Reviews

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

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em_cer's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

mariashute's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced

5.0

whatcourtneyreads's review against another edition

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4.0

After a devastating family event, Patrick’s brother Greg entrusts him with the care of his two children at a time when he cannot. At first the thought of babysitting his niece and nephew for several months makes slightly reclusive, out of work actor Patrick baulk, but as time goes on and they bond over their shared experience of grief, Patrick finds the strength he needs to finally get his shit together.

I took this book away on holiday as a bit of a beach read, and it was exactly what I was looking for. It was a great balance of some darker themes, humour, well-rounded characters, and had a good flow. It was also a nice way for me to ease back into reading after a bit of a hiatus.

I didn’t connect with the characters quite as much as I think is intended in order to feel the weight of their trauma and grief, but I’m unsure whether that’s the book itself or that I was reading small bits at a time and maybe a bit distracted by being on holiday.

Still, I really enjoyed The Guncle and recommend if you’re looking for a quirky, funny, and heartwarming tale of love and family.