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Girl in the Ashes
GIRL IN THE ASHES takes the reader deeper into the morally gray area of doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. Caught in the now dark City of Lights, with survival a daily challenge. GIRL IN THE ASHES is a Trojan horse into Holocaust education, that seeks to reveal a different view of the atrocities of the occupation through a new lens that allows more and new people into the conversation.
France has fallen to the Nazis and as people flee, Odette Lefebvre uses the chaos to kill men she finds deserving. After succumbing to the sinister charms of the new German doctor running the hospital, Odette must keep her head down to avoid unwanted attention or risk exposing her murderous secret and endangering those she loves. But the secrets of those close to her could unknowingly mean her death.
France has fallen to the Nazis and as people flee, Odette Lefebvre uses the chaos to kill men she finds deserving. After succumbing to the sinister charms of the new German doctor running the hospital, Odette must keep her head down to avoid unwanted attention or risk exposing her murderous secret and endangering those she loves. But the secrets of those close to her could unknowingly mean her death.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2024
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 14, 2024
The opening to Girl in the Ashes by Douglas Weissman is gripping and gruesome, like a scene from Criminal Minds: a seasoned sadistic serial killer inflicting the last vindictive pain prior to dismembering the restrained victim to feed into a kiln. Followed by his clothes and personal belongings to erase all evidence of existence.
Only this isn't the United States, it's Paris in June, 1940, just as German forces assume occupation of the undefended city. And the killer is an embittered young woman, Odette Lefebvre. Her rage was born ten years earlier with the trauma of seeing her mother die; her joy in the kill likely inspired by having killed her mother's molester at that same time; her craft enabled by Odette's neighbour and mother's friend, Agnes, who came to help the pre-teen by showing Odette how to operate the kiln in the building's cellar.
Over time Odette's taste grew for hunting men (and only men) she deemed deserving of such punishment. Lechers, abusers, and the like. Essentially a murdering vigilante. In the novel, men are consistently presented as weak, cowards, dissolute, or all of the above while the women (Odette, Agnes, Ilse) exude strength, giving the novel a feministic slant.
The righteous dark side of Odette is somewhat mitigated by her profession (nurse), her poetic sensitivities, and a willingness to protect and fight for the underdog since childhood. She once aided her polio affected friend, Aloysius (Agnes's son), with some local boys, earning his lifelong adoration. Agnes knows what Odette is up to, even supports it to a degree, but her son is unaware of the beast stirring inside her.
The German presence doesn't stop Odette's activities but does complicate them, especially after a cruel German doctor, Ilse Kohler, takes a special interest in the nurse. Their symbiotic compulsion to murder naturally draws them together to forge a tense cat-and-mouse relationship that propels the main plotline to the novel's conclusion.
But before that plotline solidifies, the story tends to meander and sprawl, with points-of-view and arcs from other characters, minor and major. It's all interesting but gives the sense of a lack of structure in the middle, with chapters and scenes following a rather disjointed chronology. Often there's a jump to the past with one character, to back story, without warning, only to then suddenly return again to the present with another character. It isn't difficult to figure out after a sentence or two, but the transitions could be smoother.
For those who extol the virtues of sensual description, this novel presents a vivid smorgasbord, particularly for the olfactory. For me the plethora of vile and pleasing odours, although well written, was overdone. I'll emphasize that that's for me. I suspect there are many readers who will appreciate it.
As they will, along with myself, how the general atmosphere of occupied Paris is described, with its privations under the oppressive aura of Nazi occupation. The French decision to leave Paris to the Germans meant those who didn't evacuate could functionally go about their lives, just without luxuries and few essentials. The threat of punishment or confinement only existed for the Jews or for those who created trouble.
Only it's not in Odette's nature to not cause trouble, to not fight for those she feels deserve it, not to mention aggressively protect her secrets. This becomes more difficult as her connection with Dr. Kohler grows more uneasily entangled, and as Aloysius starts poking around. Odette's decisions, along with those of other characters, come together to help the novel finish as strong as it started.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Only this isn't the United States, it's Paris in June, 1940, just as German forces assume occupation of the undefended city. And the killer is an embittered young woman, Odette Lefebvre. Her rage was born ten years earlier with the trauma of seeing her mother die; her joy in the kill likely inspired by having killed her mother's molester at that same time; her craft enabled by Odette's neighbour and mother's friend, Agnes, who came to help the pre-teen by showing Odette how to operate the kiln in the building's cellar.
