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Fiery Girls
Two young immigrant women. One historic strike. And the fire that changed America.
In 1909, shy sixteen-year-old Rosie Lehrer is sent to New York City to earn money for her family’s emigration from Russia. She will, but she also longs to make her mark on the world before her parents arrive and marry her to a suitable Jewish man. Could she somehow become one of the passionate and articulate “fiery girls” of her garment workers’ union?
Maria Cirrito, spoiled and confident at sixteen, lands at Ellis Island a few weeks later. She’s supposed to spend four years earning American wages then return home to Italy with her new-found wealth to make her family’s lives better. But the boy she loves has promised, with only a little coaxing, to follow her to America and marry her. So she plans to stay forever. With him.
Rosie and Maria meet and become friends during the “Uprising of the 20,000” garment workers’ strike, and they’re working together at the Triangle Waist Company on March 25, 1911 when a discarded cigarette sets the factory ablaze. 146 people die that day, and even those who survive will be changed forever.
Carefully researched and full of historic detail, “Fiery Girls” is a novel of hope: for a better life, for turning tragedy into progress, and for becoming who you’re meant to be.
In 1909, shy sixteen-year-old Rosie Lehrer is sent to New York City to earn money for her family’s emigration from Russia. She will, but she also longs to make her mark on the world before her parents arrive and marry her to a suitable Jewish man. Could she somehow become one of the passionate and articulate “fiery girls” of her garment workers’ union?
Maria Cirrito, spoiled and confident at sixteen, lands at Ellis Island a few weeks later. She’s supposed to spend four years earning American wages then return home to Italy with her new-found wealth to make her family’s lives better. But the boy she loves has promised, with only a little coaxing, to follow her to America and marry her. So she plans to stay forever. With him.
Rosie and Maria meet and become friends during the “Uprising of the 20,000” garment workers’ strike, and they’re working together at the Triangle Waist Company on March 25, 1911 when a discarded cigarette sets the factory ablaze. 146 people die that day, and even those who survive will be changed forever.
Carefully researched and full of historic detail, “Fiery Girls” is a novel of hope: for a better life, for turning tragedy into progress, and for becoming who you’re meant to be.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2021
21 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books286 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 17, 2021
This book is so well written! It gave me all the Kristin Hannah vibes regarding the writing, the characters (women focused, historical fiction, strong female characters, realistic plot based on true historical events).
Exceptional writing I would say. Once I started reading the first page,I just couldn't stop until I reached a point where I had to stop to sympathize with the characters. They become so close and dear to you the more chapters you read.
The story is fast-paced for a historical fiction. The characters are upbeat. There's this way of writing that makes you wonder what's coming in the next sentence and that's why I wouldn't complaint if it was more longer!
Reading the entire book made me feel so empowered. These women characters (Rosie and Maria) from whose POVs the story is being told, are amazingly represented. Both characters shine throughout the read inspite of the way they were mistreated and under worse circumstances.
This book just made into my best reads of 2021!
Thank you, author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
This book is one of the best books that comes out in 2021!
Exceptional writing I would say. Once I started reading the first page,I just couldn't stop until I reached a point where I had to stop to sympathize with the characters. They become so close and dear to you the more chapters you read.
The story is fast-paced for a historical fiction. The characters are upbeat. There's this way of writing that makes you wonder what's coming in the next sentence and that's why I wouldn't complaint if it was more longer!
Reading the entire book made me feel so empowered. These women characters (Rosie and Maria) from whose POVs the story is being told, are amazingly represented. Both characters shine throughout the read inspite of the way they were mistreated and under worse circumstances.
This book just made into my best reads of 2021!
Thank you, author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
This book is one of the best books that comes out in 2021!
June 9, 2021
So here’s a book with a great story, interesting characters (some likeable, some boring), a superfluous romance, a heart-breaking tragedy, great research into a historical event, and decent writing. As is evident, there are many things I loved about this book, and many I found a drag. But first…
Story:
Fiery Girls comes to us from two perspectives and is written in first person:
1. Rosie Lehrer, a Russian Jew who is sent by her parents to America to earn some money so that they all can escape their troubled lives in Russia. Rosie is a shy sixteen year old who uses her sewing skills to get a job in a waist (a shirt-blouse) making factory. She is greatly influenced by Clara, a colleague-cum-staunch-unionist and soon helps out in union activities against the wishes of her parents.
2. Maria Cirrito, a sixteen year old Italian whose parents send her to America with her elder brother Vincente. The plan is for them both to work there for four years, earn enough money and then return to Italy where Vincente can set up his business and Maria can settle into matrimony. Maria however has other plans; she simply wants to earn enough to get her secret boyfriend to America. Life in the States works better than she expected and she enjoys the freedom. Her gutsy nature initially makes her look down on unionists but soon she realises that they have an important role to play.
Through the eyes of these two young girls, we get a glimpse into the America of the 1909-1911 period, the struggles of the immigrants, the working conditions in the garment factories, the tragic fire in the Triangle Waistcoat factory, and the rise of women power in the unions.
The title is dually nuanced. It indicates the fiery, rebellious nature of these young immigrants who strive to make the best of their circumstances. And it also hints at the fire that destroys the lives and/or livelihoods of these girls.
Where the book clicked for me:
• Yet another book that served to enlighten me about a historical milestone of the past. Some of you might have heard the 1911 Triangle Waist Company Fire, one of the largest industrial disasters in the United States. I hadn't. So this book offered a painful insight into that tragedy. I was sobbing hard while reading about the fire and its aftermath, and that is a rarity! I hardly ever cry while reading.
• The writing is mostly quick-paced, so the 300+ pages go by very fast. The main exception is around the 50-60% mark where nothing new seemed to be happening.
• There are so many things today's working women (and men) take for granted but the roots of all these safety protocols were instilled by the men and women of the past. It is said that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. This adage is proved time and again in this story. I loved the way it revealed the role of the unions in ensuring fairness for all employees. Most stories tend to focus only of the negatives of unionism. This was a pleasant change.
• The picture the book painted of the working women in 1909 was an eye-opener. While we all know the struggles women have undergone to be part of the workplace, the author deftly reveals what these women must have undergone, especially as they were always supposed to follow whatever their families wanted.
• I enjoyed the build-up of Marie’s character. She was spunky, stubborn, and strong-willed, everything a woman in 1909 wasn’t supposed to be. Her character growth was the most impressive and she proved to be a woman of substance underneath her seemingly selfish exterior.
• This line: “We girls and women will never be respected unless we stand up for ourselves. The men aren't going to do it for us, after all. Why should they give us rights when it means they'll have less power over us? We will have to take those rights.” Clap, clap, clap!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
• Sometimes, the plot become repetitive, especially in Rosie's thoughts. It might have been a way for the author to indicate how under-confident Rosie was about her abilities. But the same thing repeated over and over can just drive you nuts.
• The romance between Rosie and another character was needless. Whatever bond they had would have worked well even through friendship.
• Rosie was so whiny! She could have been so much more with her intelligence but her character seems to be stuck in the same emotional position from start to almost end.
(I guess all my problems with the book are focussed on Rosie!)
To sum it up, I think this can be a good one-time read as it offers a well-researched plot and brings to modern readers a forgotten tragedy of the past.
A 3.5 from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and Heather Wardell, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
Story:
Fiery Girls comes to us from two perspectives and is written in first person:
1. Rosie Lehrer, a Russian Jew who is sent by her parents to America to earn some money so that they all can escape their troubled lives in Russia. Rosie is a shy sixteen year old who uses her sewing skills to get a job in a waist (a shirt-blouse) making factory. She is greatly influenced by Clara, a colleague-cum-staunch-unionist and soon helps out in union activities against the wishes of her parents.
2. Maria Cirrito, a sixteen year old Italian whose parents send her to America with her elder brother Vincente. The plan is for them both to work there for four years, earn enough money and then return to Italy where Vincente can set up his business and Maria can settle into matrimony. Maria however has other plans; she simply wants to earn enough to get her secret boyfriend to America. Life in the States works better than she expected and she enjoys the freedom. Her gutsy nature initially makes her look down on unionists but soon she realises that they have an important role to play.
Through the eyes of these two young girls, we get a glimpse into the America of the 1909-1911 period, the struggles of the immigrants, the working conditions in the garment factories, the tragic fire in the Triangle Waistcoat factory, and the rise of women power in the unions.
The title is dually nuanced. It indicates the fiery, rebellious nature of these young immigrants who strive to make the best of their circumstances. And it also hints at the fire that destroys the lives and/or livelihoods of these girls.
