The History of the Kennebec River Region Inspires Historical Fiction

Irene M. Drago of Bath will discuss the history of the Kennebec River Region and how it inspired her debut novel, Daughters of Long Reach, in a presentation at Winslow Public Library on Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m.

Daughters of Long Reach tells the story of a present-day family that buys a historic home along the Kennebec River in Bath and then learns about the prominent shipbuilding family that lived there in the mid-1800s. The novel deftly weaves present and past together as it explores love and loss through the lens of three seafaring families. Across a span of 160 years, it elucidates the thrill and the danger of sailing ships around Cape Horn and around the world, and it magnifies the loneliness of those left behind. Like the river that runs through it, this Maine love story twists and turns and connects us all to our state’s shipbuilding heritage.

The book won first place in a “First Novel” category in the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Drago, a retired teacher, moved with her husband to Bath several years ago. In addition to having written and published this historical novel, she maintains a blog, Bath Time Society, and volunteers at Maine Maritime Museum.

Drago’s talk will be illustrated by historical photos. Following the presentation she will take questions from the audience and sign copies of her book, which will be for sale. Light refreshments will be available.

For more information call the Winslow Public Library at 872-1978, email libdirector@winslow-me.gov, or visit www.winslow-me.gov/departments/library.