Catherine Leroux and her new novel, Republic of Glass, on sale Sept 29

Catherine Leroux: Republic of Glass

Words Worth is proud to partner with the Kitchener Public Library to bring Québec author and Canada Reads winner Catherine Leroux to the KPL to discuss her latest novel, Republic of Glass, in conversation with Anuja Varghese.

In a near-future Montreal, where housing is a luxury that few can afford, rumours have begun to stir.

Sidonie, a trailblazing journalist, is the first to break the news of people disappearing off the streets—unsettling reports of unmarked government vehicles and attacks that have left encampment communities on edge. The story spreads like wildfire, thrusting Sidonie into the spotlight as the trusted mouthpiece for the most vulnerable population. But as public outrage and concern mount, Sidonie must decide how much she’s willing to risk to tell this story.

Funny, profound, and relentless, Republic of Glass is a singular exploration of the notions of home, survival, lies, and truth, and an exuberant plea for the imagination.

About the Author

CATHERINE LEROUX is the author of four highly praised novels and an innovative sequence of short stories. Her first novel, La marche en forêt, was a finalist for Quebec’s Booksellers’ Prize. Her bestselling second novel, Le mur mitoyen, won the France-Quebec Prize, and its translation, The Party Wall, was a finalist for the Giller Prize and longlisted for the Dublin IMPAC Award. Leroux’s story sequence, Madame Victoria, won Quebec’s Adrienne Choquette Prize. The Future, championed by Heather O’Neill, won Canada Reads 2024 and was longlisted for the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction. The French original of The Future (L’avenir) won the Jacques-Brossard Prize and was a finalist for the Imaginary Horizons Prize and the Quebec Booksellers’ Prize. Catherine Leroux works as a translator and editor in Montreal. She was awarded the 2019 Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation.

About the Moderator

ANUJA VARGHESE is an an award-winning writer of literary fiction, fantasy, and romance where women of colour take centre stage. She is the author of the award-winning short story collection Chrysalis, which explores the South Asian diaspora experience through feminist, queer, and speculative perspectives. She is also the author of A Kiss of Crimson Ash, the first novel in a new romantasy trilogy inspired by medieval India.

Tickets for this free event will be going on sale Sep 3, 2026, 12:00 PM. CLICK HERE for details.