The Summer of the Osprey

January 1, 1987
Ogilvie's fans will immediately recognize the vigorous Dinsmore, Sorenson and Bennett families whose varied generations with their hazardous occupation as lobstermen form the meandering plot of this newest work set on isolated Bennett's Island off the coast of Maine. The closely knit and hard-working islanders are thunderstruck when a lavishly appointed boat, captained by Felix Drake, dilettante fisherman, pulls into shore. Interest reaches a crescendo when a pale redhead is seen to disembark from the boat and is immediately whisked into seclusion. As the summer wears on and the young woman, Selina Bainbridge, stays hidden, life on Bennett's Island continues in its leisurely, time-honored ways. But the irritating outsider Drake, joined by Selina's two brothers Pitt and Roy, provides not only grist for gossip but is eventually the cause of impending tragedy. The cycles of life and death go their determined ways on Bennett's Island, but the pace here is a sluggish one. 20,000 first printing; $15,000 ad/promo.