I am a bit torn about this review.

This was a well-written story, very easy to get lost in and to root for (most of) the characters. I loved seeing the trans narrative in a novel set in WWII, it made for a storyline that stands out a bit in a timeframe that has been novelized endlessly.

On the other hand, from the description I kept expecting a bit more of a magical or fantasy element to come into play which never materialized, so personally disappointed by that. And the <spoiler> I got pregnant unexpectedly during the war </spoiler> trope was just so aggravating, it has been done so many times.

So overall, I enjoyed this read but I had a slightly different expectation than what I was met with.

I adored the creepiness of the opening chapter and its magical realism. I had hoped the voices or selfies or whatever they were would have played a larger part throughout, although when they showed up later, it was quite effective. I was worried when Rebekah throws up after becoming pregnant because I thought she would be ignorant of what it meant, so it was refreshing that she knew but was in denial. I found both Rebekah and Kit very sympathetic characters and narrators, and it really hurt when a character I really liked died but the other one survived. Landon made a very compelling foil to Kit. I really liked how Kit’s pronouns changed throughout with little fanfare.

A very lovely book. Beautiful writing, engaging characters, heartbreaking plot.

I enjoyed the haunting mix of history, Canadiana, queerness and magical realism.

Rounding up to five stars. This was an excellent debut and a great example of the kind of litfic I love (i.e., queer, mostly likable people working their way through the challenges of life, and a hint of magical realism). It was also so quintessentially CanLit in a familiar and comforting way. I was worried it might be a slog and instead I blew through it in just a couple of days.

I think the blurb is a bit misleading. Luckily, while I guess there is technically a love triangle - it's doesn't weigh on the story the way that I feared it would. Kit's trans narrative is so smoothly and carefully weaved into the story in a way that makes sense for someone who would not have had access to the language and resources we have today around gender identity and I thought the subtle magic served as a lovely device to add depth to that part of the story.

Also, I feel like I have read sooo many novels set during WW2 and tend to shy away from them these days as a result, but I thought this was a fresh take and perspective that touched on some nuances around war that I have not seen before.

While there is an underlying central relationship story with a HEA, I'd be inclined to classify this as litfic vs romance. Either way, it was a great read and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thanks to Net Galley for an e-Arc!

This was great! If you like queer historical fiction, mythology, fantasy, and romance, this is the one for you! However, the fantasy elements are barely there, so it's mostly a historical fiction queer romance. Bonus, it takes place, mostly, in Canada!

TLDR: Two queer kids fall in love in the late 1930's on a farm in Ontario and stuff happens. The story follows them over a span of about 20 years and how being queer during the war in Canada may have looked like. Also, one of them might be a changeling or a descendant of a selkie. Expect some death (I mean it's set during WWII) some mild homophobia, and oppressive gender roles.

Our MC is Kit, Kathleen, who is the epitome of a tom boy living on a farm in rural Canada. She hates dresses and loves horses. She also might be a changeling due to the fact that she almost drowned in a river when she was young and her mother did some dark magic ritual stuff to bring her back. Plus she also hears the voices of water spirits, which is how she almost drowned in the first place. Throughout the story, we see her become more herself and less of who everyone expects her to be. Kit is the middle child, with one older and one younger brother. The older one is also pursuing Rebekah, which poses some family conflict as you would expect.

Our second MC is Rebekah: A big town girl with a German born father who had to move to the country when things in the city were becoming a struggle due to Germany's part in WWII. She meets Kit as a boy, but is not put off when she realizes Kit is a girl. They develop a friendship and so much more.

Neither of our characters are given an explicit orientation in the story, however Kit is very much trans and probably non-binary. They use all sorts of pronouns and are romantically and sexually interested in multiple genders. Rebekah is a cis-female, but has romantic/sexual attraction to male, female, and enby presenting characters.

If you are wondering, all sex scenes (of which there are very few) are fade to black. Just a few details so you know what's going to happen, and then it leaves it up to your own imagination.

It's a beautifully written, sometimes heartbreaking story about love, family, and figuring out oneself.

