Thursday, February 6, 2025

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Family, Grief, and Healing – All Wrapped in a Caftan of Comedy!

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"The Guncle" is a gem of a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your loved ones (chosen or otherwise). It's a celebration of how love and laughter can heal even the deepest wounds, and a reminder that family comes in all shapes and sizes.

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When Life Hands You Lemons, Make a Fabulous Lemon Drop Martini

Life has a funny way of upending our carefully laid plans, doesn’t it? One minute you’re living your best life as a semi-retired TV star in Palm Springs, and the next you’re suddenly responsible for two grieving children who’ve lost their mother. Such is the premise of Steven Rowley’s delightful new novel “The Guncle,” which serves up equal parts humor and heart as it explores themes of loss, love, and learning to open yourself up to life again.

As someone who’s always fancied myself the fun gay uncle (or “guncle,” if you will), I was instantly drawn into this story. Rowley has a knack for creating characters that feel like old friends – the kind you’d love to share a poolside cocktail with while trading witty barbs. His protagonist Patrick O’Hara practically leaps off the page with his acerbic wit and carefully curated designer wardrobe. But beneath the fabulous exterior beats the heart of a man still nursing old wounds and hiding from the world.

Plot Summary: From Carefree to Caregiver

When we first meet Patrick, he’s contentedly ensconced in his mid-century modern Palm Springs home, enjoying a life of leisure far from the glare of Hollywood. His carefully constructed bubble is burst when his sister-in-law Sara dies unexpectedly, leaving behind two young children. To make matters worse, Patrick’s brother Greg checks himself into rehab, leaving Patrick as the kids’ temporary guardian.

Suddenly, Patrick finds himself responsible for 9-year-old Maisie and 6-year-old Grant for the summer. Armed with little more than a set of hastily concocted “Guncle Rules,” Patrick must figure out how to care for two grieving children while confronting his own unresolved trauma. What follows is a poignant and often hilarious journey as this makeshift family learns to heal and grow together.

Characters: A Lovable Cast of Misfits

Rowley has a gift for creating complex, flawed characters that worm their way into your heart. Patrick is a revelation – wickedly funny one moment and heartbreakingly vulnerable the next. His journey from self-involved bachelor to caring guardian feels authentic and earned. The children, Maisie and Grant, are equally well-drawn. Their grief manifests in different but believable ways, and watching them slowly open up to Patrick is deeply moving.

The supporting cast is equally colorful, from Patrick’s nosy neighbors (a gay throuple called JED) to his ambitious new agent Cassie. Each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the story. I particularly enjoyed Patrick’s contentious relationship with his sister Clara, which evolves in surprising ways.

Themes: Finding Family in Unexpected Places

At its heart, “The Guncle” is a story about found family and second chances. Patrick, Maisie, and Grant are all adrift in their grief, but they find solace and healing in their unlikely bond. Rowley explores how families can take many forms, and how sometimes the people we need most in life aren’t the ones we’re born to, but the ones we choose.

The novel also delves into themes of identity and self-acceptance. Patrick must confront the ways he’s been hiding from life and learn to embrace vulnerability again. There are lovely parallels drawn between Patrick’s journey and Maisie’s struggles with gender expression and identity.

Writing Style: Wit and Warmth in Equal Measure

Rowley’s prose sparkles with wit and charm. The dialogue crackles, especially Patrick’s one-liners and pop culture references. But beneath the glittering surface, there’s real emotional depth. Rowley has a knack for capturing small, poignant moments that cut straight to the heart.

The pacing is brisk, with short chapters that keep the story moving. Rowley deftly balances humor and pathos, never letting things get too heavy or too frivolous. The result is a compulsively readable novel that will have you laughing one moment and reaching for the tissues the next.

Humor: Guncle Rules for Days

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its humor. Patrick’s “Guncle Rules” are a particular delight, offering pearls of wisdom like “Guncle Rule #7: In this house we wear what we want, it doesn’t matter if it’s for boys or girls.” The fish-out-of-water comedy as Patrick attempts to navigate childcare is genuinely funny without ever feeling mean-spirited.

