was actually there. If you're looking for a page-turning, exciting, and entertaining read....look no further!
January 22, 2019
This is completely unlike any book I've reviewed before on Bitty Book Nook! Ashes by author Sharon Gloger Friedman is abundant in culture, hardship, and beauty--an inspiring tale of perseverance for a Jewish family in the early 20th century. The author was kind enough to give me a .mobi file of the novel for free in exchange for an honest review.
To see the full review complete with a list of pros and cons, visit my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: https://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/20...
Ashes blew me away, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in American historical fiction or Jewish culture! The book provides a harrowing glimpse at the lethal consequences of anti-Semitism and what life was like for Jewish people and immigrants alike in 1900s Russia and America, and how the strength of the human spirit can conquer the tribulations that life throws at people. Ms. Friedman, thank you so much for the opportunity to review your work! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
To see the full review complete with a list of pros and cons, visit my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: https://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/20...
Ashes blew me away, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in American historical fiction or Jewish culture! The book provides a harrowing glimpse at the lethal consequences of anti-Semitism and what life was like for Jewish people and immigrants alike in 1900s Russia and America, and how the strength of the human spirit can conquer the tribulations that life throws at people. Ms. Friedman, thank you so much for the opportunity to review your work! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
May 30, 2019
Beauty really can rise up out of ashes.
This novel grabbed me from the start as I learned about an awful event in Russian history that I'd been unaware of before. Right away I cared for the family and especially Miriam as they make their way to America only to find that challenges, although different, would continue to plague them.
Through the story of one family, its friends, a factory, and living in NYC's Lower East Side, we get to experience the true American immigrant's journey. Although the subject matter is truthful, Friedman never allows the story to get bogged down in sadness. At its heart is a tender love story, and the faithful hope and work ethic that drove people with so little to rise above. Highly recommended.
This novel grabbed me from the start as I learned about an awful event in Russian history that I'd been unaware of before. Right away I cared for the family and especially Miriam as they make their way to America only to find that challenges, although different, would continue to plague them.
Through the story of one family, its friends, a factory, and living in NYC's Lower East Side, we get to experience the true American immigrant's journey. Although the subject matter is truthful, Friedman never allows the story to get bogged down in sadness. At its heart is a tender love story, and the faithful hope and work ethic that drove people with so little to rise above. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2018
From the first page, the reader understands what it must have been like for our ancestors to emigrate to America ... no matter when they came, or where they came from. The back story and ongoing saga of the brave journey taken by persecuted families is gripping and exposes the joy, sorrows, and hardships of life in a new country.
We know from the outset that we will love these characters through to the last page. To the backdrop of the sweatshops, Sharon Gloger Friedman brings us up close as these families love, laugh, share, and overcome what life presents in their path.
This is a page turner and I recommend it without reservation for a captivating read!!
We know from the outset that we will love these characters through to the last page. To the backdrop of the sweatshops, Sharon Gloger Friedman brings us up close as these families love, laugh, share, and overcome what life presents in their path.
This is a page turner and I recommend it without reservation for a captivating read!!
February 6, 2019
I inhaled this book and couldn't stop reading until it was finished! The first few chapters do a great job capturing your attention and suddenly you are invested in the characters and their stories. The book is well written and the storyline (centered around immigration, workers' rights, women's rights, family, love, death, poverty etc.) spoke to me. Miriam, the book's heroine, was a symbol of everything you want in a friend, a daughter and ally. I really enjoyed that it was based on real events which influenced the evolution of workplace rights and safety. If you are looking for a unique book of historical fiction, you should read it, you won't be disappointed!
July 1, 2019
The author, Sharon Gloger Friedman, certainly did her homework on this one! I was familiar with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire before, but this book really gives you a true sense of the sweatshops. It provides the reader an inside look at what it was like for young women who were forced to work in horrible conditions to support their families in New York's tenements. This story is about an immigrant family running for their lives from the Russian pogroms and how the streets of the U.S. were not so paved in gold. Sharon Gloger Friedman did a beautiful job telling this story. I can't wait to see what she does next!
October 14, 2019
This story is about a Jewish family at Passover when things go awry in the community.
They move to New York for hope of a better life for their family.
A historical fiction with a trunkload of traumatic experiences of how they survived even when times were tough! Surviving the battle of life, work, and having a solid family unit.
I highly recommend this historical fiction book!
December 6, 2018
Great story and characters!
January 31, 2019
Excellent story and character development. Totally engrossing
November 3, 2019
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.
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.
