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 Review: ‘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.’ aEUROc Vogue aEUROc ‘In his heartwarming, humorous new novel, Steven Rowley shows readers the true meaning of family, reminding us that everyone - even parents - is only human.’ aEUROc Travel & Leisure aEUROc ‘The author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor delivers arguably his funniest and most poignant novel yet.’ aEUROc E! News aEUROc ‘[A] moving, feel-good summer escape.’ aEUROc Newsweek aEUROc ‘Deeply entertaining.’ aEUROc Real Simple aEUROc ‘A laugh-out-loud heart-warmer.’ aEUROc Oprah Daily aEUROc ‘[A] brilliant tale of loss and love.’ aEUROc Good Morning America aEUROc ‘[A] funny and heartwarming beach read.’ aEUROc CNN aEUROc ‘[A] feel-good story, perfect for summer.’ aEUROc AARP aEUROc ‘Rowley hits the sweet spot between hilarity and heart in this endearing charmer.’ aEUROc The Christian Science Monitor aEUROc ‘Often hilarious, sometimes devastating, and genuinely touching.’ aEUROc New York Daily News aEUROc ‘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.’ aEUROc The Nerd Daily aEUROc ‘Cue some family growing pains and humorous antics, and you get this heartwarming novel you’ll devour in a flash.’ aEUROc theSkimm aEUROc ‘A big-hearted, laugh-out-loud-funny kind of book that’s sure to stay with you long after you turn the final page.’ aEUROc PopSugar aEUROc ‘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.’ aEUROc The Day (CT) aEUROc ‘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.’ aEUROc Boston Spirit aEUROc ‘A sweet story of family, with plenty of laughs and even a few tears.’ aEUROc Parkersburg News and Sentinel aEUROc ‘Equal amounts of heartache and witty bon mots.’ aEUROc Palm Springs Life aEUROc ‘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.’ aEUROc Library Journal aEUROc ‘Patrick is a memorable character, and it’s genuinely thrilling to read screenwriter-turned-novelist Rowley’s take on the mechanics of stardom… . There’s true insight here into the psychology of gay men, Hollywood, and