Over time Odette's taste grew for hunting men (and only men) she deemed deserving of such punishment. Lechers, abusers, and the like. Essentially a murdering vigilante. In the novel, men are consistently presented as weak, cowards, dissolute, or all of the above while the women (Odette, Agnes, Ilse) exude strength, giving the novel a feministic slant.
The righteous dark side of Odette is somewhat mitigated by her profession (nurse), her poetic sensitivities, and a willingness to protect and fight for the underdog since childhood. She once aided her polio affected friend, Aloysius (Agnes's son), with some local boys, earning his lifelong adoration. Agnes knows what Odette is up to, even supports it to a degree, but her son is unaware of the beast stirring inside her.
The German presence doesn't stop Odette's activities but does complicate them, especially after a cruel German doctor, Ilse Kohler, takes a special interest in the nurse. Their symbiotic compulsion to murder naturally draws them together to forge a tense cat-and-mouse relationship that propels the main plotline to the novel's conclusion.
But before that plotline solidifies, the story tends to meander and sprawl, with points-of-view and arcs from other characters, minor and major. It's all interesting but gives the sense of a lack of structure in the middle, with chapters and scenes following a rather disjointed chronology. Often there's a jump to the past with one character, to back story, without warning, only to then suddenly return again to the present with another character. It isn't difficult to figure out after a sentence or two, but the transitions could be smoother.
For those who extol the virtues of sensual description, this novel presents a vivid smorgasbord, particularly for the olfactory. For me the plethora of vile and pleasing odours, although well written, was overdone. I'll emphasize that that's for me. I suspect there are many readers who will appreciate it.
As they will, along with myself, how the general atmosphere of occupied Paris is described, with its privations under the oppressive aura of Nazi occupation. The French decision to leave Paris to the Germans meant those who didn't evacuate could functionally go about their lives, just without luxuries and few essentials. The threat of punishment or confinement only existed for the Jews or for those who created trouble.
Only it's not in Odette's nature to not cause trouble, to not fight for those she feels deserve it, not to mention aggressively protect her secrets. This becomes more difficult as her connection with Dr. Kohler grows more uneasily entangled, and as Aloysius starts poking around. Odette's decisions, along with those of other characters, come together to help the novel finish as strong as it started.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2024
A Gripping Tale of Morality and Murder in War-Torn Paris
A Gripping Tale of Morality and Murder in War-Torn Paris
I am a sucker for a thriller, and enjoy TV shows like Dexter, and Hannibal as well as the Novels that they are based on. This love of the Serial Killer protagonist is a guilty pleasure and one that never fails to get my mental machine debating the pros and cons of the morality of these types of protagonists. If you like me love books like the Dexter Series or the Hannibal Lechter Books, then the new thriller Girl in the Ashes by popular new author Douglas Weissman will be a hit with you. This book plunges readers into the morally ambiguous world of occupied Paris during World War II. This once vibrant City of Lights is shrouded in darkness, survival a constant struggle. In this desperate landscape, we meet Odette Lefebvre, a nurse who walks a dangerous tightrope and has a dark secret.
Fueled by a deep-seated desire for justice, the mysterious Odette uses the chaos of war as a cloak for her vigilante killings, targeting men she deems deserving of punishment. But her world is further complicated by the arrival of the enigmatic Dr. Ilse, a charming yet sinister German doctor who takes over the hospital. Odette is forced to navigate a delicate dance, maintaining a facade of normalcy while concealing her murderous past and the dark secret that burns within her.
Girl in the Ashes doesn't simply portray the grand battles and political machinations of war. It brings to life the everyday experiences of those caught in the crossfire, particularly the moral complexities faced by ordinary people.Odette Lefebvre is not your typical wartime heroine. She's a woman grappling with trauma, vengeance, and the burden of her actions. This internal struggle promises a fascinating exploration of human psychology under duress.The arrival of Dr. Ilse adds a layer of suspense to the narrative. Odette must constantly be on guard, fearing exposure and the potential consequences for herself and her loved ones.
