Catherine Leroux’ book “Republic of Glass” is a speculative look at Montreal’s housing crisis, and a well-meaning solution gone horribly awry.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the advanced reader copy (ARC).
Sidonie is a journalist drawn into investigating Montreal’s housing crisis. There are reports that homeless people are being removed from their camps and shelters and disappearing. Most people are apathetic – or perhaps glad – and Sidonie becomes the public face of the homeless… until she disappears as well.
“Republic of Glass” is told by Sidonie from two viewpoints – before and after her disappearance. We are reading her journal and her wry comments on the bizarre life in confinement. I don’t want to give too much away..
Leroux has painted a very convincing picture of a perhaps well-meaning government response to the housing crisis that ends up harming everyone involved. It’s speculative fiction but it sure feels like it could happen.
Sidonie is a complex and flawed character. She was a bit of a dilettante as a journalist, and after her disappearance she becomes fearless and strong, and discovers that her writing and her mind are a path to freedom again.
“Republic of Glass” was written in French and released in 2024. This English version was expertly translated by Katia Grubisic.
Ultimately, “Republic of Glass” is a story of perseverance and growth, and a cautionary tale about quick fixes for complex problems.
Highly recommended.
“Republic of Glass” will be available on September 29, 2026. You can pre-order at your local bookstore (like McNally Robinson), Indigo, or Amazon.