When I saw local author Tammy Lash’s book “White Wolf and the Ash Princess” on the round table by the entrance, I instantly walked over to pick it up and look at the ornately designed cover. I knew I had to give it a read.
From the moment I opened the pages, I was greeted by some of the most likable characters I’ve met in a while. I was immediately introduced to Isabelle, who is stuck within the confines of her own memory loss and disabling fear due to a fire. This experience leads her to spend her days reading hundreds of books in the safety of the house’s library. Isabelle has been badly burned and branded with no recollection of how or why.
Jonathan, Isabelle’s self-elected caretaker, has shut off conversations of Isabelle’s past with Isabelle as well as Margaret, the housekeeper and mother figure to them both. Jonathan believes that hiding the past from Isabelle is the wisest decision since recollections cause her to feel dizzy and faint. Miss Margaret, with her frenetic energy, promises the same.
As the story continues, we see Isabelle slowly finding her footing. Like a fragile child taking her first steps, she’s wobbly but trusting: “She’s strong. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
Margaret sends Isabelle out of the house for fresh air, where she finds Tubs, a friend and younger brother type to Isabelle. Tubs is playful and unexpecting. He simply draws Isabelle out of her shell with the promise of a ride on Rosemary, the favored horse. They ride to Tubs’ fishing hole but then wander their way into the old homeplace of Jonathan. There, Izzy finds gears and gadgets, nuts and bolts, trinkets from Jonathan’s youth when he would create intricate pieces like necklaces and clocks. While exploring this unknown part of Jonathan, Isabelle and Tubs overhear curious conversations that hint to more unrevealed parts of Jonathan. Isabelle begins to question who he truly is and if she’s ever actually known him at all. The story climaxes when a long-awaited promise between Jonathan and Izzy’s true father has to be kept. In the cover of night, Izzy is smuggled on board a ship with Tubs and others to make the weekslong journey to America. Isabelle has a choice to make. Isabelle’s father is waiting in America with a man, Gikto, whom she may be required to marry. But Jonathan loves her too. A brotherly love as a young man taking care of a badly burned child has turned into a deep, mature, selfless love. But there are parts of him that he has not let out, and this makes Izzy wary of Jonathan and his intentions.
Isabelle, once on board, is introduced to a brother, Mikonan, that she hadn’t remembered since the fire. He has been brought by Izzy’s father to ensure her safety aboard. In the arrangement that was made, Mikonan has to take over care of Izzy and a now sick Tubs. With Jonathan demoted, Tubs sick and a possible arranged marriage in the new world, Isabelle will have to overcome her fear to figure out who she truly is and what she stands for.
“White Wolf and the Ash Princess” is a story of fellowship, brotherhood and human guideposts. Invisible tethers are bound within the characters in this story leading Isabelle to discover her true identity.
Isabelle is sustained by brotherhood within the pages of this book, which forced me to truly peer into my own life and identify the brothers (and sisters) that have guided me back to myself. In this way, it is an inspiring read.
