I don’t usually start my review with how much I love a book, but this story was so well written that is what I must do. Steven Manchester can WRITE. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
When brothers Tom and Jason Prendergast receive news that their father has died, they need to attend the reading of the will; this is the beginning of a journey they both will never forget. But will they regret having to spend so much time together when they haven’t seen each other in years due to estrangement?
At the reading, they find out the father wants them to travel across the country and take his ashes to Seattle and a particular address. They are NOT happy but to get the reading of an additional letter that cannot be opened until they accomplish that task they do it because they have no other choice.
Plus the letter contains the inheritance he also promised them and that is the only way to get it.
They both have family issues that come up while traveling and while serious stuff, Mr. Manchester writes with such wit, that it takes the sting off of issues that would give a person “in real life” pause. It’s bad enough for them to have to relive a horrible childhood but they are also dealing with current personal issues on this journey that make reading this a page turner.
Mr. Manchester clearly has a sense of humor that comes across in his writing that makes the subject matter palatable. The death of a parent is never easy to discuss let alone write about when they are the type of parent who was abusive. But as the brother’s journey across the country, we get a glimpse into the nightmare that was their childhood and how they grappled with it and made them the men they come to be.
At times sad most times funny but never dull, I was hooked from the first page of this book and found myself laughing out loud at times, to tears near the end.
This is a must-read book, and one of my top reads so far this year. Don’t hesitate to buy this book as you will not be disappointed!
Reviewed by Linda C