Where the book clicked for me:
• Yet another book that served to enlighten me about a historical milestone of the past. Some of you might have heard the 1911 Triangle Waist Company Fire, one of the largest industrial disasters in the United States. I hadn't. So this book offered a painful insight into that tragedy. I was sobbing hard while reading about the fire and its aftermath, and that is a rarity! I hardly ever cry while reading.
• The writing is mostly quick-paced, so the 300+ pages go by very fast. The main exception is around the 50-60% mark where nothing new seemed to be happening.
• There are so many things today's working women (and men) take for granted but the roots of all these safety protocols were instilled by the men and women of the past. It is said that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. This adage is proved time and again in this story. I loved the way it revealed the role of the unions in ensuring fairness for all employees. Most stories tend to focus only of the negatives of unionism. This was a pleasant change.
• The picture the book painted of the working women in 1909 was an eye-opener. While we all know the struggles women have undergone to be part of the workplace, the author deftly reveals what these women must have undergone, especially as they were always supposed to follow whatever their families wanted.
• I enjoyed the build-up of Marie’s character. She was spunky, stubborn, and strong-willed, everything a woman in 1909 wasn’t supposed to be. Her character growth was the most impressive and she proved to be a woman of substance underneath her seemingly selfish exterior.
• This line: “We girls and women will never be respected unless we stand up for ourselves. The men aren't going to do it for us, after all. Why should they give us rights when it means they'll have less power over us? We will have to take those rights.” Clap, clap, clap!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
• Sometimes, the plot become repetitive, especially in Rosie's thoughts. It might have been a way for the author to indicate how under-confident Rosie was about her abilities. But the same thing repeated over and over can just drive you nuts.
• The romance between Rosie and another character was needless. Whatever bond they had would have worked well even through friendship.
• Rosie was so whiny! She could have been so much more with her intelligence but her character seems to be stuck in the same emotional position from start to almost end.
(I guess all my problems with the book are focussed on Rosie!)
To sum it up, I think this can be a good one-time read as it offers a well-researched plot and brings to modern readers a forgotten tragedy of the past.
A 3.5 from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and Heather Wardell, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
April 22, 2021
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. I wasn't familiar with the women's union movement in NY, or the Triangle factory tragedy, so that made this one super interesting. As did Maria's journey. My grandparents came through Ellis Island from Italy, so that part really resonated with me as well.
PROS
-- Well written
-- A relatively quick read
-- Intriguing plot based on historically accurate facts
-- Loved the setting and time period
-- Loved Maria
-- Well rounded cast of side characters
-- Satisfying ending
CONS
-- Weak romance (I felt it wasn't necessary to the story)
-- A little slow through the middle
-- Rosie...I honestly found her annoying and whiny most of the time 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
PROS
-- Well written
-- A relatively quick read
-- Intriguing plot based on historically accurate facts
-- Loved the setting and time period
-- Loved Maria
-- Well rounded cast of side characters
-- Satisfying ending
CONS
-- Weak romance (I felt it wasn't necessary to the story)
-- A little slow through the middle
-- Rosie...I honestly found her annoying and whiny most of the time 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 25, 2021
An empowering historical fiction featuring two 'fresh off the boat' immigrant women working at the Triangle Waist Company, where later a fire killed 146 people and changed the history.
-
The story was told from the perspective of the two ladies. They were from totally different backgrounds: one is Jewish Russian and one is Italian. But they were very similar: they both arrived in a foreign land without anything but liability, and they were both powerless. They felt realistically ordinary: they could have been your relatives, your friends, and even you. They were faced with the same dilemma: would you rather bear the guilt, or the consequences of a strike that deprives you from everything, but may potentially reform the labour conditions? I felt very intrigued (but also confused why there were two of them).
-
The beginning of the book was very well written. You could feel the raw emotions and their struggles intimately. Sadly, I didn't feel very attached to the main characters in the end (even though they felt very realistic). One of the girls was of marriageable age but she talked as if she just started her puberty. The fact that I remembered her lover's name and not hers says everything... There was a complete change in her worldview and her personality in the middle of the book that didn't convince me. The stories of the two main characters complement each others, but it felt rather trivial. Replacing the Italian girl with Clara, the historical figure who ignited the strike, would make the story far more interesting. I really wish I could read more about Clara when I was reading this book.
-
I thank @netgalley for this ARC and the author for her well researched work and informative notes. It's overall a nice read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel what the immigrants feel and to be transported to the twentieth century America temporarily. I found myself googling Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire after completing this book (it's so interesting!). And I'm glad that I could read more about Clara Lemlich on internet (what a person!!).
-
The story was told from the perspective of the two ladies. They were from totally different backgrounds: one is Jewish Russian and one is Italian. But they were very similar: they both arrived in a foreign land without anything but liability, and they were both powerless. They felt realistically ordinary: they could have been your relatives, your friends, and even you. They were faced with the same dilemma: would you rather bear the guilt, or the consequences of a strike that deprives you from everything, but may potentially reform the labour conditions? I felt very intrigued (but also confused why there were two of them).
-
The beginning of the book was very well written. You could feel the raw emotions and their struggles intimately. Sadly, I didn't feel very attached to the main characters in the end (even though they felt very realistic). One of the girls was of marriageable age but she talked as if she just started her puberty. The fact that I remembered her lover's name and not hers says everything... There was a complete change in her worldview and her personality in the middle of the book that didn't convince me. The stories of the two main characters complement each others, but it felt rather trivial. Replacing the Italian girl with Clara, the historical figure who ignited the strike, would make the story far more interesting. I really wish I could read more about Clara when I was reading this book.
-
I thank @netgalley for this ARC and the author for her well researched work and informative notes. It's overall a nice read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel what the immigrants feel and to be transported to the twentieth century America temporarily. I found myself googling Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire after completing this book (it's so interesting!). And I'm glad that I could read more about Clara Lemlich on internet (what a person!!).
March 17, 2021
This book is one of the best books that comes out in 2021! This 25th March to be exact! Grab your copy. You won't be disappointed.
This book is so well written! Ut gave me all the Kristin Hannah vibes regarding the writing, the characters (women focused, historical fiction, strong female characters, realistic plot based on true historical events).
Exceptional writing I would say. Once I started reading the first page,I just couldn't stop until I reached a point where I had to stop to sympathize with the characters. They become so close and dear to you the more chapters you read.
The story is fast-paced for a historical fiction. The characters are upbeat. There's this way of writing that makes you wonder what's coming in the next sentence and that's why I wouldn't complaint if it was more longer!
Reading the entire book made me feel so empowered. These women characters (Rosie and Maria) from whose POVs the story is being told, are amazingly represented. Both characters shine throughout the read inspite of the way they were mistreated and under worse circumstances.
This book just made into my best reads of 2021!
Thank you, author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
This book is so well written! Ut gave me all the Kristin Hannah vibes regarding the writing, the characters (women focused, historical fiction, strong female characters, realistic plot based on true historical events).
Exceptional writing I would say. Once I started reading the first page,I just couldn't stop until I reached a point where I had to stop to sympathize with the characters. They become so close and dear to you the more chapters you read.
The story is fast-paced for a historical fiction. The characters are upbeat. There's this way of writing that makes you wonder what's coming in the next sentence and that's why I wouldn't complaint if it was more longer!
Reading the entire book made me feel so empowered. These women characters (Rosie and Maria) from whose POVs the story is being told, are amazingly represented. Both characters shine throughout the read inspite of the way they were mistreated and under worse circumstances.
This book just made into my best reads of 2021!
Thank you, author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
May 19, 2021
Fiery Girls is an extremely well-researched novel. I've always been fascinated by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and I enjoyed how in depth Heather Wardell went into the history of the union, women's rights, and even the aftermath of the fire, the latter being something we really don't hear a lot about. The two protagonists, Rosie and Maria, are polar opposites but best friends and co-workers. Throughout the novel, I found myself connecting more to Rosie than to Maria. Maria starts out as so immature and stubborn that it felt more like a caricature than a real character. Teen girls are extremely stubborn and have immature moments, but Maria is written more like an adult who forgot what it was like to be a teenager trying to write a teenager. The love story is a bit underwhelming and doesn't serve much purpose, and I wound up feeling more invested in Clara than I was in Maria. I don't know--Maria's sudden switch in personality, interests, maturity, etc. happened pretty much overnight because she was jilted by a guy who clearly wasn't even that into her, and I didn't buy it. I also didn't vibe with how her character pretty much became a martyr, so that got frustrating, too.