My first 5 star review of the year. This book reminded me of what I consider to be the heyday of Canadian queer literature of the late 90s and early 2000s. I would put this book in the same group as Timothy Findley's Piano Man's Daughter, and Anne Marie MacDonald's Fall of Your Knees, two of my all time favourites.
The combination of family saga, historical setting, romance, trauma, magic, it was all so lovely to read. Moving between the points of view of Kit and Rebekah is very effective. I loved hearing from both of these characters who were very well developed and nuanced. The rest of the family felt real and complimented the story well.
There are one million historical fiction titles about WWII, and this is one that felt actually unique. I also liked that it did not pull punches about the effects of the war on the people involved, both those who served and the people at home.
This was a book I thought about when I wasn't reading it and continue to think about now.

What an excellent book. I decided to read it because the description ticked so many boxes of things I love to read. Can-lit historical fiction in a rural setting - check. A queer love story - check. The barest hint of something supernatural and fantastical - check. Partly set in the city I now call home, Halifax - check! Thankfully, the book wasn't simply a mere mishmash of tropes but a page-turning story with multi-dimensional, lovable characters. I highly recommend it. More like this, please!

I love reading historical fiction and having it in a Canadian setting and with queer identities was very refreshing! I think the author did an amazing job at capturing the landscape and the setting of the timeframe. I loved Kit and Rebecca's relationship and bond, from young adulthood to being apart from each other. It was emi=otional at times and heart racing at others. A great read! I look forward to seeing more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book. The connection between Kit, Landon and Rebekah was believable and it was easy to get drawn in. The forbidden love of Rebekah and Kit was palpable and played well off the ‘respectable’ choice of Landon. Kit and Rebekah’s awakening was both innocent and hot.

One jarring aspect was the author’s decision to use they/their/them pronouns after the war. It brought me out of the story completely. Rebekah referred to Kit as ‘him’ in the first half of the book and could have continued that way throughout. Not only were these pronouns not used in the 1940s, but it was also difficult to understand what was going on when there were more than two people in a room with Kit. I had to go back and re-read to understand.

Aside from that, I loved the meaning behind the title. Kit’s luck went a bit further than was truly believable, but that’s what can happen when you’ve been touched by magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Canada for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded

So I knew going into this book that it would be depressing … but we’re going to try to have some fun here.

Okay, so this book has two things I usually don’t like: historical fiction and love triangles. Why am I here? One reason is the Canadian points! You cannot understand how happy I was to hear French phrases, recognize landmarks and places (especially lesser known cities), all of that.

Anyways, the plot did drag for at least the first part. But once we got to August 1939 and Rebekah’s parents started giving us the story of how they met (and it was so cute!!) then I became more invested. Honestly, I didn’t care much for the magic realism aspects of it - I think it could’ve been left out if not developed more. I forgot that was

As a debut novel, it was great!

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

Loghan Paylor's "The Cure for Drowning" is a mesmerizing debut novel that delves deep into the complexities of grief, love, and the human spirit's remarkable capacity for resilience. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town, this poignant tale captivates from the very first page, weaving together heartbreak and healing in a way that is both raw and profoundly moving.

The story follows the introspective protagonist, Emma, as she grapples with the aftermath of a devastating loss that has left her drowning in sorrow. Haunted by memories and consumed by guilt, Emma retreats to her childhood home by the sea, seeking solace in the familiar sights and sounds of the ocean.

What sets "The Cure for Drowning" apart is its lyrical prose and evocative imagery, which transport readers into Emma's world with breathtaking clarity. Paylor's vivid descriptions of the coastal landscape and the ever-changing sea mirror the ebb and flow of Emma's emotions, creating a sense of immersion that is both visceral and cathartic.

At its core, "The Cure for Drowning" is a story about the transformative power of love and forgiveness. As Emma navigates her grief and confronts the ghosts of her past, she discovers that healing is not a linear journey but a messy, beautiful process filled with unexpected twists and turns. Through the support of her loved ones and the healing embrace of the ocean, Emma learns to let go of her pain and embrace the possibility of a new beginning.

Filled with tender moments, raw emotions, and profound insights, "The Cure for Drowning" is a triumph of storytelling that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page. Whether you're grappling with your own grief or simply seeking a poignant and uplifting read, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Loghan Paylor has crafted a gem of a novel that shines with authenticity and heart. "The Cure for Drowning" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love—a story that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope on the horizon. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a deeply moving and unforgettable literary experience.

