The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is five years since the summer Maisie and Grant stayed with their “guncle” Patrick, while their father was in a substance rehab facility, and bonded closely with Patrick. Since then, the children have grown into tween/teens and are now challenging Patrick in entirely new ways. Greg, their father, has done well. He’s remained sober, focused on raising the children with the support of Patrick who relocated to NYC to be near them, and is, in fact, now engaged to a marquesa from Italy, named Livia. The only obstacle was the children’s vehement opposition to Livia, and they are determined to enlist Patrick in their quest to derail the wedding plans.

Once again, this book was delightful: infused with sarcastic dialogue, tender moments, and beautiful descriptions of Patrick’s travels through Europe with the children. Patrick treats his niece and nephew not like grownups, but with respect, caring, and an attentive ear; trying to get to know them as they are at this new stage, as individuals. And as he copes with their maturity, he also struggles with his own advancing age, an issue that he’s allowed to impact his own love life. So while this novel might be tossed off as feathery and superficial, there are much deeper and more meaningful themes here. They’re merely dressed up in Hermes scarves and Prada accessories.

I do think it’s worthwhile to read this series in order, beginning with The Guncle and then proceeding to this one, in order not to feel behind. And the other is just as entertaining anyway, so, again, worth it.

The perfect summer read – whether you’re traveling abroad or just staying in your own backyard!

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Patrick knows it will be hard to return to his brother, Greg’s, home in Connecticut where Greg is about to bury his wife. He knows because not only has he himself lost the love of his life, but he also is losing his best friend (Greg’s wife Sara, whom Patrick knew first). What he doesn’t know is that Greg has a plan that involves Patrick. Unbeknownst to Patrick, Greg has, during his wife’s illness, become addicted to pills and he knows that now that he is on his own with his two small children, Maisie and Grant, he must get clean. In order to accomplish this, he plans to go into rehab and have Patrick care for Maisie and Grant for the summer. Patrick, in his mind, has barely been able to care for himself since his loss and he is flabbergasted by this request. Could he really do this? For his brother? For Sara? For their kids? Possibly even for him?

In spite of being rooted in sad circumstances, this narrative is told with sharp wit, endearingly tender scenes, and with great joy. The story is as funny as it is poignant. Patrick’s connection with Maisie and Grant is certainly not instantaneous; it is only because Patrick understands grief that he is able to show compassion without being patronizing, empathy without babying, patience without indulging. Because he is honest and sardonic and truly himself with them, they learn to trust and feel safe with him. And because of this, too, we the readers can laugh with them and even fall in love with them a little.

This story also speaks of how at some point, we all confront grief over a loved one. It can be all-consuming, and in the beginning, this may be functional. But it also can consume us, paralyze us, to the point where we give up living our own, very precious and limited lives. The message I see here in these pages is that we at some point have to wake up and begin our own living, even in a world that feels so drastically diminished. Because as we do, as Patrick learns, we will begin to fill up our world anew. It’s a beautiful message.

I have to deem this book a MUST READ! It is so well written, so very sweet, and honestly, we all need a good laugh right now!

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Lily, Ted’s 12 year old dachshund, has been the love of his life from that very first moment when she chose him, by tugging on his shoelace.  She may have been the runt of the litter, but she was brave and wise and she’s been perfect company ever since.   They’ve shared walks on the beach, Saturday night movies and pizza, and discussions about cutest guys – and Ted was very content to continue his life with her.  That is, until, the advent of the octopus, who invaded their lives and turned everything utterly upside down.

This is a very unusual story about love and loss, told as a medley of poetic license, imagination and great tenderness.  Anyone who has ever lived with a pet can relate to the deep bond that forms, and the dependence that runs in both directions.  It appears that Ted may have elevated this bond to a higher level, but the way it is depicted is engaging and endearing and we can all relate to some degree.  And loss is hard, no matter whether what kind of living creature it may be.

My only hesitation in fully recommending this book is that it is somewhat monochromatic.  It is missing a secondary plot line, a more layered approach.  It might have benefitted from a side story about his best friend, Trent, to make him more interesting?  Maybe more about Ted’s sister?  Something…

On the other hand, it was incredibly sweet, it had an ironic crescendo, and quite a bit of heart.  And you will definitely also fall in love with Lily.