Ever read a book where you just have to give yourself a moment when you finish? This is one of those books. I've given 5 stars but wish I could give more. Follows a friendship between two 18 year old girls Simone and Hava, before and during the 2nd world war. The war is just beginning when they try to escape. Surrounded by German planes causing destruction. People being shot down around them. They still stick together and help each other to stay strong. That's until tragedy strikes... It gave a very vivid picture of what it would of been like back during the war. It pulls you in from the get go. I found i was trying to read it as fast as I could, trying to find out what happens next. Kept me on the edge of my seat, brilliantly written. This is a 100% a must read. Incredibly heartbreaking

I loved this story, I thought it was beautifully written. The story follows Simone Lyon and her best friend Hava Daniels as they try and escape the Nazi German bombs when they invaded Belgium in 1940 during the second world war. The story is about their friendship and the bond that they have and also tells the heart breaking and important story of how Jewish people were treated during this time. I liked how the author included quotes at chapter headings, which added to the story being told and I felt that I learnt a lot from these and they made me think more about this time. It was interesting to hear voices within the story from people living in Brussels as I've mainly read books from the point of view of the British people. The story explores a difficult topic but also shows how brave people were, how there was hope for the future and moments of happiness to hold on to and how not to give up.

"Hitler had not been invited to dinner"....I love this quote!! Ashes is a beautiful and compelling story and written from the point of view of a Belgium community at the breakout of WWII, which in itself gives a refreshing alternative perspective. The story begins as WWII is brewing elsewhere in Europe and Simone is a naive 18 year old who believes that her beloved Belgium will remain unaffected. But with the disappearance of her father and disturbing news reports from around the world, her idyllic life begins to crumble. We follow Simone and her best friend Hava on their journey as they run for their life. Ashes is really well written and I liked the short chapters to keep the pace exciting . I really enjoyed the historic quotes and factual references. This story is inspired by true events and it is humbling to discover what people have experienced.

Ashes is a raw and moving story which illustrates just how powerful the bond of friendship between two people can be, as well as the adversity that can be overcome through having those we love close to us and despite the troubling times in which it’s set, de Vinck still infuses the tale with strength and dreams of one day again living in freedom once again. It's a heart-wrenching tale of hope, survival and friendship during World War Two by an award-winning essayist and is inspired by the author’s true and touching family history. It's July 1939 in Belgium, a mere few months before the start of the war, and Simone Lyon, the daughter of prominent and well regarded Major General Joseph Lyon, is inseparable from her close friend Hava Daniels, who hails from a devout Jewish family. When the war breaks out and the Germans begin their invasion of Belgium, both Simone and Hava devastatingly find themselves separated from their families and must rely on each other for support. When the Nazis start rounding up Jews, Hava is one of the unlucky ones and is taken away with very little idea of what awaits her. Simone vows to find her once the war is over. But will they ever be reunited? Historical fiction set against the harsh and harrowing backdrop of WWII has really taken over the genre of late, however, what particularly drew me to Ashes was the fact that it revolves around a seemingly unbreakable friendship and platonic love rather than a relationship as in most of the others stories. It still tugs at the heartstrings just as much and I found myself moved almost to tears on some occasions and laughing out loud on others. You are taken on an emotional rollercoaster of ups and downs, peaks and troughs as you follow the meanderings and trials and tribulations they come face to face with. The two girls’ lives are brought vividly to life and you can't help but have your heart warmed by their enduring friendship. Set out in short chapters there are little sound bites, or epigraphs, from history at the beginning of each one which immerses you into the compassionate tale right from the start. The descriptions of incidents where they had to escape and evade the Nazi regime were terrifying even for me as merely a reader. It's clear extensive research has informed this narrative and the author has captured the zeitgeist of the time perfectly. Many thanks to Harper Inspire for an ARC.

This book is so beautifully written and has a wonderfully compelling story. I particularly enjoyed the writing style and how descriptive it was, you can really imagine the scenery and characters in your mind. The historical background and evens are well thought out and researched thoroughly. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a good novel. It’s the first book I have read from this author but would happily read something more. I particularly like the cover jacket of this book, it draws your eye to it and is a good attractive feature.