Overall, Fiery Girls gets its message across effectively. There are some slow points, and I don't always like the characterizations of the protagonists (mainly Maria), but it's an interesting historical novel, and I hope it gets more people interested in this section of women's history.
Overall, Fiery Girls gets its message across effectively. There are some slow points, and I don't always like the characterizations of the protagonists (mainly Maria), but it's an interesting historical novel, and I hope it gets more people interested in this section of women's history.
March 6, 2021
I have been a long-time fan of Heather Wardell’s contemporary novels. Although I don’t normally read historical fiction, I decided to give “Fiery Girls” a try for two reasons. The first is that every time I read one of her books I swear it’s the best book she’s written...until I read the next one. The second reason is I could see how passionate she was about telling this story from her social media posts. And, in exchange for backing “Fiery Girls” on Kickstarter, I was able to get an early copy of the book, plus other goodies! Win-win!!
As for the story, I enjoyed it immensely. One of Heather Wardell’s strengths is writing strong, multi-dimensional female characters and showing their growth and development into their true selves. She manages the same in “Fiery Girls” as we see Rosie and Maria arrive in America as immigrants and adapt to an entirely new way of life.
I had heard of the Triangle Waist Factory fire and have visited Ellis Island, but Wardell brought them to vivid life through the characters’ experiences. It was clear that she did extensive research, but the details were incorporated into the story so well that I felt immersed into Rosie’s and Maria’s New York City rather than looking back over a century later.
If you enjoy Heather Wardell’s books, historical fiction, or just love a well-written, engaging story, I highly recommend “Fiery Girls!”
As for the story, I enjoyed it immensely. One of Heather Wardell’s strengths is writing strong, multi-dimensional female characters and showing their growth and development into their true selves. She manages the same in “Fiery Girls” as we see Rosie and Maria arrive in America as immigrants and adapt to an entirely new way of life.
I had heard of the Triangle Waist Factory fire and have visited Ellis Island, but Wardell brought them to vivid life through the characters’ experiences. It was clear that she did extensive research, but the details were incorporated into the story so well that I felt immersed into Rosie’s and Maria’s New York City rather than looking back over a century later.
If you enjoy Heather Wardell’s books, historical fiction, or just love a well-written, engaging story, I highly recommend “Fiery Girls!”
April 3, 2021
Fiery Girls follows the fictional story of two real immigrant girls working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory leading up to the fire. Rosie is a Russian Jewish girl who came to America ahead of the rest of her family. She befriends Maria, an outspoken Italian, who becomes very involved in the workers union. I appreciated that this story focuses on the activism of these girls and highlighted that there are multiple ways to participate in a movement than just making speeches. Rosie learns how to use her strengths to help the union and it's a great message for YA readers. However, I will say that around the 50% mark, I did get a bit bored until the fire broke out.There was just a bit of a lull in the plot before it picked up again. I cannot help but compare this to Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix, which was my favorite book in middle school and I to this day still think about sometimes. Fiery Girls just didn't hold my attention as well as it could have but the historical research was fantastic.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.
July 19, 2021
While reading this book I was constantly making mental comparisons to The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair. It tells working-class stories of a similar time period, with similar union themes and highlights the income inequalities that don't seem so unfamiliar nowadays. I think the writing was extremely well done to weave those contrasts together and make you want to go out and do some union work yourself. While I found The Jungle hard to sink into, this book is much more accessible and absorbing, and my only quibble is that some of the inane inner monologue stuff was a little tedious, but as it's written in first person, I think that was probably unavoidable. Besides, who among us hasn't had the same concerns and fears run through our head over and over all the time? I really liked the ending, and was happy that Rosie's story wasn't going where I feared it would (and that's not a spoiler about how she faired in the fire, that's just about her personal journey). Highly recommend this book, especially for people working low-pay jobs that are exploited by millionaires and billionaires.
Read
September 25, 2021The pacing's a bit uneven, but the riveting account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was really moving, as well as the discussion of the labor movement that lead up to that pivotal moment. I'm excited to discuss this one with my book club and it really made me want to read a nonfiction book about the tragedy.
October 25, 2021
Such an interesting portion of American History that seems all but forgotten. This author seemed to have done great research. I did think that the author seemed to portray the lives of these young women as some how easy and in a way glamorous. Their lives were anything but a day at Coney Island. I did appreciate being reminded that change only happens when we make it happen.
August 27, 2021
Young Jewish and Italian immigrant women making a difference (Garment District, NYC; 1909-1911): In her first foray into historical fiction, self-published Canadian author of twenty-two novels, Heather Wardell, has humanized early 20th century historical events and figures, forgotten or little known. Fiery Girls is a moving feminist story of the powerless fighting the powerful, of young immigrant women who once made the majority of clothing for women in America in NYC’s garment district, explaining why the city is considered either the leader or one of the Fashion Capitals of the World.
That glamour wasn’t the world of the early 1900s when this story kicks off. A world in which two sixteen-year-old girls arrive at Ellis Island within weeks of each other in August 1909: one painfully alone, Jewish, from Russia at a time of violent anti-Semitic pogroms – Rosie; the other, Maria, comes to America with her brother Vincente, Catholics from Italy. Both girls are expected to earn enough money to support their families. Rosie to help hers escape persecution; Maria to return home. How long will it take them making $2.00 a week?
The two girls couldn’t be more opposite: Rosie painfully self-doubting, Maria full of self-confidence; Maria the beautiful one who relishes the attention, Rosie the innocent one who shies away from it. Rosie who’ll live in a tenement house with strangers; Maria and Vinnie came with an arrangement to live with a family friend, in a house of six with no room for eight. The girls end up becoming good friends when their paths cross working at the same infamous garment factory where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire occurred.
Warning: This disturbing five-minute video reenacts visually what the heart of the novel reenacts literally.
https://youtu.be/sNXXxj9JAZM
Maria is fiery, full of self-confidence. Fiery girls can do gutsy things, which you’ll see. (Vinnie’s role could fill an entire novel, as his laborious, dangerous work is helping to build the New York City subway system.)
When Rosie gets her first garment factory job, starvation wages and inhumane working conditions become clear. Moving from job to job, she lands at the catastrophic factory, at a time when young immigrant female workers mobilized to form the local union of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, which led to the largest strike by women in American history. Lasting three months, it was known as the Uprising of the 20,000. Their mission epitomized by the tragic fire and loss of 146 workers, mostly girls and women, that broke out on several floors of the ten-story Ashe Building, located further away from the Lower East Side near Washington Square Park. Still standing, the building’s name changed to the Brown Building, at NYU.
One of the strengths of the novel is the way the author doesn’t rush historical events, enabling us to feel as if we were there. Part I describes the immigrant arrival and settling-in process. Chaotic and traumatic scenes at Ellis Island are immersive and for Rosie’s story based on an historical figure: Cecilia Greenstone, who meets “legs shaking” Rosie on page one to interpret her Yiddish language, critical to deciding if she’ll be allowed into America. (Maria and Vinnie studied English before they came over.)
Jewish immigrants back then spoke Yiddish, so the prose is sprinkled with the language Jewish ancestors spoke. Words nostalgic to Jews remembering their grandmothers and grandfathers, likely to have also lived in the teeming Lower East Side in ghetto-like neighborhoods, perhaps believing America’s streets were “gold-paved.” Since one of the few trades European and Eastern European Jews had been permitted to do was sewing and tailoring, many garment sweatshops were located around their deplorable, cramped housing. Primed for a crush of skilled workers who’d propel an economy integral to the city’s culture at their expense.
Besides the historical interpreter who lets Rosie into the country, the oldest grassroots organization of Jewish Women in the US becomes her savior in the form of fictional character Julia. She meets Rosie on the Island to help find her a place to live and a job. Relieved she’s a woman since “men in uniforms never care about Jews,” Rosie later tells her that “if everyone is as kind as you, America “will be a wonderful place to live.” She’s about to find out that to make that happen she’s got to fight for it. This isn’t just her coming-of-age story, it’s immigrant history.
Fictionalized Clara, a union leader, is a charismatic force inspiring garment workers like Rosie and Maria, in different ways based on their fiery and reserved personalities. She’s based on the real Clara Lemlich who led the fight against a male-dominated industry where “a girl’s not allowed to have an opinion.”
Part II is the fire and aftermath. The fire scenes are masterly done over a number of chapters where time stands still (versus chapters alternating in the two girls’ voices and move forward in time). You can feel the sheer panic when the fire breaks out: the desperation felt when the female workers can’t get out because the doors are shut; the height of the closed windows on the floors they’re trapped in; the firefighters trying to rescue them and contain the fire. The suspense of not knowing if Rosie and Maria miraculously made it out.