Rowley has a gift for one-liners that had me literally laughing out loud. Take this exchange when Patrick is trying to explain euphemisms to the kids:

“Patrick sighed. ‘Guncle Rule number five: If a gay man hands you his phone, look only at what he’s showing you. If it’s a photo, don’t swipe. And for god’s sake, don’t open any unfamiliar apps.'”

Heart: Healing Through Laughter and Love

For all its humor, “The Guncle” doesn’t shy away from exploring grief and trauma. Rowley treats these heavy topics with sensitivity and nuance. The way Patrick, Maisie, and Grant slowly begin to heal through their connection is deeply touching. There are moments of raw emotion that feel painfully real, like when Maisie confesses her fears about forgetting her mother.

The novel’s exploration of Patrick’s lingering grief over losing his partner Joe years ago is particularly well-handled. Rowley shows how unresolved trauma can hold us back from fully embracing life, and how opening ourselves up to love again – even when it’s scary – is the key to healing.

Comparisons: A Fresh Take on the “Suddenly a Parent” Trope

“The Guncle” puts a fresh spin on the familiar trope of a carefree bachelor suddenly saddled with kids (think “Three Men and a Baby” or “Big Daddy”). By centering a gay protagonist and exploring themes of grief and chosen family, Rowley elevates the material beyond simple comedy.

Fans of Rowley’s previous novels “Lily and the Octopus” and “The Editor” will find much to love here. Like those books, “The Guncle” blends humor and heart in a way that feels effortless. The Palm Springs setting and showbiz elements give the story a fun, escapist quality while still tackling weightier themes.

Critical Analysis: A Near-Perfect Summer Read

“The Guncle” is a near-perfect summer read—light enough to enjoy poolside, but with enough substance to stick with you long after the last page. Rowley’s characters are so vividly drawn that you’ll find yourself missing them when the book ends.

If I have one minor critique, it’s that the resolution feels a bit rushed. The final act moves quickly, wrapping up several plot threads in rapid succession. While ultimately satisfying, I found myself wishing for a bit more time to savor the characters’ growth and newfound connections.

That said, this is a relatively small quibble in an otherwise delightful novel. Rowley has crafted a story that feels both timely and timeless, exploring how we create family in a world that doesn’t always fit traditional molds.

Conclusion: A Heartwarming Celebration of Chosen Family

“The Guncle” is a gem of a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your loved ones (chosen or otherwise). It’s a celebration of how love and laughter can heal even the deepest wounds, and a reminder that family comes in all shapes and sizes.

Rowley has delivered another winner, cementing his place as a master of heartwarming queer fiction. Whether you’re a guncle yourself or just in need of a good laugh and a cathartic cry, this book is an absolute must-read. Pour yourself a martini, find a sunny spot, and prepare to fall in love with Patrick, Maisie, and Grant.

“The Guncle” is a near-perfect blend of humor and heart. Rowley’s characters leap off the page, the dialogue crackles, and the emotional journey feels authentic and earned. While the ending feels slightly rushed, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar novel. Highly recommended for fans of queer fiction, found family stories, or anyone in need of a good laugh and a good cry.

Recommendation: Who Should Read This Book?

I’d recommend “The Guncle” to:

  • Fans of heartwarming LGBTQ+ fiction
  • Anyone who enjoys stories about found family and unlikely connections
  • Readers who like their humor with a side of genuine emotion
  • Those dealing with grief or loss who could use a reminder that healing is possible
  • Anyone in need of a perfect beach read or pick-me-up

So grab your caftan, mix up a cocktail, and dive into the warm, witty world of “The Guncle.” Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to adopt Patrick, Maisie, and Grant into your own chosen family by the end.

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"The Guncle" is a gem of a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your loved ones (chosen or otherwise). It's a celebration of how love and laughter can heal even the deepest wounds, and a reminder that family comes in all shapes and sizes.The Guncle by Steven Rowley