Love, Laughter, and La Dolce Vita
You know that feeling when you slip on a well-worn pair of Italian leather loafers? The ones that somehow make you feel both comfortably at home and ready to strut down the cobblestone streets of Rome? That’s precisely the sensation Steven Rowley evokes in his delightful sequel “The Guncle Abroad.” Our beloved gay uncle Patrick O’Hara is back, and this time he’s taking his niblings on a whirlwind European adventure that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Rowley has a knack for blending laugh-out-loud humor with profound emotional depth, and in this follow-up to his breakout hit “The Guncle,” he proves that lightning can indeed strike twice. As someone who devoured the first book like it was a plate of freshly made cacio e pepe, I approached this sequel with both excitement and trepidation. Could Rowley recapture the magic? Could Patrick’s acerbic wit and tender heart translate to the streets of Paris and the canals of Venice?
Spoiler alert: He does, and they do. Magnificamente.
From Connecticut to Como: A Family Affair
Five years have passed since Patrick’s transformative summer in Palm Springs with his niece Maisie and nephew Grant. Now, with his acting career back on track and the kids settled in Connecticut with their father Greg, Patrick is navigating life in New York City. But when Greg announces his impending nuptials to Italian noblewoman Livia, to be held on the shores of Lake Como, Patrick finds himself thrust back into the role of guncle extraordinaire.
The premise is ripe for comedy: Patrick must shepherd two reluctant teenagers across Europe, all while trying to impart lessons about love and acceptance. Oh, and did I mention he’s also grappling with his own romantic troubles after a breakup with the delightful Emory? It’s a recipe for disaster, or in Rowley’s capable hands, a feast of wit, wisdom, and wanderlust.
Characters That Leap Off the Page (and Onto Your Gondola)
One of Rowley’s greatest strengths is his ability to create characters that feel startlingly real. Patrick remains the heart and soul of the story, his sharp tongue and soft heart providing the perfect vehicle for both humor and pathos. But it’s the evolution of Maisie and Grant that truly shines in this outing.
Maisie, now a prickly fourteen-year-old navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence, is particularly well-drawn. Her struggle to accept her father’s new relationship while still honoring the memory of her mother is handled with sensitivity and nuance. Grant, at eleven, retains his endearing innocence while beginning to assert his own personality. Watching these kids grow and change under Patrick’s sometimes fumbling guidance is a joy.
The supporting cast is equally colorful. Livia, the marchesa bride-to-be, could have easily devolved into a stereotypical “wicked stepmother” figure. Instead, Rowley gives her depth and complexity, making her a worthy addition to the O’Hara family circus. And don’t even get me started on Palmina, Livia’s scene-stealing lesbian sister. Every moment she’s on the page is pure gold.
Europe: More Than Just a Backdrop
While the character dynamics drive the story, the European setting is far from mere window dressing. Rowley’s descriptions of Paris, Venice, and the Italian Lakes region are vivid and evocative. You can practically taste the gelato and feel the Mediterranean breeze.
But it’s more than just pretty scenery. The various locales serve as perfect backdrops for Patrick’s improvised “lessons” on love and life. A chaotic shopping spree at the Prada flagship store in Milan becomes a meditation on self-expression. A gondola ride through Venice’s canals turns into a rumination on the ebb and flow of relationships. Rowley uses the grandeur and history of Europe to both humble and inspire his characters, adding depth to their personal journeys.
Humor with Heart: Rowley’s Secret Sauce
If you’ve read “The Guncle,” you know that Rowley has a gift for one-liners that could make Oscar Wilde jealous. “The Guncle Abroad” is no exception. Patrick’s quips fly fast and furious, whether he’s dealing with surly teens, overzealous Italian relatives, or his own midlife crisis.
But what elevates Rowley’s humor beyond mere snark is the underlying current of genuine emotion. Even at his most acerbic, Patrick’s love for Maisie and Grant shines through. The laughter often comes with a lump in your throat, as Rowley deftly balances comedy with poignant observations on family, grief, and the messiness of growing up (at any age).
Love in All Its Forms
At its core, “The Guncle Abroad” is a book about love—romantic love, familial love, self-love, and everything in between. Patrick’s attempts to teach the kids about “love languages” provide both comedic fodder and genuine insight. Through misadventures and mishaps, all the characters learn valuable lessons about what it means to open your heart, even when it’s scary.
Rowley doesn’t shy away from the complexities of modern families, either. The blending of Greg and Livia’s worlds is handled with sensitivity and humor. And Patrick’s own journey towards reconciliation with Emory is both frustrating and deeply relatable. Love, in all its messy glory, is celebrated in these pages.
A Few Bumps in the Road
No journey is without its hiccups, and “The Guncle Abroad” does hit a few minor snags. The pacing in the middle section can feel a bit meandering at times, as the characters hop from city to city. And while Rowley generally avoids clichés, there are a few moments where the “Americans abroad” humor veers into well-trodden territory.
Additionally, some readers might find Patrick’s constant pop culture references a bit much. While they’re often hilarious, there are times when they threaten to overshadow the emotional core of a scene.
These are minor quibbles, however, in what is overall a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The Verdict: Pack Your Bags (and Tissues)
“The Guncle Abroad” is that rare sequel that manages to recapture the magic of its predecessor while expanding its emotional and geographic scope. Rowley has crafted a story that will make you laugh out loud on one page and reach for the tissues on the next. It’s a testament to the power of chosen family, the importance of embracing change, and the unexpected joy that can come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of “The Guncle” or new to Patrick’s world, this book is a perfect summer read. It’s light enough to enjoy by the pool, but with enough depth to linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. So pour yourself an Aperol spritz, find a sunny spot, and prepare to be charmed by Rowley’s wit and warmth.
Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a flight to Italy by the time you’re done.
Who Should Read This Book
- Fans of the original “The Guncle” (obviously!)
- Anyone who loves witty, character-driven fiction
- LGBTQ+ readers and allies looking for joyful queer representation
- Armchair travelers dreaming of European adventures
- People navigating complex family dynamics (so… everyone?)
Similar Reads
If you enjoy “The Guncle Abroad,” you might also like:
- “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer – Another hilarious and poignant story of a gay man abroad
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – For more heartwarming chosen family vibes
- “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston – If you’re in the mood for more queer romance with sharp dialogue
About the Author
Steven Rowley is the author of five novels, including the New York Times bestseller “Lily and the Octopus” and “The Editor.” His previous book, “The Guncle,” won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Rowley’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotion has made him a rising star in contemporary fiction.
Final Thoughts
In a world that can often feel dark and divided, “The Guncle Abroad” is a much-needed ray of Mediterranean sunshine. It reminds us of the healing power of laughter, the importance of family (both biological and chosen), and the transformative nature of travel. Patrick, Maisie, and Grant’s European adventure will leave you smiling, sighing, and possibly planning your own Italian getaway.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your passport (or just this book) and join the O’Hara family on a journey you won’t soon forget. Ciao, bella!
