Jason and Tom Prendergast live their lives far removed from childhood and family, so when they receive notice of their father’s passing, neither is inclined to revisit old memories. Meeting with their father’s attorney, they learn that he has left them an envelope that can only be opened if they agree to travel together to dispose of his ashes. Setting aside a lifetime of anger and hurt, their curiosity gets the better of them, and they set out, reluctantly, to their father’s chosen destination.
Dysfunction may be an understatement when it comes to the Prendergast family. Ashes is a deeply emotional story of a broken home and its affects that last for decades. Mr. Manchester offsets the sensitive story with splashes of humor and heart-warming moments of connection between the brothers. I was enthralled in the outcome and while it was darkly surprising, it screamed of new beginnings.
Mr.Manchester has an affectingly fluid writing style that is easy to follow. I completely enjoyed Ashes, and would gladly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars
*A physical copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.