Ash

Holly Thompson
Stone Bridge Press (2005)
ISBN 1880656655
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (2/07)

Caitlin Ober returns to Japan as an English teacher.  Years prior, Caitlin and her family lived in Japan where she became close friends with Mie.  The two were inseparable planning to marry brothers so that they could some day live in the same home together.  The tragedy of Mie’s death by accidental drowning has burdened Caitlin for all these years and affected both families.  Caitlin’s mother blamed her husband for Mie’s death; he was in charge of the children that terrible day.  The tragedy has harmed her, Caitlin’s parent’s marriage, her sister’s mental health and Caitlin feels unworthy of love and cannot maintain a romantic relationship.   She is an obsessive swimmer spending hours and hours swimming. Caitlin is hopes that by returning to Japan she can overcome the guilt that so encumbers her.

Caitlin’s Japanese boyfriend, Hiroshi, is a windsurfer.  Hiroshi questions Caitlin about her obsessions but she refuses to share her true torment with him.

Caitlin becomes involved with Naomi, an unhappy 15- year old.  Naomi is half-Japanese and half-American struggling to come to terms with her dual identity. She doesn’t want the responsibility but feels compelled to assist the young girl.   Eventually the two visit Mie’s family.  Caitlin begins the journey to forgive herself for not being able to save her friend’s life.  Naomi begins to mature and looks outside herself and brings comfort to Caitlin. 

“Ash” by Holly Thompson is a heart-wrenching story.  The characters are well-developed and powerful. The characters linger in your mind long after finishing the book. The plot is hauntingly beautiful and well worth reading.  

Make comment on weblog