A South Shore author is receiving national recognition for a comedy mystery rooted in Lunenburg history.
Bryn Pottie of Liverpool has been named to the longlist for the 2026 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for his debut novel, The Great Lunenburglary.
The annual prize, now in its 79th year, recognizes excellence in Canadian literary humour and includes a $25,000 award.
Pottie’s novel is set in a fictionalized 1922 Lunenburg and follows two teenagers who steal the Bluenose, leading to a fast-paced and absurd comedy adventure.
Pottie says the response to the book since its release has exceeded expectations.
“I’ve gotten so much local love I can hardly believe it. Almost every bookstore and gift shop in the area has supported me, and the reader reviews have been fantastic,” he said.
He says that support has now expanded beyond Nova Scotia.
“And the support isn’t just local: Indigo named The Great Lunenburglary one of the best regional books of 2025 and now the Stephen Leacock Associates have put it on their longlist for 2026,” he said.
Pottie says being included among the country’s top humour books is especially meaningful as a first-time author.
“That means the experts say it’s one of the 10 funniest books in Canada. Not bad for my first try!”
The release also notes national retailer Indigo named The Great Lunenburglary one of Canada’s best regional books of 2025.
Three finalists for the Leacock Medal are expected to be announced in mid-May, with the winner to be honoured at a gala in Orillia, Ontario in June.