October 29, 2020
This is an immigrant story about a family, new to America, who struggle to survive in the tenements in New York City, 1903. Fleeing the Russian brutality of Jews in their country they are hoping for a better life.
It is also a vivid telling of the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that took many innocent lives who suffered from unsafe working conditions for low pay and long hours.
I found this story interesting and humbling to learn how the impoverished worked so hard to support their families.
The characters are well developed and likeable. The storyline kept me turning the pages hoping for some justice and compensation for their hard life. Written with compassion and empathy I enjoyed this book very much.
It is also a vivid telling of the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that took many innocent lives who suffered from unsafe working conditions for low pay and long hours.
I found this story interesting and humbling to learn how the impoverished worked so hard to support their families.
The characters are well developed and likeable. The storyline kept me turning the pages hoping for some justice and compensation for their hard life. Written with compassion and empathy I enjoyed this book very much.
June 15, 2019
Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman is a beautiful written, emotional book. It is an example of a deep love for family, for tradition, and the right we have to stand up for ourselves, even when it is scary. I feel like I learned some things through reading this book. I learned about how Jews were treated horribly by some neighbors and people in their community. People they had considered friends, looted and attacked them. I learned about Jewish traditions and I learned about how sometimes you have to fight for the rights of yourself and others. And even when it is so very hard, you have to dig deeper sometimes to keep going. This is a book that will stick with me. There were a couple of times I had to put it down because what I had read was so much to take in. The words that are written are powerful. I hope others read this book. Maybe if more people do, our world, as a whole, will all be a little more kind. I urge you to read this book. It was so good. Miriam’s story will be with me for many years to come. Absolutely 5 stars ~Janell
Ashes begins March 30, 1903. Miriam, age 13, Meyer and Sadie Raisky’s daughter, wakes to her Mom calling for her. They have a lot to get ready for Passover. As the family is preparing to celebrate, there is something brewing in their city. Meyer, his son Eli, and Meyer’s best friend, Yuri have all heard that there could be trouble coming to the Jews living in Kishinev, Russia. They are very concerned about this, and Meyer remembers trouble for the Jews when he was a child. He is sad to remember his childhood home in flames when he came running home to tell his parents about hearing of possible trouble coming. Even more devastating, his parents were both dead. He will always be grateful to Yuri’s family for taking him in and raising him, even though it was dangerous to them, since he was a Jew. Now, as adults, Meyer and Yuri work together at Meyers store.
As talk in town continues, Meyer becomes even more concerned. Rumors are that people will be allowed to attack and plunder Jewish homes and businesses without interference from Authorities. He and a group of men go to ask for Police protection. Authorities believe there will not be any attacks.
There are attacks, they are brutal and the destruction is beyond repair. There are deaths, there are injuries. Business and homes are destroyed. Three deaths significantly impact their family. How can they go on after this? They feel lost, they are grieving the life they had.
They make the difficult, dangerous and very costly decision to go to America. This is not an easy thing to do, and after the very long journey, they finally arrive. Sadie’s tears flow as she sees the Statue of Liberty. They are filled with joy when Sadie’s sister Malka and her son, Avrum are there to meet them. They will stay with Malka, her husband Lazar, and their children until they can find jobs and get their own apartment.
Lazar is a very hard man. He is not happy that they are there and he makes it known. Sadie, Meyer and Miriam see how Malka and the children fear Lazar. They have seen how hard he is on everyone and know they must get away soon, as they are causing more upset in the home.
Meyer comes up with a way to start working and makes a new friend, Oscar. Sadie helps Malka with sewing jobs to help make money. Soon, they have enough money to look for an apartment. Miriam becomes busy in a class to learn English and soon has a new friend, Rivka. Miriam excels in school and learns quickly.
Difficult weather comes and unexpected difficulties arise for the family. Miriam makes the decision to leave school and sets out to help her family by getting a job. She starts to work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Miriam and the others work in poor conditions but continue to work for the meager pay to help their families. How can they continue to work in these conditions?
At a chance outing, Miriam meets someone who will change her life. Are the things he talks about possible? Can teenage Miriam help herself and her co-workers to have better lives?
Ashes begins March 30, 1903. Miriam, age 13, Meyer and Sadie Raisky’s daughter, wakes to her Mom calling for her. They have a lot to get ready for Passover. As the family is preparing to celebrate, there is something brewing in their city. Meyer, his son Eli, and Meyer’s best friend, Yuri have all heard that there could be trouble coming to the Jews living in Kishinev, Russia. They are very concerned about this, and Meyer remembers trouble for the Jews when he was a child. He is sad to remember his childhood home in flames when he came running home to tell his parents about hearing of possible trouble coming. Even more devastating, his parents were both dead. He will always be grateful to Yuri’s family for taking him in and raising him, even though it was dangerous to them, since he was a Jew. Now, as adults, Meyer and Yuri work together at Meyers store.
As talk in town continues, Meyer becomes even more concerned. Rumors are that people will be allowed to attack and plunder Jewish homes and businesses without interference from Authorities. He and a group of men go to ask for Police protection. Authorities believe there will not be any attacks.
There are attacks, they are brutal and the destruction is beyond repair. There are deaths, there are injuries. Business and homes are destroyed. Three deaths significantly impact their family. How can they go on after this? They feel lost, they are grieving the life they had.
They make the difficult, dangerous and very costly decision to go to America. This is not an easy thing to do, and after the very long journey, they finally arrive. Sadie’s tears flow as she sees the Statue of Liberty. They are filled with joy when Sadie’s sister Malka and her son, Avrum are there to meet them. They will stay with Malka, her husband Lazar, and their children until they can find jobs and get their own apartment.
Lazar is a very hard man. He is not happy that they are there and he makes it known. Sadie, Meyer and Miriam see how Malka and the children fear Lazar. They have seen how hard he is on everyone and know they must get away soon, as they are causing more upset in the home.
Meyer comes up with a way to start working and makes a new friend, Oscar. Sadie helps Malka with sewing jobs to help make money. Soon, they have enough money to look for an apartment. Miriam becomes busy in a class to learn English and soon has a new friend, Rivka. Miriam excels in school and learns quickly.
Difficult weather comes and unexpected difficulties arise for the family. Miriam makes the decision to leave school and sets out to help her family by getting a job. She starts to work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Miriam and the others work in poor conditions but continue to work for the meager pay to help their families. How can they continue to work in these conditions?
At a chance outing, Miriam meets someone who will change her life. Are the things he talks about possible? Can teenage Miriam help herself and her co-workers to have better lives?
October 9, 2019
I’m a fan of books based on historical events.....this one grabbed me from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. The hardships of Miriam and her family are unimaginable! Their resilience in making a new life for themselves is inspiring! A great read!
Looking forward to reading your next book😊
Looking forward to reading your next book😊
September 29, 2019
Wonderful historical book which takes place between 1900- 1911 in NYC, lower East side. Immigrants, poverty, sweatshops and wonderful proud people. This novel has a fact base. I really enjoyed it.
September 25, 2019
I’d give it 3.5 stars. So sad what immigrants went through and the greed of the factory owners disgusts me. The book was just ok, however. I found myself bored mid way, also tense while I read it because I knew there would be a deadly fire and didn’t know which characters were going to die. The fire doesn’t happen until towards the end so it wasn’t a pleasant read for me. It was educational...it could be or should be in the young adult category. CH
August 24, 2019
Ashes FC
Sharon Gloger Friedman
Published 10/20/18
Historical fiction
5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Ashes is a historical fiction piece that follows a Jewish family’s struggles through their experiences with racism and poverty. I stepped out of my typical fantasy genre to read this book, not knowing what to expect. The story was entertaining right away and I was emotionally invested in the characters before part one of the book even ended. This is the first book in a long time that made me so angry and even brought tears to my eyes at certain points in the story. The author evokes emotions from the reader brilliantly and it was one of the main reasons I absolutely loved this book. The second brilliant aspect about this book was the continuous action that seemed to never stop. It was extremely fun to read; I had a hard time putting this book down! Lastly, this book taught me things I had not known before. Words I did not recognize surrounding the Jewish culture were used, so I looked them up and learned more about the culture. I loved how the book was based on true historical events without being bland. The story intertwined perfectly with the events in a way that made it so much fun to read and learn about. I will most definitely be looking out for more releases from Sharon in the future!
Sharon Gloger Friedman
Published 10/20/18
Historical fiction
5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Ashes is a historical fiction piece that follows a Jewish family’s struggles through their experiences with racism and poverty. I stepped out of my typical fantasy genre to read this book, not knowing what to expect. The story was entertaining right away and I was emotionally invested in the characters before part one of the book even ended. This is the first book in a long time that made me so angry and even brought tears to my eyes at certain points in the story. The author evokes emotions from the reader brilliantly and it was one of the main reasons I absolutely loved this book. The second brilliant aspect about this book was the continuous action that seemed to never stop. It was extremely fun to read; I had a hard time putting this book down! Lastly, this book taught me things I had not known before. Words I did not recognize surrounding the Jewish culture were used, so I looked them up and learned more about the culture. I loved how the book was based on true historical events without being bland. The story intertwined perfectly with the events in a way that made it so much fun to read and learn about. I will most definitely be looking out for more releases from Sharon in the future!
