I am a fan of Second World War ‘inspired by true events’ books and have read many. I have also been to Belgium and visited a number of war related sites so I was always going to have links with this book. That said it is very well written and there are some wonderful single sentences that made me read them a second time.
The story of Simone Lyon and Hava Daniels and their 18 year old perspectives on what was happening to them, their families, their country on the brink of invasion and beyond was beautifully and thoughtfully told. Their naivety and sense of optimism is poignant and their true friendship made me cry on several occasions. The respect and admiration of General Joseph Lyon by local people also touched me. Belgium and their resistance movement is not always highlighted in books of this genre. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read Ashes and would encourage others to take Simone and Hava’s journey too.
The story of Simone Lyon and Hava Daniels and their 18 year old perspectives on what was happening to them, their families, their country on the brink of invasion and beyond was beautifully and thoughtfully told. Their naivety and sense of optimism is poignant and their true friendship made me cry on several occasions. The respect and admiration of General Joseph Lyon by local people also touched me. Belgium and their resistance movement is not always highlighted in books of this genre. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read Ashes and would encourage others to take Simone and Hava’s journey too.