Thorndale native’s book, The Cure for Drowning, on the short list for 2026 Canada Reads

By Nancy Abra

The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor, formerly of Thorndale, is brilliantly written in the vivid voices of the two protagonists, Kit and Rebekah.

This novel is a powerful work of historical fiction set in southern Ontario and spans over two decades from 1931-1953. Paylor’s magnificent writing weaves together various themes of emotional truth, love and identity.

Paylor, a queer and trans author raised in the Thorndale area, now resides in Abbotsford, B.C. As a young child, Paylor attended Plover Mills Public School and then went to schools in London, later attending the University of British Columbia and achieving a Masters in creative writing.

Over the years, Paylor has received notable awards for published short fiction and essays. The Cure for Drowning is Paylor’s first novel, which made its debut at the Thorndale Library in March 2024. Later that year, Paylor made the longlist for the 2024 Giller Prize. Most recently, The Cure for Drowning was chosen for the shortlist for the 2026 Canada Reads.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted for Canada Reads,” said Paylor. “For the past 25 years, Canada Reads has brought together readers from coast to coast and provided a platform for engaging, lively debates about Canadian books. Reading connects us and opens doors, and I am thrilled that The Cure for Drowning will be joining the conversation this year.”

Paylor also wanted to share there are Canada Reads engagement kits and educational packages available for high school teachers and libraries across the country, as well as posters for independent bookstores. Anyone interested can visit the Canada Reads website at www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads for more information.