A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and SurvivalEaster 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 … 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.
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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.
My Review of Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman; published by Outskirts Press, Inc.
Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman is a historical fiction novel revolving around the lives of Jewish families in the early 1900’s. Bravo to Sharon for being able to create an indelible story of love and the power of friendship through such tumultuous circumstances. Once again, I am enlightened as to another monumental milestone women in our society have had to overcome. Ashes is a great example of why I love reading historical fiction! I am always learning incredible tidbits of history all the while becoming engrossed in the lives and settings brought to light. Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman is a book I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book through a giveaway. All thoughts are my own.
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This book had me captivated from the first page to the last page!
It is powerful, emotional and caring. I highly recommend this book!!!!
Ashes, by Sharon Gloger Friedman is based on true, albeit heartbreaking events on 2 continents during the early twentieth century. From this backdrop, Friedman skilfully weaves a tale that is full of love, heartbreak, courage and hope. The details she gives are superbly satisfying, and her characters are so well developed, they’re easy to be involved with as they tug on your emotional sleeve; you’ll instantly dislike the bad guys (there are only a few of them) and easily be charmed by and love the good ones!
There is much wisdom to be found in this jewel of a book and I for one would suggest that anybody who enjoys historical fiction RUN not walk to get a copy of Ashes and read it! You won’t be disappointed!
What a great historical fiction novel! “Ashes” by Sharon Gloger Friedman was a book that had me grabbing tissues, and praising the character’s determination to survive. All the characters made the story complete. I felt like I was with them every step of the way. The beautiful writing really set the scene for me. Some scenes were unpleasant to read, but I think they were needed to tell this heartbreaking story.
Imagine seeing your home and business destroyed and being forced to leave it all behind. The Jewish community of Kishinev, Russia is brutalized by the government. It began Easter Sunday, 1903. Some families escape including the Raisky family. They escape on an unimaginable trip across the ocean to America, in the hope of a better life. Was this, the biggest decision of their lives, the right choice?
The author has written an incredible novel with great detail. I appreciate the time the author took in her research as the novel definitely showed her hard work. If you love a good page-turning historical fiction novel, don’t hesitate to open this book for your next read.
~This book was given to me in a giveaway by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
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.
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.
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!
In Ashes, Sharon Glogger Friedman has created a historical fiction novel that comes to life with rich details and believable dialogue. We follow the Raisky family from Russia to New York as they escape the growing antisemitism in Europe. However, as with many immigrants, life here is not as they imagined. As I got to know Meyer and Sadie and their two children, I felt for each of them as they went through their individual and almost constant hardships. There are so many poignant moments in this story that helped me understand their struggles.
Knowing that Ms. Friedman based this on accounts from her own family made this an especially good read. She did her research, and I felt as if I knew the family well by the end of the book. If you wonder how people survive tragedy and injustice, this book is for you. It is truly a book of hope, tragedy, and survival as described.
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.
Awe Inspiring tear jerker. I am at a loss for words to tell you how much I loved “Ashes” by Sharon Gloger Friedman. I’m not sure the English language has the words that I am lacking. I was stunned into silence when I closed this book. I knew that life was not easy for immigrants coming into the United States years ago. I’m not sure I knew how bad some of them had it before they even got on the ship that brought them here and how horrible those conditions were for many of them on the ship. I’m pretty sure these people had more will power and stamina than I ever had.
I was in awe of what they had to do to survive in this country. The hours they worked and the harsh conditions in which they worked and lived. The women in this book withstood sexual harassment and bosses that treated them without concern as if they were not human beings.
It brings tears to my eyes to think of the unsafe conditions they put up with. Doors locked, fire escapes blocked and many safety violations that today would not happen. Labor unions were just beginning and needed to protect the workers rights and safety. Back then there was not social security, unemployment or disability insurance.
The characters wormed their way into my heart and were people I would have been proud to call my ancestors. They were so fully developed, I felt like I had a past with them. I learn a bit about the Jewish faith and the discrimination they lived with.
The research was phenomenal. Sharon Gloger Friedman knows her stuff. If you like historical fiction, you will love this book. It is one I won’t forget and will carry in my heart until my end. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be glad you did.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
This is one of the best historical fiction book I have read. I had no idea about the Shirtwaist factory and the tragedy that occurred. The author has done a wonderful job in researching and bringing in the details about the events that took place. The life of the immigrants who moved from Russia to the US to make a living. The hardships they had to face and the deplorable working conditions they faced. I could empathize with them as the characterization has been done very well. It’s an easy read which keeps one engaged throughout. I came out very educated after reading this book. Thanks Sharon Gloger for your giveaway which I truly enjoyed. I will highly recommend this book!!!
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!!
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.
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
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