From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation

by Tricia Goyer

Book Overview

It is 1945, and a group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is the abandoned wife of an SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she begins to help meet... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802415547
• ISBN13: 9780802415547
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Caught in the Aftermath

As a guy, I'm not drawn usually to fiction featuring the faces of glamorous women. I am drawn, however, to WWII stories. I lived in Austria for a time, and I've visited Matthausen concentration camp with my wife. With that in mind, I couldn't resist checking out "From Ashes and Dust." The story brings together an assortment of characters caught in the aftermath of Hitler's terror. Peter is an American, disturbed by the conditions within the concentration camps. Michaela is a survivor from Poland. Helene is a woman torn by her husband's brutal actions as an SS officer. And Arno is her husband's fellow conspirator, a conniving man with a treasure to uncover. The pace never flags as these lives come together and pull apart. Although God's redemption is central, the story doesn't come across as melodramatic or simplistic. It honors those who lived through the horror of those days. Once again, I'm glad I overcame my silly prejudices. Tricia Goyer writes a wonderful story of pain and evil coming face to face with forgiveness and hope. The WWII veterans' endorsement of this tale encouraged me to read on--rightfully so. The historical and geographical details are rendered with care. Yes, there is some romance, but it is woven into the tragedies of the day and never seems forced. From the ashes of war, Goyer crafts a wise and entertaining story. I look forward to her next effort.

Picky English teacher LOVES this book

From Dust and Ashes is an amazing read. Because I teach the finest literature written, I approach my personal reading skeptically. A book must knock me over to make me keep reading. This novel did just that. The story is compelling. The description is lyrical--it never drags, and it's never forced or sappy. Goyer's research is impeccable. And you find you're quickly rooting for the characters. I can't wait for the author's next book.

Powerful Story

Tricia Goyer takes us on a journey of liberation through the eyes of three very different travelers? an American GI, an emaciated death camp survivor and the wife of a cruel Nazi SS Guard. Goyer draws her characters realistically, with sensitivity and depth. I found myself still reading at 2am, unable to put this book down even knowing I had an early morning meeting. Most WWII novels deal with the war period itself. I found the dynamics of post war even more compelling-- the displacement, the confusion, the power shift, the border changes-- especially since, at the time of my reading, we're watching the confusion of postwar Iraq on the nightly newscasts. It's a case of fiction offering us a richer understanding of reality.Don't miss reading this book.

11th armored Veteran

I have read the book and have never experienced a more emotional trip. Tricia has captured the cheracters in every respect. She has been true to the time and placed and this is because she interviewed many of us at our reunions. Read this book you will never read a better one.

Review of From Dust and Ashes

From Dust and Ashes is a beautifully written story of hope, love, liberation and faith. American soldiers suddenly discover two concentration camps abandoned by Nazi guards. Helene, wife of an SS Guard, is one of the first to take food to the prisoners. Within moments her life becomes entangled with two of the rescued women and an American soldier. Their lives will never be the same. Helene,burdened with guilt,concerned about her future and that of her unborn child and little girl,wonders what will happen when her secret is known. Will they ever be free? Will any of them know peace again? Out of the horror of war, shredded lives, greed of a few, From Dust and Ashes tells a story of freedom, compassion and hope. You will find it difficult to put the book down. You will cry some tears of sorrrow and of joy.