Iron Rose

Iron Rose is one of the most interesting fact-based but fictionalized novels I have ever read. I was so interested to learn that the main character is based on the author's grandmother's real life experiences, and that Lorie went all the way to Austria to hear and tape record Rose's experiences in her own voice. But few authors could take the amazing events of this woman's life (which are truly stranger than fiction) and weave them into a book so intriguing. It is not only a eye-witness account of one woman's real experiences during World War II, but also a deeply sensitive look at human nature. Lorie Davis is, in my opinion, a first-rate writer!

Lorie's book can be read as exciting page-turning fiction, but one of the things that I found truely exciting, was that all the events really happened. Lorie's grandmother,(Iron Rose)was an unusually talented, determined person. If Lorie and I had not had a very close association, living in the same town, having children the same age, our families attending many social and church events together, sharing lots of conversations, me being the beneficiary on many ocassions of her considerable talents, over a period of 14 years, I'm not sure I would believe that Iron Rose could have really been like Lorie reported her to be. But Lorie is alot like she reported her grandmother to be. Lorie once told me the only things she could not do, were play the piano and spell. I believe it. Iron Rose could be read as a morality play. It graphically discribes how lives can be forever changed because of a momentary indiscretion, or an instant of letting ones guard down, how reputations of totally innocent people can be distroyed by the selfishness and cowardlyness of others. How people can be so desprete and in so much pain that they do not fully consider how their words and actions can distroy innocent people. It tells of the struggles of real people, through war, poverty, and abuse; of people totally mistreated, suffering greatly because of the neglect, selfishness and inconsiderateness of others. Iron Rose was a victim, who refused to be defeated, who rose again and again, when anyone else (except maybe Lorie) would have quit. Iron Rose had a family who loved her, but sometimes didn't know how to show it or were unable to show it because of their circumstances. She had a couple of friends, however, who knew how to show their considerable regard for her, who were in a position to help her, and who did. Iron Rose and her daughter showed an almost unbelieveable ability to forgive each other, when others, in similar circumstances, never would have. Lorie's book offers great lessons in forgiveness and generosity. Iron Rose was so deprived so frequently, and yet so generous whenever she could be.Iron Rose can be read as a history book of the time, of the effect World War I had on ordinary civilians, and how Iron Rose survived the unsurvivable. Iron Rose is a study of a society where the Catholic Church held supremacy over every aspect of the social life of the community. I wonder, now that I have read the book, if, what appeared to be a very repressive society, did not function better than our so-called "free" one, where everyone does what they please, everyone except innocent children, who have no power and are frequently not given the care and consideration that all the freedom and posperity us adults have in our modern society, enjoy.Although Iron Rose never articulated it, it seemed to this reader, that God was surely looking out for her, loved her and helped her, directly, and through her friends, who just happened to show up at just the right ti

Who needs fiction when there are real life stories like Iron Rose! It is a fascinating story of love and heartache. The characters made me happy, excited, frustrated, and angry. I love the detail and descriptive language. The good and bad of this family is unbelievable and yet it IS true. Iron Rose is great competition for any soap opera!

I happened upon this book in a local library just by chance. Rarely do I luck out when I do that, but Iron Rose was fantastic! A good book in my opinion is one that speaks to you so deeply that you change your character for the better because of it. This book inspired me to appreciate the good things in life and made me want to be more strong-willed. It's compelling, quick reading that caused me to shake my head several times and wonder if the events could really be true. I felt so close to the characters and in awe at their stamina amidst heart-wrenching circumstances. I've since recommeded the book to several friends and won't hesitate to say it's among the best five books I've ever read, and I've read a whole lot of books! If you get a chance to pick up a copy of Iron Rose, be prepared to be shocked, heart-broken, amazed at the integrity of the characters and more deeply in love with life than you had been before by the time you finally put it down. Definately reading worth while!