A difficult read about the seemingly inseparable bond between two friends and the harsh brutalities of the Second World War that pulled them - if only physically - apart. Made more poignant, the story is interspersed with true extracts from leaders on both side of the conflict which set the scene as the story unfolds. and yet, despite the realities of war, there are inspiring positive themes of the enduring nature of friendship and love.

A tale of love, life and loss in World War II told from the perspective of a young Belgian girl, the daughter of a General.

I really enjoyed how the novel was interspersed with historical quotations and this helped contextualise the narrative. I found the first 3/4 of the book compelling.  It was an easy read (from an academic perspective, but not always from an emotional one) that had me turning pages.  Unfortunately, much of the imagery and power that was built up was then destroyed by the attempt to draw things together at the end, with a retrospective look on the life of the central character post-war.  I saw the intent of the author but felt rather disappointed with the execution.

I actually think that this book would appeal to a YA audience as an alternative to some of the more modern "love and friendship" texts.

With thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

Set against the monumental events of World War 2, de Vinck tells the moving story of a deep friendship between Simone Lyon, daughter of an heroic Belgian General and Hava Daniels, daughter of a close knit Jewish family.

In their home town of Brussels, the inseparable teenage girls share their dreams, their feelings, their crushes and their follies. They swear their unshakeable loyalty to each other but despite immense courage and determination to survive together, they are cruelly torn apart when Jewish people are separated and sent to be ‘relocated’.

This much, I enjoyed. But the narrative then rushes to cover too much in its final section. Too much happens, personally and internationally and much of the emotional power of the girls’ story dissipates.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperInspire for my pre-release download.

Set in World War 2, this story involves the relationship between Simone, the daughter of a Belgian national war hero, and Hava, a jewish girl. The relationship between these two is the driving force and the successful heart of this novel and I was rooting for them throughout. However, the pace was a little odd- at times it was deathly slow and then lots happened all at once and this was difficult to follow at times and at times I felt the girls got lost in the narrative which was a shame. A good read but It didn't make me delay putting it down to go and do the essential things in life in the way that a great book usually does. 3.5 stars.

This was a very heart wrenching book. The woman went through some horrendous issues. If you like history and war this is worth reading

Ashes is set during World War II, it tells the story of Belgian Simone, daughter of a national war hero and her best friend, Jewish Hava. I have to say I am conflicted about this novel. I love elements of this book, such as the relationship between Simone and Hava but I felt that the story moved at an unsteady pace and was difficult to follow at times. Overall, I like this book but didn't love it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC