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The Upending of Wendall Forbes
Wendall and Ruby Forbes are confronting the vagaries of aging – sleeplessness, loneliness, memory loss, and the fear Ruby is showing signs of dementia.
A blizzard hits their small town of Twenty-Six Mile House and a remarkable, perhaps unbelievable, band of strangers — : an Indigenous Colombian refugee, his environmental academic wife, an environmental academic, and their child; a young man on an accidental journey quest; a teenage activist and her ten-year-old gay half-brother; and a sleep consultant in from Indianapolis —– all take refuge in the Forbeses’ home.
In this heartwarming, funny, wise, and hopeful story, the companionship of strangers, a foul-mouthed raven, and a lynx, restore Wendall and Ruby’s hope for the future.
A blizzard hits their small town of Twenty-Six Mile House and a remarkable, perhaps unbelievable, band of strangers — : an Indigenous Colombian refugee, his environmental academic wife, an environmental academic, and their child; a young man on an accidental journey quest; a teenage activist and her ten-year-old gay half-brother; and a sleep consultant in from Indianapolis —– all take refuge in the Forbeses’ home.
In this heartwarming, funny, wise, and hopeful story, the companionship of strangers, a foul-mouthed raven, and a lynx, restore Wendall and Ruby’s hope for the future.
- GenresCanada
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 21, 2026
A little bit crazy, but a whole lot of sweet. 4 stars — RTC
October 4, 2025
Such a great book - especially for those of us who are "of a certain age," know someone who is "of a certain age" or may, someday, be "a certain age." The author creates a world that it's hard not to wish to enter. The richness of the writing invites the reader in, allows them to sit a while, and speculate along with the protagonist on the big questions of life. Are there really any answers? All of the characters are rich, real, and have some interesting complexities. The story offers some surprising twists and turns. Crafted with rich metaphors and great visuals, I found myself wanting to simultaneously read on and slow down. I didn't want to miss a thing! When all was said and done, it was a meaningful book written in a lively, fun way that will stay with me long after I put it down. I know, that even "of a certain age" I'm in good company. I highly recommend it.
November 15, 2025
The Upending of Wendall Forbes by David Giuliano
Published Latitude 46
This is a warm, charming novel that is both touching and humorous. Following Wendall and Ruby, Giuliano explores aging, loneliness and the search for purpose with sensitivity and grace. The characters are so well developed that you will immediately fall in love with them. Perhaps it’s the stage of life I’m in, but I felt deeply connected to their fears, joys, love and reflections - Although I suspect they will resonate with readers of any age.
During a blizzard, Wendall and Ruby open their home to an unlikely collection of strangers, each arriving with their own burdens and stories. Giuliano creates a vivid sense of intimacy among the characters, capturing the beauty and joy of human connection - how it can forge bonds, renew our faith and invite stories to be shared. Their home shifts from a place touched by worry, fear and loneliness to one filled with laughter, belonging and warmth.
The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as depression, dementia and end of life decisions, but it approaches them with honesty, compassion and emotional insight. Ultimately this is the story of a couple who has journeyed through life together; navigating its ups and downs with love, respect and faith and who discover renewal in community.
“People who’ve been together a long time can have those difficult conversations about things like dying. Love can handle difficult things.”
Published Latitude 46
This is a warm, charming novel that is both touching and humorous. Following Wendall and Ruby, Giuliano explores aging, loneliness and the search for purpose with sensitivity and grace. The characters are so well developed that you will immediately fall in love with them. Perhaps it’s the stage of life I’m in, but I felt deeply connected to their fears, joys, love and reflections - Although I suspect they will resonate with readers of any age.
During a blizzard, Wendall and Ruby open their home to an unlikely collection of strangers, each arriving with their own burdens and stories. Giuliano creates a vivid sense of intimacy among the characters, capturing the beauty and joy of human connection - how it can forge bonds, renew our faith and invite stories to be shared. Their home shifts from a place touched by worry, fear and loneliness to one filled with laughter, belonging and warmth.
The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as depression, dementia and end of life decisions, but it approaches them with honesty, compassion and emotional insight. Ultimately this is the story of a couple who has journeyed through life together; navigating its ups and downs with love, respect and faith and who discover renewal in community.
“People who’ve been together a long time can have those difficult conversations about things like dying. Love can handle difficult things.”
November 15, 2025
Absolutely magical. Quintessentially and authentically Canadian.
A book that will make your heart sing.
A book that will make your heart sing.
December 14, 2025
I loved The Upending of Wendall Forbes. It’s a warm, hopeful story about strangers becoming unexpected community, and it really touched me. The tone is gentle, reflective, and slightly quirky — the kind of book that feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket.
Wendall and Ruby’s deep, tender connection was beautiful, and the novel’s message resonated with me: even late in life, new beginnings are possible, and sometimes the most meaningful relationships come from unexpected outsiders.
As someone in middle age, living in a quieter house now that it’s just my husband and me, the idea that new friendships can fill your life again with warmth and noise meant a lot. This book reminded me that hope often arrives disguised as disruption — and I needed that.
It’s not a book I raced through; it’s one I settled into. And I know I’ll look back on it fondly for years because of how personally it spoke to me.
Wendall and Ruby’s deep, tender connection was beautiful, and the novel’s message resonated with me: even late in life, new beginnings are possible, and sometimes the most meaningful relationships come from unexpected outsiders.
As someone in middle age, living in a quieter house now that it’s just my husband and me, the idea that new friendships can fill your life again with warmth and noise meant a lot. This book reminded me that hope often arrives disguised as disruption — and I needed that.
It’s not a book I raced through; it’s one I settled into. And I know I’ll look back on it fondly for years because of how personally it spoke to me.
November 18, 2025
Gentle, touching, and funny, just like the protagonists. David G. tackles the themes of ageing, loneliness, fear, love, and community with wit, charm, and humour, set in the wintry North of Superior. “'I am real because you see me, truly, and I see you…It makes us both real….Relationships—that’s what makes me real.’” Highly recommended for people “of a certain age” and also those who hope someday to be “of a certain age”.
November 26, 2025
Another hit for David Giuliano! I could really imagine myself getting cozy during a storm with Wendall and his unexpected guests.b I laughed, cried and worried alongside the trapped guests.
Ironically after finishing the book last night, I woke up to a storm threatening similar conditions to the book and felt myself wishing for a cozy power outage and adventure.
Ironically after finishing the book last night, I woke up to a storm threatening similar conditions to the book and felt myself wishing for a cozy power outage and adventure.
October 9, 2025
An excellent book about life, love, happiness, faith, and human relationships. Very thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews