Margaret Rose Nolan

Margaret Rose Nolan is the main character in Mary Jane Auch's "Ashes of Roses." Margaret Rose is traveling from Limerick to America with the hope of starting a better life in a country where the streets are paved with gold. The family will stay with Margaret Rose's Uncle Patrick, her father's brother, until Michael Nolan can get on his feet.

Margaret Rose is a 16-year-old girl. She is a good Catholic girl with traditional roots and respect for her parents. Margaret Rose tells the story of arriving in America through her own eyes.

Upon arriving in America, Margaret Rose changes her name to Rose to differentiate herself from all the Marys and Margarets coming from Ireland. Rose is determined to make her way in New York. New York offers untold opportunities for a young woman. In Limerick, Rose would simply finish school, marry, and raise a...