THE GUNCLE by Steven Rowley. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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What an unexpextedly delightful surprise this book was! Gay Uncle Patrick, or GUP, is a has-been TV sitcom star, who lives a comfortable and secluded life in Palm Springs. Suddenly he is thrust into the role of parent to his little niece and nephew when his sister-in-law (and best friend) dies, and his brother checks himself into rehab. He obviously adores the kids but being a fulltime caregiver to two grieving children is something else entirely, and he is still very much grieving the death of his partner Joe, many years before.
Patrick is a wonderful character. He is at once larger than life, flamboyant, and unwilling to talk down to the children or change his life. But he is also vulnerable, intuitive to the kids’ needs, and willing to grow into his role. The kids, Maisie and Grant, are beautifully drawn, full of grief, love for their uncle, and confused by his unorthodox adulting. The side characters are also warm, funny, and true to life.
For all that, this is Patrick’s story, though, and I loved the way he took a very difficult situation by the horns and made the best of it as he knew how. He makes mistakes but he’s willing to learn. His grief is tremendous, both over the old loss of his partner and the new loss of his best friend. Together with the kids he must find a way through.
I found this both warmly funny and a sensitive protrayal of grief. There are sticky situations aplenty, and Patrick navigates them all with heart and humor. Thank heavens I extended my library subscription and grabbed this book on a whim!
#book #bookreview #reading #fiction #guncle #stevenrowley #grief #flamboyant
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