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Title: Ashes of Roses by MARY JANE AUCH ISBN: 0-440-23851-X Publisher: Laurel Leaf Pub. Date: 10 February, 2004 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.77 (13 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Ashes of Roses
Comment: Ashes of Roses is a work of historical fiction that tells of Margaret Rose, a newly-arrived 16 year-old Irish immigrant who desperately desires and struggles to 'become American'. Rose's journey begins in 1911 with her arrival at Ellis Island. Her first job, working in a sweat shop making paper flowers, marks her first step towards self-reliance, but she soon encounters trouble. The owner takes advantage of her innocence and of her need for money, and late one evening physically assaults her. Rose escapes without her pay and only winter coat. The daughter of the Jewish man she rents a tenement room from, Gussie, is a union worker that gives Rose the courage to go back to the sweatshop the next day, get her coat, and demand her pay. Gussie is then able to get Rose a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which pays better. Rose is able to worry a little less and enjoy her youth. She makes friends at the factory, sees a nickelodeon for the first time, and reads her first dime novel. But the real-life tragedy of the factory fire painfully jars her back to the harsh reality of the immigrant's life. (Of the 146 people that die in the fire, many of them are young girls who either jump to their deaths or are trapped in the burning building because of locked doors) Still, Rose finds within herself the strength to hope once again that she'd find America's streets paved with gold, and make a life for herself. "...I was a grown woman now, not somebody's little girl. The fire had changed me. Like a piece of iron in a blacksmith's forge, I had come out reshaped, stronger." Ashes of Roses tackles tough issues of the period like child labor, women's rights, worker's rights, discrimination, racial diversity, and class distinction. But never does one feel like she is reading a history book. Rather, the reader comes to care deeply for Rose, struggling along with her, and wanting desperately for her to succeed. The reader, and Rose, learn much along the way. This book stands alone as a compelling story, as does the author's other highly-praised works of historical fiction, i.e. her pioneer trilogy, Journey to Nowhere, Frozen Summer, and The Road to Home. Ashes of Roses is also a boon to history teachers wanting the past to come alive for their students. Furthermore, the author details the research that went into the making of Rose's story in the Author's Note, so teachers, librarians, and parents alike can feel secure in the knowledge that the people, places, events, and lifestyles portrayed in the novel are historically accurate. This book deserves a place on every library's shelf.
Rating: 4
Summary: A Solid Piece of Work
Comment: Sixteen-year-old Margaret Rose Nolan learns about life in America the hard way. As an Irish immigrant to the U.S. in 1911, she doesn't expect the series of complications that leaves her and her sister alone and fending for themselves in New York City. But little by little, "Rose" (as she calls herself in America) finds that she is managing in this new life. She has a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and is beginning to find friends. Yet will she feel that she still wants to be in America after the tragedy that is soon to befall her?
Auch generally handled her topic and her character with skill. Although I am an avid historical fiction reader who has definitely heard similar stories of immigration and settling in America, good writing and pacing kept this one from seeming "deja vu." Rose and her sister will prove interesting especially to girls who read this novel, since it is fascinating to put yourself in the spirited Rose's "shoes" and see history though her eyes.
And indeed, Rose's spirit carries the novel as well. The first person narrative showcases her steely intelligence and resourcefulness, and her quick thinking and determination make her a suitable heroine. Although I found the author's habit of dropping Gs on words like "walking" (to imitate the Irish accent) a bit annoying, little can detract from the strength of this main character.
Finally, the development of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in the story line was excellent. The author had obviously researched the topic thoroughly, since she described it (of course through Rose's eyes) with a breathtakingly complete but natural narrative. Also fascinating were the many "hard to find" facts about this fire that were seamlessly revealed throughout the book's final chapters.
My only real complaint with this novel was the fact that it seemed to end a little too abruptly. Following the fire, I would have really liked to seem more of what happened to Rose, instead of just finding the end of the novel! Did she become successful in America? Marry? Have children? I felt disappointed to "meet" this strong character and see such a small portion of her life.
In short, "Ashes of Roses" is a skillfully done book with interesting history and a well-drawn character. Especially recommended for upper-elementary/middle school girls.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Great Book
Comment: Ashes of Roses Book Report
By Dylan Schrode
Imagine being in New York in the eighteenth century, with no parents, friends and barely any free time. The alleys are filled with hatred towards immigrants, and nobody recognizes you as an American, just an Irish maggot. From morning to night, you spend your whole day working in a factory for low payments, and then you come home late only to eat a bit of food and get a few hours of sleep before going back to work. Does it seem possible for someone to live like this, as young as age 16?
This horrible setting was very common for immigrants coming to America in the nineteenth century. Rose Nolan, the main character of Ashes of Roses, and her sister Maureen have a little, cramped room to sleep, limited amounts of food, a family across the ocean who they haven't written to, and no friends except their friend, Gussela, when they are in America, while many of us take for granted how we have access to lots of food, a good-sized house, a loving family and friends who care about you.
The setting takes place in New York, where Rose, Maureen and their whole family had originally lived Limerick, Ireland and decided to come to America to seek a better life. While in the customs line, the youngest child of age 3, Joseph, was told that he couldn't make the voyage to America due to trachoma, an ear infection that was real common back then. Roses father, who is referred to as "Da", decides to stay in Ireland with Joseph while Rose, her mom and two sisters, Bridget and Maureen go to America. They stayed with their Uncle Patrick and his family for a couple of months, only to find trouble with Patrick's wife and kids. After moving out of Patrick's house, the Nolan family faces a tough decision, which is leaving America, or staying. In the end, Roses mom and sister Bridget voyage back to Limerick.
The story provides the reader with many twists and turns when Rose meets a Jewish girl named Gussela and her father. Gussela takes Rose and Maureen in and provides them with a job. The story throws another curve in when tragedy strikes Rose and Gussela, and Rose is faced with another decision.
This story has many morals, one of them being to stay strong with your heritage and to hold on to your beliefs even if you are being persecuted or made fun of because your heritage. Rose remains loyal to faith and church despite numerous comments, including people calling her "greenie" and "maggot". Another moral is that even though times are tough, you should be fortunate to be alive because accidents happen, and you should be prepared for the worse. I'm not going to tell an accident in the story because I don't want to give the ending away.
All in all, Rose overcomes many challenges in America and meets a good friend to help her realize her destiny and teach her how to prosper in America. Ashes of Roses is a book on courage, love, friendship, religion and loyalty, which are all important aspects of life. Even though this story is set in an early timeframe, religious hatred and other themes of this book still exist in today's society. This book is a great story, and an insightful way to understand how religion and courage can lead a person to happiness and success, despite all odds.
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