The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

Love, Laughter, and La Dolce Vita

Pack your bags and brush up on your Italian, because everyone’s favorite guncle is back and ready for a European escapade! In “The Guncle Abroad,” Steven Rowley’s delightful follow-up to his 2021 hit “The Guncle,” we’re once again treated to the hilarious and touching misadventures of Patrick O’Hara as he navigates the choppy waters of family, love, and self-discovery. This time, our beloved protagonist is whisking his niece and nephew off to Italy for a big fat Italian wedding – what could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler alert: pretty much everything, in the most entertaining way possible.)

As someone who devoured the first book and fell head over heels for Patrick’s unique brand of sass and heart, I was both thrilled and a tad apprehensive about a sequel. Could Rowley recapture the magic? Would a European setting feel like a forced vacation episode of a sitcom? Thankfully, my worries were as unfounded as Patrick’s fear of aging. “The Guncle Abroad” not only lives up to its predecessor but in many ways surpasses it, delivering a richer, more nuanced exploration of family dynamics while never losing its comedic edge.

From Connecticut to Como: A Whirlwind Tour of Love and Laughter

The Plot: La Famiglia, Italian Style

Five years have passed since Patrick’s transformative summer with Maisie and Grant in Palm Springs. Now pushing fifty (though he’d never admit it), our guncle extraordinaire finds himself single again after breaking things off with Emory. Just as he’s settling into life in New York, Patrick’s world is upended by news of his brother Greg’s impending nuptials to Livia, an Italian marchesa (not quite a baroness, as Patrick hilariously keeps reminding us).

The catch? Maisie and Grant are less than thrilled about their father’s remarriage. Cue Operation Guncle to the Rescue! Patrick swoops in to take the kids on a pre-wedding European tour, hoping to open their hearts to the idea of love and new beginnings. What follows is a whirlwind adventure through Paris, Salzburg, and Venice, culminating in a chaotic rehearsal dinner on the shores of Lake Como that threatens to derail the entire affair.

Character Development: Growing Pains and Gained Wisdom

One of the greatest joys of “The Guncle Abroad” is watching how our beloved characters have evolved. Patrick, while still delightfully quippy and pop-culture obsessed, shows genuine growth as he grapples with aging, his career, and the possibility of lasting love. Maisie, now a teenager, bristles with adolescent angst but retains the sharp wit that made her such a standout in the first book. Grant, at eleven, is caught between childhood wonder and pre-teen skepticism, providing some of the novel’s most touching and humorous moments.

Rowley excels at introducing new characters who feel instantly familiar. Livia, the bride-to-be, is far more than the “wicked stepmother” the kids initially fear. Her sister Palmina, a lesbian jewelry designer from Capri, emerges as a scene-stealing rival/ally for Patrick in some of the book’s funniest exchanges. Even minor characters like Clara (Patrick’s newly divorced sister) and the colorful Italian relatives add depth and flavor to this rich narrative stew.

Themes: Love in All Its Flavors

The Many Faces of Amore

At its core, “The Guncle Abroad” is a celebration of love in all its messy, complicated glory. Patrick’s attempts to teach the kids about different “love languages” (hilariously rebranded as “Guncle Love Languages”) serve as a clever framing device for exploring various forms of affection:

1. Family love: The evolving dynamics between Patrick, Greg, and the kids form the emotional backbone of the story.
2. Romantic love: Patrick’s journey with Emory and Greg’s relationship with Livia offer contrasting views on partnership.
3. Self-love: Patrick’s struggle with aging and identity is both relatable and poignant.
4. Platonic love: The unexpected friendship that develops between Patrick and Palmina is a highlight.

Grief and Growth: The Ghosts We Carry

While lighter in tone than its predecessor, “The Guncle Abroad” doesn’t shy away from the lingering effects of loss. Maisie and Grant’s reluctance to accept Livia stems from fear of “replacing” their mother, Sara. Patrick, too, still grapples with past heartbreak. Rowley handles these moments with a deft touch, allowing for moments of genuine emotion amidst the comedy.

Rowley’s Writing: A Master Class in Balancing Humor and Heart

Dialogue that Dazzles

If there’s one area where Rowley truly shines, it’s in crafting dialogue that crackles with wit and authenticity. Patrick’s one-liners are as sharp as ever (“I’m not a lesbian. I am many things, but I am not a lesbian.”), but it’s in the back-and-forth between characters that the author’s talent truly shines. The banter between Patrick and Palmina is particularly delicious, full of playful jabs and reluctant admiration.

Setting the Scene: Europe as a Character

Rowley’s descriptions of European locales are vivid without veering into travelogue territory. From the elegance of Paris to the fairy-tale charm of Salzburg, each setting feels carefully chosen to reflect the emotional state of our characters. The grand finale at Lake Como is especially well-realized, providing a suitably dramatic backdrop for the story’s climax.

A Deft Balance of Tone

Perhaps Rowley’s greatest strength is his ability to seamlessly blend laugh-out-loud humor with moments of genuine pathos. One minute you’re giggling at Patrick’s attempts to navigate Italian social niceties, the next you’re tearing up as Maisie confronts her conflicted feelings about her father’s remarriage. It’s a tonal tightrope walk that Rowley executes with impressive skill.

Minor Quibbles: A Few Bumps in the Road

While “The Guncle Abroad” is a joy from start to finish, there are a couple of minor issues that prevent it from achieving absolute perfection:

• Pacing: The first half of the book, focused on the European tour, occasionally feels a bit episodic. Some readers might find themselves impatient to get to the main event in Italy.
• Convenience: A few plot developments rely a bit heavily on coincidence or conveniently timed revelations. While this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment, it may stretch credibility for some readers.

The Verdict: A Sequel That Soars

“The Guncle Abroad” is that rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but expands and enriches the world it inhabits. Rowley has crafted a warm, witty, and ultimately life-affirming tale about the families we’re born into and the ones we choose. Patrick O’Hara cements his place as one of the most endearing protagonists in contemporary fiction, a character whose flaws make him all the more lovable.

This novel is a perfect summer read, but its themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth resonate far beyond any single season. Whether you’re a devoted fan of “The Guncle” or new to Rowley’s work, “The Guncle Abroad” offers a first-class ticket to a world of laughter, tears, and la dolce vita.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of the original “The Guncle” (obviously!)
• Readers who enjoy heartwarming family stories with a good dose of humor
• Anyone who’s ever grappled with change, loss, or the challenges of blended families
• Armchair travelers dreaming of a European getaway
• Those seeking LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream fiction

Similar Books and Authors

If you enjoy “The Guncle Abroad,” you might also like:

• “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer – Another witty, globetrotting tale of a gay man confronting middle age
• “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – For more heartwarming chosen family dynamics with a touch of magic
• “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston – If you’re craving more queer romance with sharp dialogue

Final Thoughts: La Vita è Bella

In a world that often feels too cynical, “The Guncle Abroad” is a much-needed reminder of the power of love, laughter, and family (both biological and chosen). Steven Rowley has delivered a sequel that will have readers booking flights to Italy and hugging their loved ones a little tighter. Patrick O’Hara may be facing fifty, but his adventures are far from over – and I, for one, can’t wait to see where this fabulous guncle takes us next. Bravo, Mr. Rowley. Bravo!