The Town That Drowned

The Town That Drowned takes place in 1960s New Brunswick, where fourteen-year-old Ruby Carson experiences a vision of her town underwater during an ice skating incident. The vision proves prophetic when plans are announced to flood the town for a hydroelectric dam project. Ruby navigates this upheaval alongside her younger brother Percy, who sends messages in bottles downstream and sees the world in his own distinct way. The siblings face both personal challenges and the collective trauma of their community as residents prepare to abandon their homes and relocate. The novel follows the town of Haventon's final months as its inhabitants grapple with the impending flood and forced relocation. Through Ruby's perspective, readers witness how this displacement affects different members of the tight-knit rural community. The story explores the intersection of progress and preservation, examining how individuals and communities cope with irreversible change. It raises questions about the nature of home, the price of development, and the bonds that hold people together even as their physical connections dissolve.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of small-town life in 1960s New Brunswick and the coming-of-age story told through 14-year-old Ruby Carson's perspective. Many note the book captures both the heartbreak and humor of a community facing displacement. Readers highlight: - Complex sibling relationship between Ruby and Percy - Accurate depiction of autism (before it had that label) - Strong sense of place and historical detail - Natural dialogue and character development Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some subplots feel unresolved - Limited dramatic tension Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) 49th Shelf: 4/5 Reader quote: "The strength is in the small moments - how families and neighbors interact, the daily rhythms of life about to change forever." - Goodreads reviewer The book won several regional awards including the 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize for Canada and Europe.

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📚 The Mactaquac Dam, which flooded the area depicted in the novel, was completed in 1968 and remains one of New Brunswick's largest hydroelectric facilities. 🏆 The Town That Drowned won the 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize for Canada and Europe and the 2012 Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. 👥 Author Riel Nason brings authenticity to the story through her own experience as a New Brunswick native and her work as an antique dealer, which informs the historical details. 🌊 The flooding of communities for hydroelectric projects was common in mid-20th century North America, with over 100 towns being submerged for similar projects. 🎨 The character of Percy displays traits consistent with autism spectrum disorder, making this one of the earlier Canadian novels to feature neurodivergent representation in historical fiction.