David Giuliano is an award-winning writer of articles, essays, and poems. His book Postcards from the Valley: Encounters with Fear, Faith and God, was a Canadian Best Seller. He has published two illustrated children's books: The Alligator in Naomi's Pillow and Jeremiah and the Letter e. His most recent book, It's Good to Be Here: Stories we tell about cancer, is a spiritual memoir about his 20-year journey with cancer. The Undertaking of Billy Buffone is Giuliano's first novel. He lives in Marathon, Ontario with his wife.
In a narrative that unfolds like old time rock-n-roll Giuliano
delivers a pitch-perfect, whip-smart glimpse into the lives of
highly memorable characters in a small Northwestern Ontario town,
br />- Dayle Furlong, Lake Effect & Other Stories The
Undertaking of Billy Buffone is a fearless journey into the
troubled souls of the citizens of a northern Ontario town. The
traumas simmering within this close-knit community are real, gritty
-- and often spiral into greater problems. One by one, each
character discovers that life's burdens cannot be carried alone
forever; the cost is too great. Truths are revealed and shame loses
its power. There is redemption.Interwoven throughout the novel is
the spiritual life of the community, and this is where author David
Giuliano shines. Faith -- whether Christian, Indigenous or a hybrid
of the two -- is an agent of healing in this story, a path forward
when all other avenues seem hopeless. Mercifully, you won't find
the gauzy glow of religious stereotype here. Giuliano explores his
characters' spiritual lives with the stark authenticity of someone
who's both a leader and a pilgrim on the journey of faith.
-Jocelyn Bell, Editor/Publisher, BroadviewThe landscape, and the
lake are living presences, and provide a setting for the mystical
and the messy aspects of life to meet in ways that are both
familiar, and surprising. As someone who grew up in Northern
Ontario, I recognize the places, and find the characters
believable.David's writing is infused with love for the landscape
of Northern Ontario, and for its people. There is beauty and
brutality in the narrative, which is rendered with honesty and
compassion. I love the glimpses of the spiritual reality that
supports and surrounds the characters, as they each grapple with
mystery."
-Darrow Woods, finalist, 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards, Crime Writers of
CanadaIn The Undertaking of Billy Buffone, Giuliano conjures small
town Northern Ontario, the shame that allows harm to carry on well
past due, the way tragedies can overlap and intersect, as can our
healing trajectories, bringing folks together in a universal human
experience of loss and redemption. -Nathan Niigan Noodin Adler,
author, Wrist and Ghost LakeMatthew is a practical, matter-of-fact
narrator, telling us about his best friend Billy, his hometown, and
oh yeah, the fact he's dead and watching Billy's life from beyond
the grave. he Undertaking of Billy Buffone is alternately tragic,
sensitive, and portrays the strength of friendship with great
tenderness." -Alison Manley, The Miramichi ReaderEvery once in a
while, a book comes along that captivates you, all of you. This is
one such book. The title reveals itself to the reader in gradation,
the character development captures your attention as each page
divulges a bit more. Teachings from the indigenous culture combined
with teachings from Christianity allow the reader to grow
spiritually. The narrator speaks honestly about some pretty tough
topics that can wake in the reader the trials and tribulations of
people who walk on our streets now. Just maybe reading this book
will build empathy and compassion resources. -Anna Maria Barsanti
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