From Ashes Into Light

By Gudrun Mouw

A transpersonal tale of epic tragedy, spirituality, family, and personal redemption, this historical novel is told through three distinct voices: the hauntingly tragic story of Ruth, a Jewish adolescent during Kristallnacht in World War II Austria, Saqapaya, a stalwart Native American from coastal California during the time of the Spanish conquest, and Friede Mai who is born during WW II to a Bavarian soldier and an East-Prussian mother. As those around Friede struggle with the inevitable chaos and paradox of war, she opens her heart to gruesome enemies, at times saving her and her family members from atrocities. With war behind them, the Mai family immigrates to the US, where Friede, her veteran father and ex-refugee mother, struggle with the reverberations of trauma. Friede is unable to find inner freedom until she meets her spiritual guide, a Rabbi, who helps her see that the voices from the past are teachers and the horrors of history also contain beacons of light. The three electric characters weave a narrative of raw consciousness, a moving example of transforming the ripple of suffering through the incredible strength of vulnerability.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raincloud Press
• Release date: Feb 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781941203095

Reviews for From Ashes Into Light

[firedrake1942 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am an avid Holocaust fiction reader and looked forward to this book. Whilst this section was well written, as were the others, the crossovers became annoying and a bit new age hippyish - slightly sub Richard Bach really. That said, well constructed and fairly enjoyable. I am not sure why but I now have two copies of this from the publisher!

[mamzel_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was rather disturbed by this book. Let me say that I generally read YA books with the intent of recommending it or discussing it with students. As I read this I couldn't see myself recommending it to anyone. I found it confusing and I thought the settings were possibly gratuitous. Three characters (listed in the order presented in the book) - Ruth (1938 Austria - Kristallnacht - Dachau), Elfriede (born in 1942 of soldier father, vapid mother, victim of incest when older), and Saqapaya (member of Chumash tribe in coastal California during Spanish conquest)A fourth "character" is a phoenix who pops up as an omniscient observer of the three. Also, the story is prefaced by a quote referring to reincarnation.The book switches back and forth between the characters, although one dies and drops out. (I'll give you one guess who). The characters get occasional flashes of each other. One problem I had was that I could not really understand the point of the story. Reincarnation? The horrors of war? Overcoming adversity? The other was the choice of settings. That the third character existed on a different continent and hundreds of years earlier seemed to really clash with the two 20th century European girls. There was a real disconnect for me.I hate to sound flip and dismissive of the trauma suffered by the characters but it really felt like the author just tried to use the worst possible situations to spice up the story.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book did not read well. The concept of the plot was intriguing, but the flow was very choppy. I recommend some serious polishing!

[ravennight-2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

"I try to push away these reflections, but my mind rides a locomotive. There's no stopping, no getting off, and all the dispatches bring discouraging news."I received this book through the Library Thing early reviewers program. I was very excited to start this book. The concept was very interesting. I was expecting something amazing from it, especially since the idea of it being from multiple historical perspectives was fascinating. I must say I was extremely disappointed.The perspective of The Phoenix was intriguing and I was expecting it to tie in very well. But adding that perspective only made it confusing. It was a nice idea, but not very well executed. Also, it was very hard to follow the time that the chapters are set in. Mouw introduced each chapter with the name of the character whose perspective was being represented. But, each chapter seemed to jump through years and wasn't specific on them. Friede was a baby, then suddenly was three. Then, there was story for and unspecified amount of time and she was thirteen. It didn't even mention when WWII was over, so I was very lost when suddenly it was very far in the future.I wish I could say I loved this book, but most of it was lost on me...

[toades_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received book from LibraryThings early reviewer and I must admit it confused me at some points. It held my interest as the 3 stories intertwined, some sections more than others. I did put the book away for awhile and then tried to read it again. Did much better the 2nd time. I feel that it just wasn't the type of fiction I usually read. For someone who wants to read not just light fiction, this is probably a very good book.

[junipersun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is unlike most novels; I enjoyed the new perspective this book gave me tho this book might be quintessentially for Scorpios (whose sign is also the Phoenix).This explores a source of hope, which is not connected with any religion, for a few people in times of crisis. The phoenix's presence is more like an unearned grace, whose words of encouragement, strength, and love are discernible only by a few people, yet it cannot change the crisis.While I enjoyed the book, I'm not sure the connection between Saqapaya and the two European girls is clear, and the revelation Friede learns seems so self-evident to me that the climax of the story is almost pointless. Despite this criticism, I would still encourage others to read this book. There aren't many written which handles this spirituality so well, and the author well develops the lives of the families under Naziism & ensuing consequences.

[utacraft · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book fro Librarything early review in exchange for an honest review.I tried hard to like this book, but with the characters placed in three different places it was hard to connect the story. The storyline overall was well written, I enjoyed each individual story..I give this book 3 stars.

[momweaver · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed each individual story. The characters were well written and the story lines were very compelling. However, I didn't care for the use of the phoenix to join the characters and connect the stories. It's use caused the characters to see light and draw strength during times of extreme stress. To me, this trivialized the pain suffered by the actual victims of these atrocities.

[georgiapeach47 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Have never read anything by Gudrum Mouw. This is a historical fiction and well written. I would saythis was well researched for its historical part.I did find it a moving story of three different time periods and three different people.The story is of hardship, faith and family strength that holds one together.Ruth is a young Jewish girl during World War 2 Austria, Then we meet Saqapayawho is a native American living during the time of the Spanish conquest. Last thereis Friede Mai who is born during World War 2.The story tells us of each life and how it effects them. We see the suffering that eachmust endure. The effect and straights of family that will hold them together.I would recommend this

[swampwoman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Captivating and very well written. Will look for more books by Gudrun Mouw :)

[alisonmitchell1-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This timely novel weaves three main characters and a phoenix into a lovely, painful story about human nature. We meet First People Saqapaya during the Spanish Conquest, Jewish Ruth during WWII, and ultimately Friede, who is born in Germany during WWII and endures horrors then and later after immigrating to America. Especially now, with worldwide focus on Syrian and other refugees, the stories of Saqapaya, Ruth and Friede remind us that good can triumph over evil, but it's not easy -- and it's everyone's responsibility.At first, I found this book hard to read -- I was more in the mood for something light and easy. However, by halfway through I was so invested in each individual story, as well as the way the ultimately come together, that I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book with the caution that each character experiences traumas that readers will wish never happened, in fiction or history.

[samanthas37 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If you like stories that keep you questioning what is going on and how everything will fit together, then this book is for you. Well, these four books are for you. This 235 page book is divided up into four parts. I'm still debating whether or not it is warranted or not.From Ashes Into Light follows four characters (Ruth, Saqapaya, Phoenix, and Friede) as they go about their lives that are filled with trauamtic and tragic events. Yet despite being in different tie periods, they are all connected on some sort of spiritual level. Which is kind of explained but at the same time is still a little confusing for me. Sometimes the story focuses on one character whereas other times it will have two of them in a chapter. Almost like they are observing the events of the other person's life but at the same time they know of the observing character's presence. Which got confusing for me a couple of times due to the switch in perspectives.Overall, the story and characters are genuinely interesting. You learn to feel for them while hoping the story ends on a good note. But I'm not gonna spoil that for you. The only thing I wish they did was put footnotes in the margins for the terms. There are lots of things I didn't understand in that book that you had to go to the back of the book to find the answer to. So it broke the illusion of the story. If you like fictional/historical mind benders then this book will be right up your alley.

[daffydownd1lly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the writing of this book from page one but it took me a bit to grasp the flow and interconnection. Even so, the stories of each of three individuals were interesting on their own and I could feel the Phoenix pulling them together. All three stories are about persons who have been mistreated by others, judged by others who don't know them. All the stories interweave to bring us to the conclusion that we should accept people for who they are even if they are different. Keep an open heart and an open mind.

[mommom46 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With thanks to LibraryThing for providing "from ashes into Light" by Gudrun Mouw to preview. More like a fable than a novel,highlighting man's inhumanity against man and Mother Earth. Three different voices from different times and places are guided by a phoenix watching over them. A tragic story of Ruth during the Holocaust, Saqapaya a Native American Indian during the time of the Spanish conquest and Friede,a sexually abused immigrant from Germany in the 1940's.I highly recommend this beautifully written book.

[bibliophileofalls · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was quite well written, much was poetic and touching. The differing protagonists gave it a wider view and made one think how many historical tragedies have so much in common. It also made me think that all through history, we have made great strides in some regard but practically no progress in learning tolerance, love for our fellow people and how to put as much energy into peace as we put into war.

[jgoto_4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In From Ashes into Light, Gudrun Mouw uses lyrical prose to focus on the lives of three people: Ruth, a Jewish child in 1930's Berlin, Friede, born in East Prussia during the WWII years, and Saqapaya, a Native American who lived during the early European settlement of North America. The fourth character in the story is the mythological and immortal Phoenix, who watches these characters, helping them, and rising out of the dust when their spirits are reborn. The three characters in the story never meet, but have visions of each other that help them through their difficulties. Mouw's use of language is poetic as she explores the themes of suffering, hope, and continuity.

[karconner · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of this book from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review. The book is an attempt to merge the stories of three individuals through a transcendental or new age element, the Phoenix. Unfortunately, I don't feel it merge smoothly. I enjoyed the story of Ruth and of Friede but felt the story of Saqapaya fell short. At times I had difficulty following the plot and the connections the author was trying to make. When reading the narrative that did not include the new age part, it was clear and enjoyable. However, the transcendental parts felt a bit contrived sometimes.

