Maine author Irene Drago unveils her latest novel, Irish Timber, on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cushing Historical Society, 17 Hathorne Point Road in Cushing. This collaborative community event, co-sponsored by Cushing and Thomaston public libraries and the Cushing Historical Society, is free and open to the public.

Irish Timber is a follow-up to Drago’s novel Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers, published in 2023. Inspired by a true maritime disaster which occurred in 1888, Irish Timber tells the story of the sinking of an Irish ship with ties to Maine during a return voyage to America.

"Woven into the compelling narrative are themes of intrigue, tragedy at sea and abiding love," said a Cushing Public Library news release.

Irene Drago is the author of four award-winning historical novels. Born in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, she now lives in Bath, Maine, the City of Ships. She expressed a strong interest in every kind of watercraft at an early age, and learned to tell sea stories from her father, who served on U.S. Navy ships from 1940-1980. Before moving to Maine, she worked for the Defense Department as a Russian analyst, earned a Master of Arts degree in Spanish language and literature, and taught at the high school and college level.

For more information, contact Wendy Roberts at wrobertsmaine63@gmail.com.