Out of the Ashes: The Mothers Love That Healed the Scars of the Bali Bombings

by Megan Norris

Out of the Ashes is the inspirational story of an Australian mother’s journey back from hell after the 12 October 2002 Bali bombings. The deadly terrorist attacks on Paddy’s Irish Bar and the Sari Club in Kuta’s party precinct claimed the lives of 202 innocent people, and maimed and injured hundreds more.The holiday of a lifetime turned into their worst nightmare for Australian nurses Bronwyn Cartwright and Therese Fox. Tragically, Bronwyn, 28, perished in the deadly bomb blast which ripped through Paddy’s Irish Bar. Therese survived, but suffered such horrific burns that doctors believed she would not survive a flight home to Australia.This is the story of her fight to get home to her children, and her long road to recovery. Therese’s story is interwoven with the tales of others who were there, detailing the horrors of that night and the long journey of healing for all those involved – and their families.Out of the Ashes is ultimately a story of hope, belief in the power of love, friendships forged in fire, and the extraordinary courage of a woman doctors nicknamed The Miracle of Bali.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook

428 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2022

About the author

Megan Norris is a UK-born journalist experienced in the criminal justice system. Her career in journalism began in 1976 as a reporter in the UK covering courts, police rounds and general news. Later specialising in court coverage, she wrote about the impact of crime on victims and their families. She has covered stories including the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre and some of Australia's most high-profile serial killers and stalkers.

She lives in Melbourne, Victoria, with her husband Stephen and their two sons Peter and Alex.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that shares a remarkable journey of love, endurance, determination, heartache, friendship and miracles. Megan Norris beautifully crafts intertwined stories related to the fight for survival of Therese Fox, a young mother who was enjoying a lovely Bali holiday with her dear friend. Minutes after she walked into a bar in Bali a suicide bomber, changed her world and hundreds of others in a split second. With over 85% burns to her body, Therese Fox defied all odds. A book that will touch the hearts of so many and a story that needs to be shared.

[Stacey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book that tells the amazing survival story of young Australian woman Therese Fox and the people responsible for saving her life in the Bali Bombings. Author Megan Norris is an experienced true crime journalist. She combines a plethora of well-researched historical facts with the human tragedy and emotions of the victims, and all involved. Her passion for Therese's story is palpable on every page.
Highly recommend.

[Emily Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary true story of survival. Megan Norris has incredible skill in writing the stories of people who have experienced life-changing events and weaves in journalistic detail to give the full picture. Therese Fox is a miracle survivor of the Bali Bombings and her determination and recovery is incredible. You’ll shed tears when you read this book and also get a comprehensive understanding of the efforts of so many people to help those impacted by the shocking Bombings in 2002.

[Katelyn Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a window into an incredible personal journey. It was humbling, heartbreaking yet inspiring. Therese’s story helps you appreciate the kindness of strangers while reflecting on your own personal attributes. Having previously been an Aussie tourist in Bali, this allowed me to appreciate the events that unfolded during this time. The Victims, the Good Samaritans and the Aus Government; their stories of this monumental event need to be heard and this book provides them a voice. An emotional and inspirational read - Therese, thank you for sharing your remarkable journey.

[Suzanne Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read. Certainly gave a clearer insight into what Therese and the other victims went through. So many heroes in this story.

[Jessica Fealy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartbreaking read of tragic events. Having been to Bali a number of times I could picture the events on the book very clearly. Lots of typos which was a little annoying. Lacked a bit of heart or connection for me.

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story but poorly written. This book needed heavy editing and complete restructure. Very tedious reading at times, repetitive, long winded. And so many inappropriate exclamation marks!! I do not rate this writer at all and will never read anything she’s written again. I’ve only given the book a high 4 stars for the incredible story and my admiration for Therese Fox, otherwise it would have been 2 stars.

[Kylie Kraus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an interesting and emotional book. It really opened my eyes to the Bali bombings and Therese Fox's miraculous survival. Therese suffered incredibly and her long and painful battle to heal - physically and mentally - was very well documented.

