The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
- Jess G. Reads
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Title: The Guncle Abroad
Author: Steven Rowley
Genre: Fiction / LGBTQIA+
Setting: Europe / Italy
Month Read: May 2024
Book Type: E-Arc
Publication: May 21, 2024
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Pages: 320
*Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for my advanced E-copy. It has in no way influenced this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
TRIGGER WARNING-
Sex / Language / Grief
"Young men can become their monster and not be judged for it. They are allowed to show anger, be violent and growl. Young women are different. They know they have to contain the monster to get what they want. And it’s frustrating to be young and to first see how the world works and to learn how much of yourself you have to hide. The unfairness of there being two sexes. And how lonely it can be to see your future mapped out and to know that part of your light will be dimmed.."
No Spoiler Summary:
Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the work with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.
Review:
GUP IS BACK!!!!!!! The Guncle is one of my favorite books I've ever read, and when I saw we were getting a sequel I was absolutely delighted to be reunited with Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. Eurpope!? Italy?! Oh, the chaos that is going to ensue! I dove into this book and absolutely tore it apart, but ultimately the sequel left me wanting a little bit more, and it didn't quite get me to a 5th star.
Without spoiling, the beginning of this book and the end of a relationship left me stunned. I was ready to watch Patrick romp through Europe with the love he had found and the several sentence write off was really annoying for me. It kept me in a bad mood through most of the book, and I think this entire sub-plot was a huge mistake.
I loved Europe. I loved Patrick's idea to take the kids through Europe to teach them about art, culture, and ultimately, their Mom. I think these parts of the books shined, and who doesn't love some new Guncle rules? Watching Maisie and Grant grow up was really sad, and reading this book after having two kids definitely hit different than when I read The Guncle and hadn't parented at all.
The new characters were wonderful. I think the new characters were quite great, and added something very new and fun to the book- especially the Gaunt who became Patrick's psuedo-arch nemesis. The banter was as funny as it always was, and Steven didn't lose a knack of Patrick's hilarity. The more somber moments also hit the way they should, and this book gets you a few times, especially if you've ever lost someone close to you. While this book isn't as great as The Guncle (and how could it be!?) I do highly recommend taking the trip, and if we were ever lucky enough to get another book I'd still be there with bells on.
Recommendation:
Other LGBTQIA+ Authors:
Casey McQuiston
Anita Kelly
Alice Oseman
Adam Silvera
"Finer things. Don’t save them for a day that may never come, enjoy them with someone you love now."
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