[jeanomario · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

ER program: All of the components for intriguing, uplifting themes is present in this book, but the writing is not skilled enough to pull it off. The parallels could be linked and flowing, but instead the prose moves in fits and starts. It never gets to the "light," unfortunately.

[nancynova · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

A copy was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.New Age type of fiction. The author interweaves a Native American's story during the Indian Wars, Ruth in early WWII Europe and Frieda in East Prussia through the 60s in America with a visionary Phoenix popping in here and there. Unfortunately, it doesn't work very well. The ending of Friede seems very hurried and forced, as if the author wants to tie everything up with the visions/reincarnation bit.

[samantha100_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be structured in an interesting way. The characters are placed in three different places, but are connected by a Phoenix. Their stories are compelling and the book is well written.

[beammey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Overall, I thought thought this was a good book with interesting and developed characters. The story line(s) were well written and intriguing. This book hooks you on the first page and you can't help but wonder what's going to happen. I really enjoyed this one. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[jenn88-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is about strength, courage, spirituality, hope, remembrance and tragedy. It is told by:

Ruth - a Jewish adolescent growing up in Austria during the holocaust.
Saqapaya - a Stalwart Native American in California during the Spanish conquest.
Elfriede Mai - born during World War II to a Bavarian soldier and a East-Prussian mother. Her whole life she has been haunted by memories that are not her own. Friede and her family eventually immigrate to the United States where she meets her spiritual guide, a Rabbi, who helps her find inner peace.

Their stories were palpable and for the most part they were really good. I didn't like the Phoenix in the beginning, but I got used to it. The author's imagination and creativity are wonderful.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From Ashes Into Light by Gudrun MouwFrom Ashes into Light is a compelling story for three people. Ruth, a Jewish adolescent during Kristallnacht in Austria. Saqapaya, a Native American from California during the time of the Spanish conquest. and Friede Mai, born during World War II to a Bavarian soldier and a East-Prussian mother.Beautifully written, told through each ones voice, we learn of their hardships, joy, fear and love. The struggles that they go through are not easy, and seeing how each handles their situation, is emotional, and compelling. Overall I (greatly) enjoyed From Ashes Into Light and highly recommend to all.*I recieved this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review

[wildrequiem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is very transcendent in nature — it's historical fiction, but also spiritual fiction, though its tone isn't religious. Reading the book is reminiscent of meditating or yoga. The author is a very descriptive writer and paints imagery that makes you feel like you're floating above your very existence. The messages this book portrays on prejudice, intolerance, war, and endless cycles of human suffering hits pretty close to home because I am reading this a week after Donald Trump won the election.I do wish that the stories of the three characters in this book were more closely connected; at the same time, I understand the experimental nature of this book.

[loisb-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are three basic story lines: Ruth, a young Jewish woman during WW II, Friede, a baby born during WW II, and Saqapaya, a Native American during the Spanish conquest of California. It was difficult following the story lines and wondering where they would converge. I'm still having difficulty with that!I think any one of the story lines was worthy of a novel on its own. I did not like the combination of the three and didn't feel the convergence was adequately addressed.

[macygma · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I tried so hard to like this book but I just couldn't do it. Maybe you will love this novel of WWII and Native America and i hope you do. It has some good parts but I couldn't get past the Phoenix parts of the story.

[chive_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book tells the story of three people, Ruth, a Jewish girl living in Austria at the start of WWII, Elfriede, a German girl growing up in post WWII Germany and Saqapaya, a Native American mystic living during the colonisation of the USA. The story weaves between the characters through a mystical phoenix who becomes part of their lives.All three people would have been interesting to read about, I thought Elfriede was the most complete character. However, although generally I'm not opposed to a bit of mysticism, I felt that this aspect of the novel didn't hold together. It seemed almost clichéd.The book was also written mostly in the present tense, particularly those chapters relating to Ruth. This made it very halted and it didn't flow particularly well.

[catscritch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At first, the disruption in time and space had me off balance, but the more I read, the more I understood Phoenix’s journey, love and protection of Sqapaya, Friede and Ruth. Through his rising, we come to see how sorrow, love, fear and life while not the same, are shared by one and all. Some feel and benefit from this connection better than others and even manage to temporarily escape the worst of life to maintain their sanity. But it is possible Phoenix may save his kind guidance for the best of us or those who have no one else to bear witness to their suffering. Truly a moving read. An advanced copy of this book was provided for an honest review.

[david.a.rainey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book revolves around 3 central characters. All three central figures experience terrific injustices which the author connects you to thoroughly. You feel their pain, sorrow, and also the love these characters have in their hearts. The scenarios jump around from one character to another. Some don't like this, but I found it much to my liking. I have only a small amount of time to read a couple of times a week, and this format worked well for me. I especially enjoyed the mysterious bird found in each story. I received a free copy of this novel, but it did not influence my opinion. I would recommend this book to anyone.