Ashes is one of the saddest books I’ve read in a while. The ending actually made me cry. I thought something good was going to happen then the author took out my heart and ate it in front of me while laughing. I was not prepared for that. Ashes is really well written and a great read. Each time I sat down at my Kindle I got lost in Eva’s world. I liked the way the novel is structured with chapters written from Eva’s point of view, Dan who Eva lived with for a while and Carrie-Anne, her real mother. I like reading different perspectives. Ashes is an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it.

Five-year-old Eva is rescued from a burning house by fireman, Dan. The house appears to be otherwise empty, Eva doesn't know anything about herself other than her name, and there is no one at all around to claim her. Because of this, it looks like she will become part of the foster care system. Dan and his wife have been left reeling from the still birth of their baby and are struggling to maintain their marriage. He wonders if taking in Eva would help them to rebuild their relationship. The third story depicted in Ashes is of Carrie-Anne, a depressed alcoholic who lives in a caravan behind the house little Eva has been rescued from. Sleeping through the days, her life appears to be in tatters and she seems reluctant to make the moves to improve it.

Sarah Mitchell-Jackson's new novel is a sensitive and moving story about human resilience. It examines the circumstances that are beyond our control in life, the choices we make as a result of them and the strength people can evoke to change the outcome of their personal paths. I enjoyed the structure of Ashes and how it is written from three different narrative perspectives. I particularly enjoyed the section written by young Eva, and felt this was quite unique. Overall, the narrative is skilfully handled, never seeming messy but interweaved nicely. The language is quite fresh and the prose, at times, insightful. The story flows quite well and resulted in quite an enjoyable read.

This didn't stand out as one of my top reads of 2017 so far, by any means, but to be fair, it is up against some stiff competition. While it didn't blow my mind, I would still recommend Ashes to fans of contemporary fiction. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

A very cute and touching story

This book revolves around the life of Eva, we meet her when she's five years old. A child who wants to be treated like a grown-up, a Matilda-like child. She loves reading, likes her school and learning. Perhaps the only thing that sets her apart from the other children is that she has no real idea of who she is. She just emerged from a burning building and a fireman spotted her. Ever since, she's been trying to find a place to belong.....

This book was a hopeful read, the story is told from the perspective of five year old Eva. This definitely scored the book major points, it's very unique. I can't say I've read anything like it. Eva was a sweet character, who often found herself in lonely situations. Her friendships with Jack and Jordan were adorable and her observations and insights were mature but also quite innocently hilarious. Her story is told alongside the story of Carrie-Anne, a recovering alcoholic who, like Eva, seems to be forgetting something important. We also have Dan's story- Dan was the fireman who helped Eva. He and his wife, Bea, are struggling to keep their marriage strong after facing a huge loss.

It was lovely to see Eva find a place for herself, to see how she shaped the lives of her new family. She was a very well developed, well written, character. It was interesting to see the story unfold, to the point that Eva becomes an almost grown up. I think readers would especially like the linking of the different characters' stories- all in all, the book flowed fluently, and I was quite surprised by the ending and my sympathetic reaction to it I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this brilliant book.

Eva is five years old. She appears out of a house burning. Dan, one of the firemen takes her home for the night. Eva doesn't remember anything but her name. Social Services puts her in one foster home after another. Eva isn't happy that she keeps being moved from one home to the next. It makes her feel very insecure. Dan would like to adopt Eva. He and his wife are mourning the loss of their child but his wife doesn't. Why doesn't she want to adopt Eva? Carrie-Ann is a woman who lives in a caravan. She fights her depression and alcoholism.

The author has writte an excellent novel showing the power of human resistance in spite of what happens to them. There is hope no matter what is happening.

This is a book which retains the reader's attention effortlessly. For its main character,a girl, to have the insights she is accredited with could be doubtful but it rings true. Her circumstances maybe made her unusually perceptive for her age. It works as do the other characters and in particular the charming depiction of the home she is taken into. The ending is unexpected but spares the reader the agony that was expected! This is an unusually understanding piece of work by an adult about a child.