Ashes

"Artfully written and full of essential truths, Ashes is a journey of two estranged brothers traversing the country, contemplating their pasts, and facing futures unknown – with their cremated father in tow no less. Always with a rich sense of place and refreshingly honest banter, Manchester will make you laugh and mourn and ponder with characters that feel as if they've been plucked straight from the real world. This is the kind of book that has you soul searching with every word."

– Meredith Wild, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Ashes uses a poignant cross-country expedition to explore the shared history of an interesting pair of estranged brothers charged with fulfilling their father’s bizarre last wish. The pilgrimage twists through childhood memories of comic misdeeds and bruising misunderstandings, detours into sibling squabbles, and bounces over the ruts of problematic marriages and ornery children to arrive at an unexpectedly wonderful destination. I loved it.”

– Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author, Rock with Wings

“When two middle-aged, estranged brothers hit the road with their father’s ashes in the back seat of the car, what begins as a grueling test of opposites ends up as a heroic testament to love. Ashes is a story about disappointment, dysfunctional families, and male aging, filled with observations that are both painfully true and terribly funny. Sometimes raw, always engaging, Steven Manchester’s novel is a wry and wise journey through the ruins of the American Dream.”

– William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author, Ordinary Grace

“Heartwarming and hilarious. Recommended!”

– Ruth Harris, New York Times bestselling author, Park Avenue series

“Steven Manchester has the enviable ability to capture the intricacies of the human heart through words. Ashes is a moving novel of two brothers and their journey back to one another. A must read.”

– Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author, The Weight of Silence and Missing Pieces

“Ashes is a richly developed, deeply moving tale that redefines the modern quest story. Steve Manchester's clever romp, tracing the plight of two brothers on a cross country trek to scatter their father's ashes, makes us laugh, cry and, most of all, think. Cut from the broadcloth of Philip Roth and Kurt Vonnegeut, Ashes is a literary triumph of rare depth and pathos.”

– Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author, Strong Light of Day

“Imagine a road trip with two damaged brothers and a box containing the ashes of their lousy pop in the back seat. A perfect blend of heart and hilarity, this dysfunctional brothers' road trip detours into poignant memories revealing childhood scars, making for an immensely entertaining and touching novel. Manchester weaves a smart, honest tale illustrating the bonds of brotherhood, life's disappointments, and the resiliency of the human spirit. Manchester's characters are vivid and believable and his dialogue spot-on; he is the master of witty repartee. Manchester’s sharp, edgy humor had me laughing out loud. Turning from gut-wrenching to heartwarming and back again, Ashes is a novel that will remain with you long after the last page is turned.”

– Lori Nelson Spielman, #1 international bestselling author, The Life List

“If you don’t laugh reading Ashes, then you should go get your head checked.”

- Lenny Clarke, actor/comedian, Rescue Me

“Simmering emotions erupt as two estranged brothers embark on a cross-country road trip to bury the ashes of their sadistic father. Ashes is a brutally honest portrayal of men coming to grips with their own mortality. The surprise turns in the road will keep you glued to your seat, and make this a must read. Masterful storytelling. This is one of Steven Manchester’s best.”

– John Lansing, bestselling author, Blond Cargo, producer, Walker, Texas Ranger