By Carmela Devito
Book Reviews
Carmela DeVito
Patrick and Sara were college friends. When Sara married Patrick’s brother, Greg, she and Patrick became even closer. Patrick became the guncle (gay uncle) to Greg and Sara’s two children, Maisie and Grant.
After a lengthy illness, Sara passes away. Greg confesses he has a substance abuse problem and will be entering a 90-day rehab program. He begs Patrick into caring for his children for the summer. Against his better judgement, Patrick agrees.
Patrick is initially appalled by the idea of caring for his niece and nephew, citing a gazillion reasons why this isn’t a good idea. His sister, Clara, believes she would be the more appropriate caretaker for the kids, and they engage in a heated conversation reminiscent of their battles as they were growing up. That makes Patrick dig his heels in, coming out the victor in this sibling confrontation.
To say Patrick is totally unprepared for this new role would be an understatement. Patrick has no idea of how to address the kids grieving their mom while he is not only sharing in that grief but dealing with the loss of his partner. For their part, the kids are confused by their loss as well as the modern conveniences in Patrick’s ultra-modern home.
As the summer progresses, Patrick and the kids develop a routine: swimming in the morning, a walk and ice cream in the evening. Maisie and Grant discover a pink Christmas tree in Patrick’s garage. The group decides to throw a spontaneous Christmas party. The festivities are in full swing until Clara returns once again, demanding to take the children back home.
Patrick begins to suspect there’s an underlying reason for Clara’s behavior. Clara reveals some previously unknown information to Patrick and an uneasy truce develops between them.
A level of comfortability settles over this makeshift family. Patrick decides it’s time for all of them to begin healing. To that end, he talks about his own loss and the group bonds even closer.
When Greg arrives to take his children home, Patrick feels a great sense of loss and loneliness. Having won a Golden Globe for a TV role and needing to take time off, Patrick implores his agent to find him a role which would ensure he can care for his family financially. as well as be closer to them geographically . He turns down one role but readily accepts another.
I love this book. It’s warm, funny and honest in its depiction of grief and what comprises a modern American family.
Carmela DeVito, a voracious reader, is a retired social worker and a member of the Friends of the Milford Library.