Northern Ontario author David Giuliano has won an award for his debut novel, “The Undertaking of Billy Buffone.”
It won the top prize for fiction in the 2022 edition of the Bressani Literary Prize, a biennial award for those of Italian descent created by the Italian Cultural Centre Society of Vancouver in 1986.
There were a total of 14 fiction submissions in this edition from established and emerging authors. Winners receive a cash prize of $1,000.
“The Undertaking of Billy Buffone” was published by Sudbury-based publisher, Latitude 46 in April 2021, during the COVID pandemic.
“There were many books released during the pandemic that unfortunately did not reach their intended reader,” said Heather Campbell, owner and publisher, Latitude 46 Publishing.
“We hope that the recognition that David and his debut novel will bring this book to more readers attention because it is a relevant and well told story.”
“The Undertaking of Billy Buffone” is a vivid portrait of lives intertwined in the search for redemption amidst the uncovering of dormant truths a small town tried to bury.
Catherine, a newly-minted preacher, moves to Twenty-Six Mile House, an isolated community in northern Ontario and befriends the quirky undertaker Billy Buffone who has a disturbing secret he has carried for almost two decades. Billy’s best friend, now deceased, leads the reader through the traumatic events of today and those from the never-forgotten past.
“I am honoured to receive this prestigious literary award,” said Giuliano. “My grandfather, Anniellio, emigrated from Italy to the United States as a boy. His family was poor and desperate and he ended up homeless. His son, and my father, came to Canada in the 1950’s. I think they would both be proud to know their son is recognized with an award for Canadian Italian writers."
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.
The AICW-Bressani Literary Prize was established to promote and celebrate works by Canadian authors of Italian background.