If you're looking for a historical fiction novel that goes beyond the well-trodden path, then Girl in the Ashes is definitely worth considering. It offers a fresh perspective on WWII, explores the complexities of wartime morality, and delivers a suspenseful plot with a unique protagonist. However, be aware that the novel deals with mature themes and violence, so it may not be suitable for all readers.
A Gripping Tale of Morality and Murder in War-Torn Paris
I am a sucker for a thriller, and enjoy TV shows like Dexter, and Hannibal as well as the Novels that they are based on. This love of the Serial Killer protagonist is a guilty pleasure and one that never fails to get my mental machine debating the pros and cons of the morality of these types of protagonists. If you like me love books like the Dexter Series or the Hannibal Lechter Books, then the new thriller Girl in the Ashes by popular new author Douglas Weissman will be a hit with you. This book plunges readers into the morally ambiguous world of occupied Paris during World War II. This once vibrant City of Lights is shrouded in darkness, survival a constant struggle. In this desperate landscape, we meet Odette Lefebvre, a nurse who walks a dangerous tightrope and has a dark secret.
Fueled by a deep-seated desire for justice, the mysterious Odette uses the chaos of war as a cloak for her vigilante killings, targeting men she deems deserving of punishment. But her world is further complicated by the arrival of the enigmatic Dr. Ilse, a charming yet sinister German doctor who takes over the hospital. Odette is forced to navigate a delicate dance, maintaining a facade of normalcy while concealing her murderous past and the dark secret that burns within her.
Girl in the Ashes doesn't simply portray the grand battles and political machinations of war. It brings to life the everyday experiences of those caught in the crossfire, particularly the moral complexities faced by ordinary people.Odette Lefebvre is not your typical wartime heroine. She's a woman grappling with trauma, vengeance, and the burden of her actions. This internal struggle promises a fascinating exploration of human psychology under duress.The arrival of Dr. Ilse adds a layer of suspense to the narrative. Odette must constantly be on guard, fearing exposure and the potential consequences for herself and her loved ones.
If you're looking for a historical fiction novel that goes beyond the well-trodden path, then Girl in the Ashes is definitely worth considering. It offers a fresh perspective on WWII, explores the complexities of wartime morality, and delivers a suspenseful plot with a unique protagonist. However, be aware that the novel deals with mature themes and violence, so it may not be suitable for all readers.
January 27, 2024
Girl in the Ashes is a captivating book centered on the life of Odette, a young woman with a scarred past. At a very young age, Odette Lefebvre saw her mother die in the hands of a vile man. Since then, she made it her duty to rid Paris of it's corrupt men. Not women. Not children. Men only. She lured her victims into her cellar where she administered the only justice she knew: death. But since the Germans occupied France, she promised herself to keep a low profile, and she had to remain even more cautious now that her best friend Aloysius, who also happens to be a police officer, is tasked with investigating the disappearance of one of her victims. However, despite her efforts to avoid attention, Dr. Kohler Isle, the new German head doctor, seemed to take a peculiar interest in her. With Isle in the picture, Odette's secrets might just be subject to a looming threat of exposure.
