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.