June 28, 2019
Spanning countries and cultures, a tight knit loving family forge ahead in the face of
brutal and difficult times. Set at the turn of the century, the family flees Russia's anti-Semitic raids and slaughter to face the hardships and struggles of surviving in a new land- New York's lower east side.
We follow a young girl uprooted from terror into a new world where she faces abhorrent working conditions. Here she finds her strength, voice, direction and love.
This is a beautifully written page turner with
well developed characters who stay with you well after you have read the last page.
Loved the book!
brutal and difficult times. Set at the turn of the century, the family flees Russia's anti-Semitic raids and slaughter to face the hardships and struggles of surviving in a new land- New York's lower east side.
We follow a young girl uprooted from terror into a new world where she faces abhorrent working conditions. Here she finds her strength, voice, direction and love.
This is a beautifully written page turner with
well developed characters who stay with you well after you have read the last page.
Loved the book!
August 24, 2020
This novel was alternately poignant and homespun, informative and heartbreaking. I became fully invested in the story of Meyer, Sadie and Miriam Raisky, as well as that of their friends and family. Their sorrows were my sorrows, their joys were my joys. The power of Gloger Friedman's voice cannot be understated. As a reader, I felt like I was in good hands even as the subject matter made my heart ache. Knowing that the struggles of this immigrant family mirrored the real life struggles of many in that era added to the rich texture of this story. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it will take you on an incredible journey that, although sad at times, is well-worth it.
April 17, 2019
This is a heartwarming book whose characters take you from a Russia filled with hate and intolerance against Jews. The family immigrates to America and joins other family members in New York City.
They sturuggle for econmic survival, seeking opportunities as they overcome many tragedies. The most wrentching the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The loss of life of dear friends is a struggle for their souls. It is a glimps into the few joys and difficult life of immigrants seeking the opportunities of
America.
They sturuggle for econmic survival, seeking opportunities as they overcome many tragedies. The most wrentching the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The loss of life of dear friends is a struggle for their souls. It is a glimps into the few joys and difficult life of immigrants seeking the opportunities of
America.
July 31, 2019
Sharon Gloger Friedman uses her characters to take the reader on a journey from the pogroms in Russia to the garment district on the lower east side of NY. The characters become your family, your feel their excitement and their pain. The takeaways from this book go far beyond Jewish life on the lower east side- the fight for labor unions and how much they were needed to protect employees, the way female employees were abused and marginalized and the way loving for families supported each other..all major themes in this quick and compelling read.
August 12, 2019
This is the engagingly told story of a Jewish family who endure the tragic consequences of both a pogrom in Russia and the famous 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Telling details bring both the characters and the settings to vivid life, and in spite of the tragic and sometimes horrifying nature of some of its subject matter, the story's overall outlook is life-affirming and a gentle humor has been deftly woven into it as well. I found it a very good read though some of its chapters are better read well before bedtime!
March 11, 2019
A really good story.It takes place in the early 1900's and involves a Jewish girl who escapes from Russia with her parents after a tragedy befalls her family during the pogroms.They come to America to start a new life.The storyline involves her and her friends and includes events surrounding the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York.If you like historical fiction,you will really enjoy this book.
January 26, 2019
Ebook
They escaped from Russia hoping for a better life in NYC. But there wasn’t much work for Jewish immigrants and life was hard. Miri works in the sweatshops making garments for $4 a week. A fire changes everything
They escaped from Russia hoping for a better life in NYC. But there wasn’t much work for Jewish immigrants and life was hard. Miri works in the sweatshops making garments for $4 a week. A fire changes everything
July 22, 2019
I loved this book!! The struggles Miriam and her family had to go through in coming to America for a better life. The heartbreaks they went through. It is really upsetting the way woman were treated at the Triangle Factory! A definite must read!!
August 3, 2019
Ashes by Sharon Friedman is an historical fiction taking the reader from the early 1900s Russia to New York City. The story continues about different women working at the Triangle Shirt Waste Factory. It's very emotional as well as being educational.
August 3, 2019
Ashes is such a well written, well researched novel based on actual events, it should appeal to a large audience. The characters are so well drawn, the reader will share all the emotions, hopes and fears of the characters. Hope we get to read more from this first time author !
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