I was pleasantly suprised by this book, by Mary Jane Auch. I don’t know what I expected; but the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 just wasn’t something that really seemed interesting to me. However, this was a really engaging book. I think Auch did a good job portraying the motivations of immigrants — the main character, Rose, is an Irish immigrant — and the hardships they endured when they first got to New York City. Rose is left virtually stranded; her brother is turned back at Ellis Island because of a disease, so her father took him back to Ireland. Her mother, who didn’t want to come in the first place (I liked that aspect) gave up after a few weeks and left too. That left Rose to find her way. The book is intriguing, but slow for a while as she gets set up. I think Auch hits upon lots of interesting themes: the sweatshop environment, the clash between different immigrant factions, the union movement. And then there’s the fire. There’s some pretty intense chapters near the end. It ended almost abruptly, but with some hope for Rose and her new life here. A good read.
The Book Nut 
Salante! A fellow book lover! How pleased I am to meet your online countanence in these Philistine web site that pose as “personal expression.” Sice I am also a book lover, I would like to extend to you, the hand of friendship. Please, what are your favorite books? Authors? Genres? Thank you for your interesing blog.
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I share Austin’s enthusiasm about finding a fellow book lover (I literally just kept hitting the “next blog” button). I enjoyed reading your reviews, and look forward to more from you in the future. Swing by my blog anytime you like – though, I must warn you: it is quite boring at the moment.– Adam AKA Isorion
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Wow… new readers! Welcome! I’m glad you like what you’ve seen so far. Austin — all my favorites are listed on the side bar. I’m a pretty selective reader, and read a lot of youth fiction (and fantasy). I’m always amazed when people like what I’ve written. 🙂 As always, any suggestions are more than welcome.
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I just finished reading this book for a school project, and I thought it was going to be very boring, but instead this book was amazing, and very hard for me to put down! I finished it in 2 days! I couldn’t stop reading it, and now I’m sad I finished, I want more!
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i have a question about the book. What happens in the end? Do Joe and The Dad come back? I read half of it and got bord.
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hey anonymous! I was wondering did you do the project called historical fiction?
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i read ashes of roses for a school project. and i loved it so much i read it in hours. but i just wish there would be a bit more to the ending. it was like “gussie died, and i’m so happy maureen is alive. my life is filled with hope. the end.”
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I read this book also for a school project. I loved it.
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