Not all is gloom and doom. There’s nickelodeon entertainment and Steeplechase Park on Coney Island. Die-hard New Yorkers and visitors to the Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum will find their mouths watering at the mention of Yonah Shimmel’s Knish Bakery and Katz’s delicatessen that still endure, though little else does due to gentrification. Lost is the bustling, bursting atmosphere and spirit galvanized by communal hope and hard-living.
A word about the word shirtwaist, a term once used in the garment industry. It refers to a woman’s button-down blouse. Internet references compare it to a man’s dress shirt as it’s long-sleeved and can be white, but you can find plenty of fancier versions with puffy sleeves and feminine fabrics. Women were paid based on what piece of the shirtwaist they could sew, be it sleeves, “side seams and hems and buttonholes,” or “buttons and cuffs and lace or embroidery.” Pieces were paid based on difficulty; the more difficult and diverse, the more you were paid. Still, you might only advance to earning $5.00 or $6.00 a week, maybe $10 if you could excel at making the complete garment.
Midway through you may get frustrated with Rosie’s naivety, low self-esteem, and pinning her hopes on a “fella” she thinks is waiting for her back home. We must remember she’s only sixteen. Maria has a fella from back home on her mind too, but she doesn’t constantly question herself (far from it.) Be patient as the fire will soon consume you, as it does these two girls, co-workers and friends, making you realize Wardell intentionally showed us Rosie Before to appreciate her After.
The novel reminds us that while we wish history didn’t repeat itself, the 2000s story of the LA garment industry involving Asian and Hispanic immigrants tells us otherwise.
For countries around the globe who provide cheap labor for American goods, a recent fire at a Bangladesh garment factory is a gruesome reminder of the importance of fiery girls.
Lorraine (EnchantedProse.com)
That glamour wasn’t the world of the early 1900s when this story kicks off. A world in which two sixteen-year-old girls arrive at Ellis Island within weeks of each other in August 1909: one painfully alone, Jewish, from Russia at a time of violent anti-Semitic pogroms – Rosie; the other, Maria, comes to America with her brother Vincente, Catholics from Italy. Both girls are expected to earn enough money to support their families. Rosie to help hers escape persecution; Maria to return home. How long will it take them making $2.00 a week?
The two girls couldn’t be more opposite: Rosie painfully self-doubting, Maria full of self-confidence; Maria the beautiful one who relishes the attention, Rosie the innocent one who shies away from it. Rosie who’ll live in a tenement house with strangers; Maria and Vinnie came with an arrangement to live with a family friend, in a house of six with no room for eight. The girls end up becoming good friends when their paths cross working at the same infamous garment factory where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire occurred.
Warning: This disturbing five-minute video reenacts visually what the heart of the novel reenacts literally.
https://youtu.be/sNXXxj9JAZM
Maria is fiery, full of self-confidence. Fiery girls can do gutsy things, which you’ll see. (Vinnie’s role could fill an entire novel, as his laborious, dangerous work is helping to build the New York City subway system.)
When Rosie gets her first garment factory job, starvation wages and inhumane working conditions become clear. Moving from job to job, she lands at the catastrophic factory, at a time when young immigrant female workers mobilized to form the local union of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, which led to the largest strike by women in American history. Lasting three months, it was known as the Uprising of the 20,000. Their mission epitomized by the tragic fire and loss of 146 workers, mostly girls and women, that broke out on several floors of the ten-story Ashe Building, located further away from the Lower East Side near Washington Square Park. Still standing, the building’s name changed to the Brown Building, at NYU.
One of the strengths of the novel is the way the author doesn’t rush historical events, enabling us to feel as if we were there. Part I describes the immigrant arrival and settling-in process. Chaotic and traumatic scenes at Ellis Island are immersive and for Rosie’s story based on an historical figure: Cecilia Greenstone, who meets “legs shaking” Rosie on page one to interpret her Yiddish language, critical to deciding if she’ll be allowed into America. (Maria and Vinnie studied English before they came over.)
Jewish immigrants back then spoke Yiddish, so the prose is sprinkled with the language Jewish ancestors spoke. Words nostalgic to Jews remembering their grandmothers and grandfathers, likely to have also lived in the teeming Lower East Side in ghetto-like neighborhoods, perhaps believing America’s streets were “gold-paved.” Since one of the few trades European and Eastern European Jews had been permitted to do was sewing and tailoring, many garment sweatshops were located around their deplorable, cramped housing. Primed for a crush of skilled workers who’d propel an economy integral to the city’s culture at their expense.
Besides the historical interpreter who lets Rosie into the country, the oldest grassroots organization of Jewish Women in the US becomes her savior in the form of fictional character Julia. She meets Rosie on the Island to help find her a place to live and a job. Relieved she’s a woman since “men in uniforms never care about Jews,” Rosie later tells her that “if everyone is as kind as you, America “will be a wonderful place to live.” She’s about to find out that to make that happen she’s got to fight for it. This isn’t just her coming-of-age story, it’s immigrant history.
Fictionalized Clara, a union leader, is a charismatic force inspiring garment workers like Rosie and Maria, in different ways based on their fiery and reserved personalities. She’s based on the real Clara Lemlich who led the fight against a male-dominated industry where “a girl’s not allowed to have an opinion.”
Part II is the fire and aftermath. The fire scenes are masterly done over a number of chapters where time stands still (versus chapters alternating in the two girls’ voices and move forward in time). You can feel the sheer panic when the fire breaks out: the desperation felt when the female workers can’t get out because the doors are shut; the height of the closed windows on the floors they’re trapped in; the firefighters trying to rescue them and contain the fire. The suspense of not knowing if Rosie and Maria miraculously made it out.
Not all is gloom and doom. There’s nickelodeon entertainment and Steeplechase Park on Coney Island. Die-hard New Yorkers and visitors to the Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum will find their mouths watering at the mention of Yonah Shimmel’s Knish Bakery and Katz’s delicatessen that still endure, though little else does due to gentrification. Lost is the bustling, bursting atmosphere and spirit galvanized by communal hope and hard-living.
A word about the word shirtwaist, a term once used in the garment industry. It refers to a woman’s button-down blouse. Internet references compare it to a man’s dress shirt as it’s long-sleeved and can be white, but you can find plenty of fancier versions with puffy sleeves and feminine fabrics. Women were paid based on what piece of the shirtwaist they could sew, be it sleeves, “side seams and hems and buttonholes,” or “buttons and cuffs and lace or embroidery.” Pieces were paid based on difficulty; the more difficult and diverse, the more you were paid. Still, you might only advance to earning $5.00 or $6.00 a week, maybe $10 if you could excel at making the complete garment.
Midway through you may get frustrated with Rosie’s naivety, low self-esteem, and pinning her hopes on a “fella” she thinks is waiting for her back home. We must remember she’s only sixteen. Maria has a fella from back home on her mind too, but she doesn’t constantly question herself (far from it.) Be patient as the fire will soon consume you, as it does these two girls, co-workers and friends, making you realize Wardell intentionally showed us Rosie Before to appreciate her After.
The novel reminds us that while we wish history didn’t repeat itself, the 2000s story of the LA garment industry involving Asian and Hispanic immigrants tells us otherwise.
For countries around the globe who provide cheap labor for American goods, a recent fire at a Bangladesh garment factory is a gruesome reminder of the importance of fiery girls.
Lorraine (EnchantedProse.com)
September 16, 2021
Seamstresses Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia, and Maria, a Catholic girl from Italy, are sent to New York to financially assist their families. Their individual stories run parallel until eventually the two girls meet. They become best friends, united by their concern about the working conditions of female workers in the garment industry. Excitable Maria becomes a powerful speaker for the unions; Rosie wishes to be like her friend but speaking in public terrifies her. Instead, she works tirelessly in quiet ways to help fellow immigrants and fellow workers.
Very cleverly, we follow the development of the girls’ identities in this new land. How they coped with the freedoms they never would have known in their home countries. How they managed their money. How they found work and friends. The entertainments they enjoyed. All is very skilfully portrayed through the eyes of the girls and their friends.
The author paints a vivid picture of the unsafe and abusive conditions suffered by workers in pre–union days, told through the eyes and experiences of the two young women. The description of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire (when 146 people died) is terrifying and deeply moving. The historical details never intrude but a skilfully woven into the story, and the fictional central characters are well-developed and believable.
It’s a powerful story and reminds us not to take for granted the freedoms and safety standards we now expect as of right. Very well researched and a gripping page-turner. I highly recommend it.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Very cleverly, we follow the development of the girls’ identities in this new land. How they coped with the freedoms they never would have known in their home countries. How they managed their money. How they found work and friends. The entertainments they enjoyed. All is very skilfully portrayed through the eyes of the girls and their friends.
The author paints a vivid picture of the unsafe and abusive conditions suffered by workers in pre–union days, told through the eyes and experiences of the two young women. The description of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire (when 146 people died) is terrifying and deeply moving. The historical details never intrude but a skilfully woven into the story, and the fictional central characters are well-developed and believable.
It’s a powerful story and reminds us not to take for granted the freedoms and safety standards we now expect as of right. Very well researched and a gripping page-turner. I highly recommend it.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
September 8, 2021
I'm from Bangladesh, a country that prides itself over its textile industry and its glorious past. Before the colonial times, we prided over exclusive muslin production. Now, we pride over our garment industry, which brings in the most remittance. However, it's not free from controversies as well and those come from the negligence the workers face. The garment workers in Bangladesh form a large number among the laborer class. Every day in the morning at 8 o'clock sharp, they begin to walk from their slum homes to the factories on foot, carrying a purse each, some even lunch carrier boxes. Twelve hours later, at 8 o'clock in the evening, they return from the factories to their slum homes. After 12 long hours of gruelling work every weekdays, they get a pay of (lowest) 8k taka per month, which is less than US$100. Not only that, the factories cut from their pays if they so much as take a leave of absence, no matter how justified the reasons are. They work in hazardous environments that often cause them health issues they can't afford to treat, such as hearing loss from working next to loud machines all day long, working with toxic dyes, and musculoskeletal effects for sitting all day, slouching over the sewing machine, not being able to take a walk or do physical exercise, cramped in one room with so many other workers. On top of the lack of pure drinking water and safety measures, there are also harassment in sexual, verbal, and psychological manners. The fire escapes are rusted, narrow, and rickety. No fire sprinklers on the ceiling if there's ever a fire. The buildings are often old and dilapidated. There have been multiple disasters in the garment factories, i.e. the 2010 That's It Sportswear Ltd fire, the 2012 Tazreen Fashion factory fire, the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, and the 2013 Mirpur textile factory fire, to name a few.
(If you've stayed this far, thank you, you're too kind to digest my preaching words)
All of these things have been portrayed in Heather Wardell's FIERY GIRLS. Although not set in present day Bangladesh but rather in early 1900 New York city, the book shows harrowing, poignant stories of garment workers who were killed in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The book also depicts the long struggle and movement by the workers and their union and how much harassment and torture they face just because they demand their fair rights. The book gives you firsthand accounts of the fire and the struggle of the union workers before and after the fire. Without preaching you about things, the book descends into the disaster without any melodrama or inserting historically inaccurate details. As a lover of anything historical, I love love love this book.
FIERY GIRLS is centered on two fictional characters; a Jewish Russian immigrant, Rosie Lehrer, and an Italian Catholic immigrant, Maria Cirrito. The two girls, still in their teens, are forced by their parents and family members to journey across the pond and find work in NYC, preferably at a shirtwaist factory. The two girls are diametrically opposite in the beginning. Rosie is a shy, timid, mousy girl who would rather duck her head and melt into the background than be heard by others or stand on a stage and give speeches. Maria is the opposite. She's stubborn, impulsive, free spirited, and rebellious to the core. At first though, she came across to me as a selfish, bratty girl who blindly loves an unworthy man and dedicates her life to be married to him. But once the two girls are forced to see the world as it is, grimy and seamy, they begin to shed their timid/bratty self and grow into mature, brave young women. They both become fierce, fiery advocates of worker's rights and without hesitance, become activists. While Maria contributes by giving fiery speeches, Rosie is more in the background, doing desk work necessary for the movement.
I love how the author shows that you can be a strong woman without being loud and brash through Rosie's story. I liked her immediately and although she began to irritate me at the midpoint, I returned to loving her again once she gained her footing in the end. I also loved Maria once she shed off her blind love toward Alonzo and became dedicated to the movement. Although they both have a somewhat bittersweet ending, I'm satisfied by how the author showed it. IMO, Rosie is Sansa Stark while Maria is Arya Stark. They both are needed for a movement, the soft and the stubborn. They're both strong women who sacrifice a great deal to become what they should be, the cogs necessary to gyrate the worker's rights movement toward success.
I'd forever cherish this brilliant, splendid, perfect book. I can't believe how underrated it is. It deserves way more noise than what it got, like Rosie did despite her hard work and diligence.
Thank you, NetGalley and Heather Wardell, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
(If you've stayed this far, thank you, you're too kind to digest my preaching words)
All of these things have been portrayed in Heather Wardell's FIERY GIRLS. Although not set in present day Bangladesh but rather in early 1900 New York city, the book shows harrowing, poignant stories of garment workers who were killed in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The book also depicts the long struggle and movement by the workers and their union and how much harassment and torture they face just because they demand their fair rights. The book gives you firsthand accounts of the fire and the struggle of the union workers before and after the fire. Without preaching you about things, the book descends into the disaster without any melodrama or inserting historically inaccurate details. As a lover of anything historical, I love love love this book.
FIERY GIRLS is centered on two fictional characters; a Jewish Russian immigrant, Rosie Lehrer, and an Italian Catholic immigrant, Maria Cirrito. The two girls, still in their teens, are forced by their parents and family members to journey across the pond and find work in NYC, preferably at a shirtwaist factory. The two girls are diametrically opposite in the beginning. Rosie is a shy, timid, mousy girl who would rather duck her head and melt into the background than be heard by others or stand on a stage and give speeches. Maria is the opposite. She's stubborn, impulsive, free spirited, and rebellious to the core. At first though, she came across to me as a selfish, bratty girl who blindly loves an unworthy man and dedicates her life to be married to him. But once the two girls are forced to see the world as it is, grimy and seamy, they begin to shed their timid/bratty self and grow into mature, brave young women. They both become fierce, fiery advocates of worker's rights and without hesitance, become activists. While Maria contributes by giving fiery speeches, Rosie is more in the background, doing desk work necessary for the movement.
I love how the author shows that you can be a strong woman without being loud and brash through Rosie's story. I liked her immediately and although she began to irritate me at the midpoint, I returned to loving her again once she gained her footing in the end. I also loved Maria once she shed off her blind love toward Alonzo and became dedicated to the movement. Although they both have a somewhat bittersweet ending, I'm satisfied by how the author showed it. IMO, Rosie is Sansa Stark while Maria is Arya Stark. They both are needed for a movement, the soft and the stubborn. They're both strong women who sacrifice a great deal to become what they should be, the cogs necessary to gyrate the worker's rights movement toward success.
I'd forever cherish this brilliant, splendid, perfect book. I can't believe how underrated it is. It deserves way more noise than what it got, like Rosie did despite her hard work and diligence.
Thank you, NetGalley and Heather Wardell, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2021
Two different girls come to America for a better life and to work to better their families lives. Told from the view point of Rosie an immigrant from Russia, and Maria an immigrant from Italy, these two girls along with thousands of others who passed through immigration on Ellis Island lived very similar but different lives trying to make it in America. They overcame many hurdles just to get here, and then hope they will also be let in and not send back to their country.
Each girl quickly settles in, with the help of others who have come before them and been down the same path. They quickly learn that America work is not as it is portrayed and things are not so easy. Although both are expected to send all money they make home, they can’t help but indulge in the American way of things. Spending days at parks, theaters, amusement areas or on the new clothing. They worked for these funds after all.
The girls learn to make the most for their work, they must push, beg and bargain. They jump jobs and factories as each place seems to have its own rules and pay. It is not fair, and often these girls and women are taken advantage of with horrible working conditions, docked pay for any reason seen fit and are just a dime a dozen in the eyes of these men who are out to make as much as possible, to keep lining their pockets.
During an uprising strike, the two girls become friends and both soon become involved in pursing better and safer working conditions, while fighting against the owners, police and government who are against women having any sort of say or rights. Then one day, a terrible fire breaks out, and history is changed forever.
A lot of us have heard about the Triangle Waist fire, but this author really dove into the historical aspect of it all. The leading up to it, the immigrants who worked daily in these conditions as well as the aftermath of it all. This was a very well written novel! I loved reading from the two girls perspectives and what it was like to come to America for a better life, but yet having to fight for everything. Thank you to the author for sending me a free book, I LOVE this cover and how she tied the title into the storyline, giving more meaning than just to the fire that happened.
Each girl quickly settles in, with the help of others who have come before them and been down the same path. They quickly learn that America work is not as it is portrayed and things are not so easy. Although both are expected to send all money they make home, they can’t help but indulge in the American way of things. Spending days at parks, theaters, amusement areas or on the new clothing. They worked for these funds after all.
The girls learn to make the most for their work, they must push, beg and bargain. They jump jobs and factories as each place seems to have its own rules and pay. It is not fair, and often these girls and women are taken advantage of with horrible working conditions, docked pay for any reason seen fit and are just a dime a dozen in the eyes of these men who are out to make as much as possible, to keep lining their pockets.
During an uprising strike, the two girls become friends and both soon become involved in pursing better and safer working conditions, while fighting against the owners, police and government who are against women having any sort of say or rights. Then one day, a terrible fire breaks out, and history is changed forever.
A lot of us have heard about the Triangle Waist fire, but this author really dove into the historical aspect of it all. The leading up to it, the immigrants who worked daily in these conditions as well as the aftermath of it all. This was a very well written novel! I loved reading from the two girls perspectives and what it was like to come to America for a better life, but yet having to fight for everything. Thank you to the author for sending me a free book, I LOVE this cover and how she tied the title into the storyline, giving more meaning than just to the fire that happened.
March 14, 2021
I LOVED this book so much that it's hard to even know where to start... The characters, for being only teenagers, were well-developed and so easy to relate to. I enjoyed their backstories and how those shaped who these young women became in America and how they came to fight for their rights (Plus, I crave stories with women learning who they are and how much they deserve and how to have the strength to get it). Even though they were young and I'm past that stage in my life, I could easily put myself in a teen's shoes again to see the world as they were seeing it. It was incredibly easy to feel what the girls were feeling as they came into America, afraid and hopeful. I could sense their pride as they worked hard to send money to their parents back home. I felt like a girl with a crush again as they met the men who took them to the Nickelodeon or bought them dinner. Wardell did such an amazing job making it easy to feel empathy for all the characters; she allows you to step into their shoes and I loved the experience.
This book made me laugh on so many occasions and cry (so much crying) toward the end. I knew the premise of the book, but I didn't realize how much it was going to wring me out to read about the 1911 Triangle fire and those who tragically died. I spent a long time sobbing last night, picturing how gut-wrenching that fire must have been. I did really like the ending, but I won't spoil it.
Even though it was written from the viewpoint of teenagers, it didn't feel overly "young" to me. These young women face some very adult problems in the pages of this book and I never once felt like I was reading a teen diary or anything of the sort. If I could complain about anything, I wish I could have read even more about Clara and her work with the union committees. Wardell masterfully wrote a story that I think even adults such as myself can get a lot out of. I know I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.
Plus, the COVER. That cover is what drew me in to start and I absolutely adore it!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the privilege to read the ARC. This is one I will buy to read again.
This book made me laugh on so many occasions and cry (so much crying) toward the end. I knew the premise of the book, but I didn't realize how much it was going to wring me out to read about the 1911 Triangle fire and those who tragically died. I spent a long time sobbing last night, picturing how gut-wrenching that fire must have been. I did really like the ending, but I won't spoil it.
Even though it was written from the viewpoint of teenagers, it didn't feel overly "young" to me. These young women face some very adult problems in the pages of this book and I never once felt like I was reading a teen diary or anything of the sort. If I could complain about anything, I wish I could have read even more about Clara and her work with the union committees. Wardell masterfully wrote a story that I think even adults such as myself can get a lot out of. I know I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.
Plus, the COVER. That cover is what drew me in to start and I absolutely adore it!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the privilege to read the ARC. This is one I will buy to read again.
March 30, 2021
FIERY GIRLS by Heather Wardell
Firey Girls is based upon a true story of the Triangle Fire in New York City, it was a shirtwaist factory. The story follows the dual narration of Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia, and Maria, a Catholic girl from Italy. Maria's older brother Vincente also has come to America, so that they both can work and send money home to help support their parents.
Rosie's parents want her to only work for a Jewish-owned factory. Maria has a secret goal of paying for the passage of the young man that she loves, so they both can live in America and be together.
Maria becomes involved in the Local 25 Union for the poor employees of the garment factories because the owners don't care about their employees and most of the employees are women and girls, who are paid at a much lower rate than the men are.
On the day of the fire, some people are able to run for safety, but many are unable to escape. Trapped in a burning building, being burned alive, or feeling forced to jump from the ninth floor to the ground below. Of all of the employees who jumped, no one survived. The fire is in the Asch Building, which is still standing today. The building was touted as unburnable, which it was, but everything and everyone inside it burned.
This is quite a sad time in American history, when factory owners don't care about their workers, with little to no penalty for causing over 100 deaths of innocent workers. I'm very thankful there are rules and regulations, and yes unions to protect the workers. The suffrage movement helped the women get equal pay for equal time but the unions are instrumental in protecting the workers, in making sure they are taken care of while they are in the workplace.
The book has some dramatic moments because what happened in the Triangle Fire is not a rosy picture. Highly recommend.
Much gratitude to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #fireygirls I was under no obligation to post a review.
Firey Girls is based upon a true story of the Triangle Fire in New York City, it was a shirtwaist factory. The story follows the dual narration of Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia, and Maria, a Catholic girl from Italy. Maria's older brother Vincente also has come to America, so that they both can work and send money home to help support their parents.
Rosie's parents want her to only work for a Jewish-owned factory. Maria has a secret goal of paying for the passage of the young man that she loves, so they both can live in America and be together.
Maria becomes involved in the Local 25 Union for the poor employees of the garment factories because the owners don't care about their employees and most of the employees are women and girls, who are paid at a much lower rate than the men are.
On the day of the fire, some people are able to run for safety, but many are unable to escape. Trapped in a burning building, being burned alive, or feeling forced to jump from the ninth floor to the ground below. Of all of the employees who jumped, no one survived. The fire is in the Asch Building, which is still standing today. The building was touted as unburnable, which it was, but everything and everyone inside it burned.
This is quite a sad time in American history, when factory owners don't care about their workers, with little to no penalty for causing over 100 deaths of innocent workers. I'm very thankful there are rules and regulations, and yes unions to protect the workers. The suffrage movement helped the women get equal pay for equal time but the unions are instrumental in protecting the workers, in making sure they are taken care of while they are in the workplace.
The book has some dramatic moments because what happened in the Triangle Fire is not a rosy picture. Highly recommend.
Much gratitude to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #fireygirls I was under no obligation to post a review.
April 12, 2021
Wow, what a story! I have now read this twice since it came out a short time ago and it was just as good the second time around!
I am a person who doesn't want an entire synopsis in a book review, so I will keep this short and focus on the writing style and the character/story development. I have read all of the author's books and this by far is my favorite. This is Heather Wardell's first historical fiction, and while I have always enjoyed her women's fiction, I think Wardell has found her calling! When reading Fiery Girls, it is very apparent that Wardell did her research (above and beyond!) not only about the Triangle Waist Company Fire but also about the way of life for the young immigrants who came to a new country looking to help their families. Wardell captures the characters' emotions so well that the reader will feel Rosie's overwhelming amazement as she sits alone in her own bedroom for the first time in her life and Maria's fear of her brother not being granted entry when they are separated for processing at Ellis Island.
I greatly enjoyed Wardell's writing style of telling the story from both Rosie's and Maria's points of views by alternating the chapters between the two main characters. This helped the story flow perfectly and when the two characters meet for the first time on the street, you feel like you may have been passing by the group of young immigrants yourself.
Again, not wanting to give any of the story away, I will simply say that, because I knew the story of the Triangle Waist Company Fire, I expected the book to be emotional, but I did not expect to feel the way I did. This is another example of Wardell's amazing writing as I felt like I was on the street watching the building be consumed by flames while reading Wardell's words.
I cannot recommend Fiery Girls enough!
Kudos Heather on a fabulous book!
I am a person who doesn't want an entire synopsis in a book review, so I will keep this short and focus on the writing style and the character/story development. I have read all of the author's books and this by far is my favorite. This is Heather Wardell's first historical fiction, and while I have always enjoyed her women's fiction, I think Wardell has found her calling! When reading Fiery Girls, it is very apparent that Wardell did her research (above and beyond!) not only about the Triangle Waist Company Fire but also about the way of life for the young immigrants who came to a new country looking to help their families. Wardell captures the characters' emotions so well that the reader will feel Rosie's overwhelming amazement as she sits alone in her own bedroom for the first time in her life and Maria's fear of her brother not being granted entry when they are separated for processing at Ellis Island.
I greatly enjoyed Wardell's writing style of telling the story from both Rosie's and Maria's points of views by alternating the chapters between the two main characters. This helped the story flow perfectly and when the two characters meet for the first time on the street, you feel like you may have been passing by the group of young immigrants yourself.
Again, not wanting to give any of the story away, I will simply say that, because I knew the story of the Triangle Waist Company Fire, I expected the book to be emotional, but I did not expect to feel the way I did. This is another example of Wardell's amazing writing as I felt like I was on the street watching the building be consumed by flames while reading Wardell's words.
I cannot recommend Fiery Girls enough!
Kudos Heather on a fabulous book!
June 27, 2021
Outstanding historical fiction
Seamstresses Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia, and Maria, a Catholic girl from Italy, are sent to New York to financially assist their families. Their individual stories run parallel until eventually the two girls meet. They become best friends, united by their concern about the working conditions of female workers in the garment industry. Excitable Maria becomes a powerful speaker for the unions; Rosie wishes to be like her friend but speaking in public terrifies her. Instead, she works tirelessly in quiet ways to help fellow immigrants and fellow workers.
Very cleverly, we follow the development of the girls’ identities in this new land. How they coped with the freedoms they never would have known in their home countries. How they managed their money. How they found work and friends. The entertainments they enjoyed. All is very skillful portrayed through the eyes of the girls and their friends.
The author paints a vivid picture of the unsafe and abusive conditions suffered by workers in pre– union days, told through the eyes and experiences of the two young women. The description of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire (when 146 people died) is terrifying and deeply moving. The historical details never intrude but are cleverly woven into the story, and the fictional central characters are well-developed and believable.
It’s a powerful story and reminds us not to take for granted the freedoms and safety standards we now expect as of right. Very well researched and a gripping page-turner. I highly recommend it.
Seamstresses Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia, and Maria, a Catholic girl from Italy, are sent to New York to financially assist their families. Their individual stories run parallel until eventually the two girls meet. They become best friends, united by their concern about the working conditions of female workers in the garment industry. Excitable Maria becomes a powerful speaker for the unions; Rosie wishes to be like her friend but speaking in public terrifies her. Instead, she works tirelessly in quiet ways to help fellow immigrants and fellow workers.
Very cleverly, we follow the development of the girls’ identities in this new land. How they coped with the freedoms they never would have known in their home countries. How they managed their money. How they found work and friends. The entertainments they enjoyed. All is very skillful portrayed through the eyes of the girls and their friends.
The author paints a vivid picture of the unsafe and abusive conditions suffered by workers in pre– union days, told through the eyes and experiences of the two young women. The description of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire (when 146 people died) is terrifying and deeply moving. The historical details never intrude but are cleverly woven into the story, and the fictional central characters are well-developed and believable.
It’s a powerful story and reminds us not to take for granted the freedoms and safety standards we now expect as of right. Very well researched and a gripping page-turner. I highly recommend it.
March 27, 2021
Both Russian born Rosie and Italian born Maria come to American in 1909 to live the American dream. Instead they are both working in horrible conditions in shirtwaist factories. Eventually Rosie is fed up and joins the union, headed by the fiery Clara. Maria, angry at all men after being jilted by her boyfriend at home, joins the picket line and is promptly arrested with Rosie and sent to a workhouse for five days. Maria comes back determined to be a voice for the Union and the girls who are treated badly by the men who run the factories. Together Rosie and Maria fight to get better hours and pay for all the women in the union. But when they finally return to work it is to the ill-fated Triangle Shirtwaist Factory just in time for it to become one of the deadliest fires in American history. Armed now with pain and loss, the girls who survive continue to fight for the union, but is the American dream truly work it, or should they just go home?
This book was well researched and so engaging. I fell in love with both Rosie and Maria's stories. As a lover of history, getting to go through Ellis Island with them, become factory girls, unionize, and go through such a horrific historical event was unbelievable. Heather Wardell is a wonderful writer and I will be seeking out more of her books.
*I was provided an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review.
This book was well researched and so engaging. I fell in love with both Rosie and Maria's stories. As a lover of history, getting to go through Ellis Island with them, become factory girls, unionize, and go through such a horrific historical event was unbelievable. Heather Wardell is a wonderful writer and I will be seeking out more of her books.
*I was provided an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review.
April 6, 2021
ARC provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5. Fiery Girls takes place in New York in the early 1900s. It follows the story of Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia who traveled to America to work and save money to help her family migrate to America and Maria, an Italian girl who was sent by her parents to the United States with her brother to help get money to support her family's restaurant. Despite of them being from two completely different backgrounds, Rosie and Maria find their way to each other and start a very heart-warming friendship. Upon moving to America, the girls notice the horrible working conditions that the sewing factories are in. Rosie and Maria both become really involved in a workers union, fighting for the rights of the workers, leading up to the horrific fire in the Triangle Waist Company.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly, I really liked how real the characters were and the development of the relationships within them. I was also able to empathise with them and root for them, wanting Rosie and Maria to accomplish their goals. I especially liked Rosie's development, I found myself relating to her during her journey of finding herself. The book was very well-written and it was easy to read. Heather Wardell did a very good job describing the context and the situation of immigrants in New York during that time.
3.5/5. Fiery Girls takes place in New York in the early 1900s. It follows the story of Rosie, a Jewish girl from Russia who traveled to America to work and save money to help her family migrate to America and Maria, an Italian girl who was sent by her parents to the United States with her brother to help get money to support her family's restaurant. Despite of them being from two completely different backgrounds, Rosie and Maria find their way to each other and start a very heart-warming friendship. Upon moving to America, the girls notice the horrible working conditions that the sewing factories are in. Rosie and Maria both become really involved in a workers union, fighting for the rights of the workers, leading up to the horrific fire in the Triangle Waist Company.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly, I really liked how real the characters were and the development of the relationships within them. I was also able to empathise with them and root for them, wanting Rosie and Maria to accomplish their goals. I especially liked Rosie's development, I found myself relating to her during her journey of finding herself. The book was very well-written and it was easy to read. Heather Wardell did a very good job describing the context and the situation of immigrants in New York during that time.
March 18, 2021
This book was phenomenal. I loved all of Heather's previous books but, this one goes way above and beyond what you would expect. This is her best writing yet. I read anything and everything and don't get caught up in genres. I just love a good book. And I can tell you that this book is right up there with the Nightingale and other Historical fiction books. I couldn't put it down.
The characters were awesome. I loved Rosie and Maria. I loved that they had different backgrounds and yet still found a common bond that created their friendship. As I was reading I could picture the girls. Their clothes and their hair. Everything about them was real, vivid and true to the times. Heather definitely did her research when she wrote this book and it really shows.
The story was riveting. I could picture Ellis Island and the immigrants. I could picture the factory and the girls working. And the fire was so real in the book that I could actually see it happening. The writing just flowed. I learned a lot from a time in our world when workers had very little rights and people were always looking for a better life. Heather really did this important part of our past justice. I would very highly recommend reading this book.
The characters were awesome. I loved Rosie and Maria. I loved that they had different backgrounds and yet still found a common bond that created their friendship. As I was reading I could picture the girls. Their clothes and their hair. Everything about them was real, vivid and true to the times. Heather definitely did her research when she wrote this book and it really shows.
The story was riveting. I could picture Ellis Island and the immigrants. I could picture the factory and the girls working. And the fire was so real in the book that I could actually see it happening. The writing just flowed. I learned a lot from a time in our world when workers had very little rights and people were always looking for a better life. Heather really did this important part of our past justice. I would very highly recommend reading this book.
April 29, 2021
WOW. This book was incredible. I've gone back and looked at this author's body of work, and from what I can tell this is her first historical fiction work. Wardell absolutely knocked it out of the park. I knew about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, but only some details. The story alternates in viewpoints from Rosie, an immigrant teen from Russia, and Maria, an immigrant teen from Italy. Rosie is sent to America to get a job and send all of her money except for the bare necessities back to Russia to bring over her family. The plan for her is that once her parents arrive, she will stop working and marry a nice Jewish man. Rosie is resigned to her fate until she arrives, and realizes what a whole entire world has opened up for her. Maria, swept up in the emotions of first love, is sent to America with her brother. They will work and raise money so that her father can eventually open a better restaurant. She is also destined to marry a man of her parent's choosing. Both girls take jobs as seamstresses and eventually their paths cross. Wardell does a spectacular job of immersing the reader into the tenement life that each girl experiences. Additionally, it's evident that Wardell researched the cultures and customs of both girls, along with the working conditions. The book captivates you, and you find yourself alternating between falling deeper and deeper into the stories of Rosie and Maria, and also dreading it because you know at some point...there's going to be a fire. I won't spoil any of the crux of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, but Wardell paints a searing, vivid and lasting picture of the tragedy. I even went back at a later point to re-read everything the characters experienced up to it, to see if got a sense of if they knew what was happening. Wardell then does a stellar job of continuing to draw the reader in to the fallout and aftermath. This was an incredible work, and I can't wait to tell everyone else around me to read it. If you're going to read a historical fiction book about immigration and working conditions for women, THIS IS THE ONE.
April 22, 2021
Fiery Girls
by Heather Wardell
Fiery Girls was a worthy read of fictional characters set in and around the historical Asch Building, New York City prior to the 1911 Triangle Factory fire in which 146 people lost their lives. Union activity, landowner and business owner abusive practices, in addition to negligence of safety and fire codes all combine to create tragic consequences for so many. This event alone led to monumental changes in the industry. The author weaves the fictional lives of her characters through the actual events in a believable thread that closely follows many of the real-life workers and the multiple cultures from which they came. By following the characters, it becomes clear to a reader that much of what happened could have been prevented.
I appreciated the careful research done to keep the story of Rosie and Maria as close to truth as possible. I count this read as time well spent. Reminding readers of what has happened in the past due to inadequate laws, codes and practices help keep people aware and on guard for current and future preventable tragedies.
A Sincere Thanks to Heather Wardell and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
#FieryGirls #NetGalley
by Heather Wardell
Fiery Girls was a worthy read of fictional characters set in and around the historical Asch Building, New York City prior to the 1911 Triangle Factory fire in which 146 people lost their lives. Union activity, landowner and business owner abusive practices, in addition to negligence of safety and fire codes all combine to create tragic consequences for so many. This event alone led to monumental changes in the industry. The author weaves the fictional lives of her characters through the actual events in a believable thread that closely follows many of the real-life workers and the multiple cultures from which they came. By following the characters, it becomes clear to a reader that much of what happened could have been prevented.
I appreciated the careful research done to keep the story of Rosie and Maria as close to truth as possible. I count this read as time well spent. Reminding readers of what has happened in the past due to inadequate laws, codes and practices help keep people aware and on guard for current and future preventable tragedies.
A Sincere Thanks to Heather Wardell and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
#FieryGirls #NetGalley
March 27, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.
The book is about two young girls, one is a Jewish girl from Russia and the other an Italian from Italy who both come to the US, to NYC, via Ellis Island. It starts with their experience of "coming off the boat" and you get a real feel for what it was like just to experience this. I felt especially connected to this as that is how my grandfather came to this country from Italy.
We then experience their lives, parallel to each other, as they make their way to living and surviving in NYC until they come to meet and become fast friends.
The history of the union is positively fascinating and the author weaves in real people, and you will come to know Clara and not only will you admire her but you may find yourself doing some Google searches to learn more - like I did.
As you are reading through this you will find yourself experiencing their lives with them but with the foresight of knowing what is looming ahead. The author does a superb job of writing about the terrible tragedy and the aftermath.
A very good read!
The book is about two young girls, one is a Jewish girl from Russia and the other an Italian from Italy who both come to the US, to NYC, via Ellis Island. It starts with their experience of "coming off the boat" and you get a real feel for what it was like just to experience this. I felt especially connected to this as that is how my grandfather came to this country from Italy.
We then experience their lives, parallel to each other, as they make their way to living and surviving in NYC until they come to meet and become fast friends.
The history of the union is positively fascinating and the author weaves in real people, and you will come to know Clara and not only will you admire her but you may find yourself doing some Google searches to learn more - like I did.
As you are reading through this you will find yourself experiencing their lives with them but with the foresight of knowing what is looming ahead. The author does a superb job of writing about the terrible tragedy and the aftermath.
A very good read!
March 27, 2021
Thanks to the publishers, author, & NetGalley for this e-arc.
Set in early 20th Century New York this novel follows two new immigrants: Rosie, a young Jewish woman from Russia, and Maria, a young Italian woman. The two form a friendship during their time working as seamstresses in the factories of Manhattan's Garment District. The young women explore life away from home for the first time. Friendship, love, and identity are all explored in the context of the immigrant's dream and the reality of the non-union labor conditions of the 1910s. It is the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of March 1911 which changes their lives forever.
I'll echo another reviewer who called this excellently researched novel a great introduction to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Americans can and should be proud of their immigrant ancestors, many of whom began their new lives through Wardell's Ellis Island.
This is my first read of Wardell's and I look forward to enjoying more.
Set in early 20th Century New York this novel follows two new immigrants: Rosie, a young Jewish woman from Russia, and Maria, a young Italian woman. The two form a friendship during their time working as seamstresses in the factories of Manhattan's Garment District. The young women explore life away from home for the first time. Friendship, love, and identity are all explored in the context of the immigrant's dream and the reality of the non-union labor conditions of the 1910s. It is the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of March 1911 which changes their lives forever.
I'll echo another reviewer who called this excellently researched novel a great introduction to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Americans can and should be proud of their immigrant ancestors, many of whom began their new lives through Wardell's Ellis Island.
This is my first read of Wardell's and I look forward to enjoying more.
April 5, 2021
Fiery Girls is a historical fiction novel that follows Maria, an Italian immigrant, and Rosie, a Russian immigrant, who have set off to chase the "American Dream" in early 1900's New York. Both are seamstresses who find work in various factories. They become disillusioned when they experience the terrible working conditions notorious in those unregulated times. Maria and Rosie are introduced to union activities and begin finding their voices.
I learned about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in school, but this book puts a magnifying glass on the event. I was so shocked, angered, and saddened reading about this event that could have been prevented if not for the greed of the factory owners.
This book is the exact reason I enjoy reading historical fiction. I put down the book with a lot more knowledge on a topic than I had before reading. And I will remember the events of the story because of the strong characters and vivid descriptions.
I learned about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in school, but this book puts a magnifying glass on the event. I was so shocked, angered, and saddened reading about this event that could have been prevented if not for the greed of the factory owners.
This book is the exact reason I enjoy reading historical fiction. I put down the book with a lot more knowledge on a topic than I had before reading. And I will remember the events of the story because of the strong characters and vivid descriptions.
May 13, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Heather Wardell in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was really inspiring and jaw dropping. Just to think by a single drop of a cigarette bud cause complete chaos that will change lives of many forever. The story behind Fiery Girls was an interesting one, coming to America just from being bound by marriage. Then, getting a job as a garment worker and the demand for more money and worker's rights started the whole situation that changed so many lives and 146 lives lost. While reading, you can feel the passion from Heather Wardell and how researching for this project meant so much to her and that was refreshing to read.
We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book was really inspiring and jaw dropping. Just to think by a single drop of a cigarette bud cause complete chaos that will change lives of many forever. The story behind Fiery Girls was an interesting one, coming to America just from being bound by marriage. Then, getting a job as a garment worker and the demand for more money and worker's rights started the whole situation that changed so many lives and 146 lives lost. While reading, you can feel the passion from Heather Wardell and how researching for this project meant so much to her and that was refreshing to read.
We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 12, 2021
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire is one of the worst tragedies in NYC history, Fiery Girls follows two immigrant girls, Maria and Rosie as they get swept up in early labor movements among garment factory workers. I think this is a good introductory historical novel for anyone who is unfamiliar with the time period and subject matter. The think the author captured the feel of the times and the angst and frustration of the workers. She provided a brief historical note and talked about her research around NYC, especially visiting Ellis Island, which was one of my most favorite sites when I traveled to the Big Apple. Thanks to NetGalley for the read.
May 2, 2021
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this excellent historical fiction novel set around the Triangle Waist Factory fire in New York, in 1911.
Maria Cerrito and her brother, Vincente, arrive Ellis Island from Italy to earn money to help their family have a better life, as does Rosie Lehrer, and another arrival from Russia. They all meet later on and become friends. Both girls get jobs in factories, but one perishes in the Triangle fire . The other friend is so distraught that she makes it her mission to help the union set safety standards for future factory workers and promote change.
This book was 5 stars! Loved the characters!
Maria Cerrito and her brother, Vincente, arrive Ellis Island from Italy to earn money to help their family have a better life, as does Rosie Lehrer, and another arrival from Russia. They all meet later on and become friends. Both girls get jobs in factories, but one perishes in the Triangle fire . The other friend is so distraught that she makes it her mission to help the union set safety standards for future factory workers and promote change.
This book was 5 stars! Loved the characters!
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