The Guncle

The narrative begins shortly after Sara’s death. In what ways is her presence felt even though she doesn’t physically appear in the story?

Patrick and JED discuss the moment they knew—in retrospect—that their childhood was over. Clara refers to Patrick as “the world’s oldest child” (39). Does Patrick’s childhood ever end? How does his childishness prepare him for dealing with two kids in mourning?

How does the novel treat sexual identity? What role does homophobia play in the lives of its characters? What assumptions does Rowley make about his readers?

Compare the ways Patrick exhibits grief to the ways Maisie and Grant do. How are their coping strategies similar? How are they different?

How has Patrick’s acting career prepared him for the task of caring for Maisie and Grant? In what ways is it a drawback?

Discuss Rowley’s characterization of the novel’s minor characters, such as Emory, JED, Rosa, or Cassie. How does Rowley give them dimensionality?

Are Patrick’s “Guncle Rules” a serious attempt at parenting? If so, what benefit do they have? If not, what might be their real purpose?

Consider the novel’s treatment of memory by comparing at least two scenes of characters comparing what they remember about a specific incident or person. What is Rowley saying about how we remember our lives?