This novel explores how the bombing impacted so many people around Therese including her children and ex-husband, as well as the family of her friend Bronwyn who sadly perished in the blast. I enjoyed hearing how Cath and Rada who had been with Therese on that awful night had kept up the friendship over the years and how the bombing had affected them. I felt so much admiration for Therese's mother for her ever-faithful dedication and of course for Therese for never giving up.

This book may not be for everyone, as it is depicts a real and devastating and dreadful event as well as death and trauma but in the end you are left inspired by Therese's courage and persistence.

Thank you to Big Sky Publishing and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read this book.

[Ken Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most people I thought I knew a lot about the Bali bombing - until I read this book. Ms Norris has done a remarkable job, not only of forensically digging down to the core of what happened on that terrible day, but of presenting the overwhelming mass of evidence in an engrossing and readable fashion that kept me glued to the very last page. Even more remarkable is the fact that along the way Norris managed to recreate and present the very real human heart of the story - not only that of the miraculous survival and even more miraculous recovery of Therese Fox - but also the stories of so many previously unknown and unsung people who helped Fox and other survivors on that day.
This book is a tour de force.

[lelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable story of a remarkable woman! Reading recounts from others at this devastating time and how their lives were interwound was quite frankly destroying to the heart!

This book is amazing, because of the story we’re being told, and would recommend it! Seeing the memorial in Kuta a few years ago now, brought me to tears and took my breath away! It certainly brought home the tragedy of so much loss of life, suffering and the bravery of all the people who made it through the pain and countless time away from family recovering from the ordeal, that will haunt them forever…

I wished I could give it 5* - for Terese et al. I felt author let it down a little by confusing paragraphs and chapters (probably rushed editing).

[Sandy Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

The twentieth Anniversary of the Bali Bombing has just past so I was pretty keen to read Therese Fox’s story as she is a true survivor. I have mixed emotions about the book though as I found 60 to 70% had very little to do with her but more with the two ladies who stayed with her whilst she was in the Bali Hospital.
I wanted to know more about Therese and her thoughts and treatments and how she survived. When I did see Therese on 60 minutes, it broke my heart and I guess I wanted the emotion that evoked. It wasn’t a book I could really sink my teeth in.

[C W · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of survival - emotional, insightful and ultimately uplifting.
This beautifully-told book takes you a journey of a young Australian woman who like millions of others, took a trip to Bali with a friend and was caught up in an unimaginable act of terror.
Her injuries were horrendous and the impact on her life - and those around her - was profound. She wasn't expected to live, let alone regain her independence.
But driven by love for her children, she clung to the rollercoaster to survive.
You won't be able to put this book down.

[Felicity Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows the incredible human spirit that emerges when put to the ultimate test. It also proves that there are angels that walk the earth.
An amazing story that left me at times in tears for the sheer insanity of the reason behind the bombings and the heartache of the aftermath.
My son and daughter were in Kuta, Bali during the 2005 bombing and I know the absolute heart stopping fear, until making contact with them during the night.

[Tamara Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for restoring faith in the human race

What an absolutely heartfelt read. From start to finish, I was shocked, and saddened, yet truly inspired. To read the stories of Aussies who survived such unimaginable horrors is gut wrenching but also so inspiring. No matter what, that Aussie spirit and human kindness never fails.
I am inspired to be a better person for reading this and thank everyone involved ❤️

[Kellie M Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring story of survival and resilience told beautifully by Megan Norris. Therese Fox is a courageous woman who demonstrates the incredible power of a mothers love and the true Australian spirit. A great read.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book about the strength of the human spirit. Full review here https://www.marinamaxwellauthor.com/b...

[Pam Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing story of resilience and love. Unfortunately, despite being written by a journalist, it isn't well written and edited. But the emotions and lessons come through anyway.

[Gemma W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down, a great read and a compelling story.