Opinion:
Girl in the Ashes is a really captivating story, set during the German occupation of France. I love how the author portrayed how uncertainty covered Paris at the time. Parisians were not sure what the fate of their country would be. Would they live the rest of their lives in constant fear, unease, and hunger, or would they someday be free from the grip of the Germans? The book is not just about violence and death. It also deals with some deep emotions. Throughout the book, we could see how Odette kept remembering the past. The book kept going back in the past and forward in the present. It shows how Odette couldn't really move on from the past, thus making her shut everyone out of her emotions. Though the story is dark and intense sometimes, it also shows moments of beauty and hope; moments that showed that even the most unlikely of characters could be capable of love. I love that the characters are flawed. Their flaws make the characters feel more real and relatable. Odette wasn't the person others perceived her to be. Aloysius was just a simple character but was also a polio survivor. Agnes, Aloysius' mother, had her own secrets. Even minor characters like the butcher have a story to tell. The tension between Dr. Kohler and Odette made the book even more captivating. It's sure to keep readers hooked
Opinion:
Girl in the Ashes is a really captivating story, set during the German occupation of France. I love how the author portrayed how uncertainty covered Paris at the time. Parisians were not sure what the fate of their country would be. Would they live the rest of their lives in constant fear, unease, and hunger, or would they someday be free from the grip of the Germans? The book is not just about violence and death. It also deals with some deep emotions. Throughout the book, we could see how Odette kept remembering the past. The book kept going back in the past and forward in the present. It shows how Odette couldn't really move on from the past, thus making her shut everyone out of her emotions. Though the story is dark and intense sometimes, it also shows moments of beauty and hope; moments that showed that even the most unlikely of characters could be capable of love. I love that the characters are flawed. Their flaws make the characters feel more real and relatable. Odette wasn't the person others perceived her to be. Aloysius was just a simple character but was also a polio survivor. Agnes, Aloysius' mother, had her own secrets. Even minor characters like the butcher have a story to tell. The tension between Dr. Kohler and Odette made the book even more captivating. It's sure to keep readers hooked
March 16, 2024
I generally enjoy historical fiction in the WWII genre. This book had many of the features that I do enjoy; covering the difficulty trying to live a normal life while being occupied by an enemy and people just getting thru day to day life. I did find this book to be very dark in subject, the relationships were all marred by secrets. It was hard at first to understand what was going on with Odette and why she was doing what she did although that does become revealed throughout the story. I kept waiting for the various characters to be good and it pretty much took until the end to find a ray of sunshine in this story. The story definitely stays with you after reading, I just think it could benefit from a few more bright moments.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I appreciate the opportunity from Book Sirens.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I appreciate the opportunity from Book Sirens.
January 24, 2024
This is amazing book. The subject matter is not uncommon, however the story is. A female serial killer set in wwII in occupied France proved to be fertile ground for this author. The lead character is intriguing, fascinating and scary. Did I say scary. I mean horrifying!
There is ample background for this character as well as other key people in her life.
Then there is what life in France could’ve been like at that time. Not pleasant.
The writing is great! The story is great! I highly recommend this book.
I received this book free as an advanced review copy(ARC).
There is ample background for this character as well as other key people in her life.
Then there is what life in France could’ve been like at that time. Not pleasant.
The writing is great! The story is great! I highly recommend this book.
I received this book free as an advanced review copy(ARC).
January 24, 2024
⅘ ⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So this starts off dark. Like three pages in and a guy is being tortured.
So Odette is a badass, there’s really no other way of saying it. I’m enjoying her relationship with Ali and the dynamic they have going on. The plot runs smoothly, and has good pacing. I didn’t get bored or skip pages. If you like historical fiction, badass women, violence and serial killers, this book would be good for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So this starts off dark. Like three pages in and a guy is being tortured.
So Odette is a badass, there’s really no other way of saying it. I’m enjoying her relationship with Ali and the dynamic they have going on. The plot runs smoothly, and has good pacing. I didn’t get bored or skip pages. If you like historical fiction, badass women, violence and serial killers, this book would be good for you!
August 20, 2024
I loved this although in places it made me squirm and challenged my own thought processes and judgements about right and wrong
I especially liked the ending as it was unexpected
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I especially liked the ending as it was unexpected
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2024
This book was amazing , I loved the blend of historical and crime. I am looking forward to reading more from his author.
May 3, 2024
A difficult narrative
- needed better edited
- did not flow well.
- The story was very fractured and difficult to follow.
- a good story despite the shortcomings
- needed better edited
- did not flow well.
- The story was very fractured and difficult to follow.
- a good story despite the shortcomings
August 21, 2025
a little boring, but still enjoyed it
April 13, 2024
Paris is one of my favorite places to people watch. Walking around the Left Bank, you can't miss the many small plaques bearing the names of those who died trying to liberate the City of Lights from the enemy. Their memories played out as I read Odette's story. Weissman's narrative brought that time into vivid reality. I don't often find myself rooting for the supposed "villain" but Weissman doesn't make it that easy. In a city filled with villains, Odette's actions, while unapologetically dark and gruesome, fit. I highly recommend Girl in the Ashes.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews