(Radio Iowa) - A writer of historical fiction from the West Coast will make several appearances in Iowa this week to launch her latest novel, which takes place in eastern Iowa more than a century ago.
Rachel Fordham, who lives in Washington state, has set many or her books in Iowa. "Beyond Ivy Walls" follows a young woman in 1903 who lives in the town of Monticello and works in a feather duster plant, which Fordham says was a real factory at that time. She says extensive research is key, as helpful folks at the Monticello library were able to connect Fordham with a descendant of the factory's owners, and others, who knew a wealth of information about the town's history.
The author will make stops over the next several days at libraries and book stores in Anamosa, Monticello, Iowa City and Des Moines.