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book! I simply loved everything about it. I am from Nova Scotia so the east coast/Canadian settings were extra beloved! The writing in this book was lovely, the descriptives of landscapes, lifetimes and events so beautiful. I thought is was a unique story, that kept me compelled and interested from start to finish .. A sad story at times but with a heartwarming finish
Easy 5 stars

I enjoyed this title! I always like reading Canadian books, and find the change in perspective different (it's nice to read the word province instead of state once in a while). I also really like the way the queerness in this story was still casual while causing conflict within the story. I liked Paylor's writing and was immersed in the story - it only took me a day to read this.

However, once I finished, I was left feeling... underwhelmed? I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from The Cure for Drowning, but this was very different. I wanted more of the magical element, and just... more in general? It was an enjoyable read but I don't feel strongly for it much past that, unfortunately.

Incredibly well written and entertaining, this debut historical fiction book was a pure joy to read (and listen to)! I love how the author has written a moving Canadian history romance/family drama/WWII story that centers nonbinary and trans characters in a way that we've rarely seen before. It was refreshing and much overdue! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @Librofm for a complimentary ALC. I really enjoyed this on audio narrated by Landon Doak, Victoria Carr and Belinda Corpuz and will be eagerly awaiting the author's next book!

The story start with Kathleen (Kit) McNair who was with both her brothers, Landon and Jep, into the woods. It didn’t go as planned, and, on their way back home, Kit fell in the water. Even as her older brother managed to get her out, something had changed. Kathleen isn’t the same, so is the McNair family. As they grew up, Kit remained marginal, and her family treated her that way.

Rebekah moved in a house not far from the McNair’s, with her German heritage from her father. Considering the WW2, their life isn’t easy wherever they go. But as she befriends Kit, then Landon and Jep, she finally feels like home, until a new event came out.

First, I did enjoy my reading. The dual POV was a great addition, allowing me to understand better each character.

The story was great as well. There’s the war, and the sacrifices everyone has to do for it. Every young people of the story enlist on one way or another, and the war scenes were realistic and I loved it.

There is also a love triangle in the story. Rebekah is a girl everyone seems to appreciate. I liked how the relationships were portrayed, but also how it could be complicated for people in those years, especially for someone who wasn’t only heterosexual. It can be hard to chose between what your heart wants and what would be good for you 🩵

« In years to come, I would clutch that moment to my heart like a talisman, tracing every detail. The gold light pouring through the cracks between the barn boards, landing on Kit’s hair like a beacon. The warm, close air of the loft, the rich smell of dried grasses and warm fur. Our knees just touching, our eyes on the kittens, but how aware I was of Kit’s ribs rising and falling beneath the shirt, of the deft fingers delicately stroking the kittens’ heads. Even then, I wanted the moment to last forever. » p.60

The only reason I didn’t give the book 5⭐ is because the beginning was so intriguing, but I couldn’t relate those events to the present in the story. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my reading and the author’s writing. I will reading from them again 🩵

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars
🗓 Publish date: Jan 30, 2024

CW/TW:
Death of a parent, xenophobia, homophobia, war, death, injury, pregnancy, sexual content, cheating, deadnaming

Short review:
Very gender. All the feels. Loved it!

Long review:

I decided to pick up The Cure for Drowning when I saw it was a queer historical fiction set in Canada and I’m so glad I did! This quickly became a new favourite for me. I was laughing and crying throughout, and couldn't put it down!

The start of the book was very chilling and set the mood for the story. I loved the way magic was interwoven throughout the book in different ways, adding a mystical quality to everything.

I immediately loved Kit and related so much to their feelings about gender (and horses!) Rebekah was also a relatable character, nursing feelings she shouldn't have towards a friend and preferring to be inside reading. The story follows these characters from teens shirking chores to play in the river to teens fighting in WWII and against prejudice to adults unsure of their lives and feelings for each other.

I don't think I can properly describe the beautiful ways this book makes space for queerness during a time period where it was not accepted. My favourite example being the way Rebekah easily switches to they/them pronouns for Kit. There are certainly moments of heartbreak and hatred in this book, but what will stay with me is the hope.

A big thank you to Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing an early copy of this title. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. Usually I'm not one for historical fiction but with the aspect of the magical realism that was displayed through the selkies and the old folktales about Siobhan, I just couldn't stop reading. I love that this book has multiple POV's, but I found that the writing styles for each character were hard to differentiate, they all seem to have the same tone and vocabulary. The love triangle trope was very well used with Rebekah being caught between Landon and Kit but to be fair Kit is clearly the better choice. I thought this was a great debut novel, well done Loghan Paylor!

