Ashes Of Roses

Written in 2002 by Mary Jane Auch, Ashes of Roses is a historical fiction novel that follows a young Irish immigrant named Rose Nolan as she comes to New York City with her family. Seeking a better life in America, Rose finds work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. The novel chronicles her experiences as an immigrant and a factory worker and examines the events up to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Through Rose’s eyes, Auch explores themes of immigration, labor rights, and the struggles of the working class in the early 20th century.

This study guide refers to the 2002 Henry Holt and Co, Kindle Edition.

Content Warning: The source material and this guide contain descriptions and scene of sexual assault and a graphic depiction of a large factory fire that involves multiple deaths.

Plot Summary

After two weeks at sea in the crowded steerage compartment of a ship, Margaret Rose Nolan arrives in New York City with her family, which includes Ma and Michael (Da), and her younger siblings, Maureen, Bridget, and baby Joseph. At Ellis Island, the family gets separated. Rose finds the inspections invasive and insulting, but the situation worsens when inspectors bar entry to the baby, Joseph, due to his infectious eye disease.