The Guncle

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The Guncle

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Steven Rowley

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About this listen

From the author of Lily and the Octopus comes a moving and deeply funny novel about a once-famous sitcom star who is left to care for his niece and nephew after an unexpected family tragedy.

Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them … in small doses, with their parents there to handle the tears and tricky questions. So when tragedy strikes and Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian, he is, honestly, overwhelmed.

Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to young children. But when he realises that parenting isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility and the realisation that, sometimes, being vulnerable is the only way to heal from grief.

Tender, charming and laugh-out-loud funny, The Guncle is a testament to finding happiness and peace in the most trying of times.

‘Steven Rowley’s The Guncle is a gift. At once funny, charming and heartbreaking, it’s that rare novel that will have you laughing out loud, even through tears. I have yet to meet a person who did not love this book.’ Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Good Sister and The Younger Wife

‘A joyous Auntie Mame spritz! A reading pleasure; pour yourself a tall glass and enjoy, preferably poolside. You deserve it!’ Andrew Sean Greer, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Less

Family Life

Fiction

Genre Fiction

Humorous

Literary Fiction

Literature & Fiction

Funny

Heartfelt

Witty

Comedy

Feel-Good

Critic Reviews

‘A joyous Auntie Mame spritz! A reading pleasure; pour yourself a tall glass and enjoy, preferably poolside. You deserve it!’ (Andrew Sean Greer, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Less)

‘The Guncle is super funny, charming, and tender. Love, loss, and Palm Springs are the perfect ingredients for a delightful cocktail.’ (Gary Janetti, author of Do You Mind If I Cancel?)

‘A formerly famous gay sitcom star is suddenly tasked with raising his niece and nephew in this sweet, saucy novel.’

‘In his heartwarming, humorous new novel, Steven Rowley shows readers the true meaning of family, reminding us that everyone – even parents – is only human.’

‘The author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor delivers arguably his funniest and most poignant novel yet.’

‘[A] moving, feel-good summer escape.’

‘Deeply entertaining.’

‘A laugh-out-loud heart-warmer.’

‘[A] brilliant tale of loss and love.’

‘[A] funny and heartwarming beach read.’

‘[A] feel-good story, perfect for summer.’

‘Rowley hits the sweet spot between hilarity and heart in this endearing charmer.’

‘Often hilarious, sometimes devastating, and genuinely touching.’

‘Chronicles grief in a way that offers a lot of comfort to the reader, and while at various points is a definite tearjerker, it often unlocks the humor and joy that can still be found after those we loved are gone. . . . Wistful, warm, and very funny.’ (Fodor’s Travel)

‘As hysterically funny as it is profound, The Guncle is the perfect summer read for anyone who’s looking for a good time with amazing characters without forfeiting deep and meaningful discussions that will feel like a balm to the soul for anyone who’s ever lost someone.’

‘Cue some family growing pains and humorous antics, and you get this heartwarming novel you’ll devour in a flash.’

‘A big-hearted, laugh-out-loud-funny kind of book that’s sure to stay with you long after you turn the final page.’

‘Rowley uses the juxtaposition of lifestyles and situations for an enormous comic harvest without once forgetting the sorrow and tragedy that have resulted in the situation. The characterisations are rich and wonderful, and Rowley writes with a tenderness, affection and empathy about life, sorrow and family that’s the stuff of pure heart.’

‘Hilarious and heartwarming . . . Auntie Mame-like laughs, lessons and hijinks ensue as Patrick – a once-famous gay sitcom star – deals with a midlife crisis while launching a second act.’

‘A sweet story of family, with plenty of laughs and even a few tears.’

‘Equal amounts of heartache and witty bon mots.’

‘Influenced by comic dialogue that would make Neil Simon jealous, the novel’s serious undercurrent of loss gives way, in the end, to a warmth that will make readers smile. . . . A funny, gentle tale of family and friends, and a salve for the wounds they often cause.’

Most relevant

I loved this story! I was so charmed by all of the characters. The characters were endearing, and I loved the way it all played out. I could see this becoming a movie. I laughed and cried.