Title: The Cure For Drowning
Author: Loghan Paylor
Format: e-ARC
Genre: Historical Fiction/LGBTQ/Canadian/Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TL; DR: Amazing novel by a first time author. If you love a heart-tugger of a story, and the idea of spending two decades alongside a couple of beautiful souls, this book is for you. Part romance, but mostly a story of survival and hope. Five stars. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND.

The Cure For Drowning is a work of historical fiction, spanning a period of 20+ years (1931-1953) and told from the POV of Kit/Christopher McNair and Rebekah Kromer. Kit (born Kathleen) chafes against the role their family, and society, expects them to play. Preferring to wear boys clothes, cut their hair short, race around on their horse, and do fieldwork like their brothers, they exasperate their parents by refusing to meet the expectations of their gender. Rebekah, on the other hand, seemingly plays her role to perfection. Elegant and kind, she manages to catch the hearts of the two elder McNair siblings - Landon, who openly courts her with her parents' approval, and Kit, whose feelings she returns in secret. As the love triangle begins to fracture, all three find themselves separated, and when the war beckons to them, all three heed the call. It isn't until years later, back on the McNair farm, that all three must eventually face the past they share.

I don't have words for how much I loved this book. When looking through releases on NetGalley, I was drawn to it primarily by the description which seemed to imply that the novel contained magic. I jumped on the book immediately. Little did I know that the magic wasn't of the supernatural type, but rather the magic that you experience when reading something that you won't soon forget. I've loved a lot of books, but I've only experienced this sensation a few times before. Three times, in fact. With Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Diviners by Margaret Laurence, and Night by Elie Wiesel. It isn't as simple as a love of the story (though it is that too); it's deeper, a seed being sown in your soul so that those characters, that world lives inside you from that moment on. It's a kind of magic that is intensely personal.

Loghan Paylor has managed to weave a beautiful tale of love, hope, survival, and family, with characters that feel like they could step out of the pages of the book and be as real as you or me. The only criticism I can possibly share is a wish that the book had been just a little bit longer - I would have liked a deeper look at how life continued to play out for our MCs. That said, it's less a criticism and more a desire for continued connection. Finishing the book left my heart aching.

If you enjoy a heart-tugger of a story, historical fiction, Canadian-based novels, new authors, LGBTQ+ representation, and so much more, definitely check it out - you won't regret it. I'll personally be keeping an eye out for any other books Loghan Paylor might release, and as for A Cure For Drowning? I did the only thing I could do in this situation. I bought it.

Full disclosure - I received my e-ARC of The Cure For Drowning via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you to Random House and NeyGalley for the eARC.

Deeply moving and truly enjoyable.

First, I'm always thrilled to support a fellow Canadian. I find Canadian stories so often go untold, and war stories or stories about Canadian society in these periods are even less written about.

The story between Kit and Rebekah is wrought with emotional baggage, young love, and the struggle of identity. And yet Paylor writes with so much love and empathy that these topics never feel voyeuristic. The touches of fantasy and magic bend the story for a touch of whimsy and the story of the selkies feels like a beautiful metaphor for gender, life changes, emotional states... It's simply gorgeous.

There is an incredible beauty to this story and I think lovers of fantasy and historical fiction will be wrapped up in the prose and the emotional depth of this story.

Congrats on a wonderful debut!

The Cure for Drowning felt like a gentle yet heart aching magical historical fiction about queer love. Kit was a loveable and relatable character and I was very happy to dive into a whirlwind of emotions while rooting for this character to have a happy ending. Despite being set in a fictional and alternative WW2 timeline, I felt like a lot of the struggles relating to family and finding ways to make space for your own queerness were timeless experiences which came through clearly. The pacing was slow at first and picked up towards the end of the story. I thought the writing was easy to follow along with and the world and story of Kit and Rebekah were simple to step into. The mentions of a family history connected to Celtic magic and fae magic was an intriguing premise and explained some of the supernatural things that happened on occasion, but felt left in the background and like the story could have gone on without the magic mentioned. Overall, this was a wonderful, intriguing story to read and there was thoughtful queer representation and a touch of heartache. I’m always ready for a historical and fictional queer narrative like this one and if you’re into this genre too I’d recommend checking it out! :)