“Rings with authentic detail and clearly descriptive sights and smells . . . The Drifters is to the generation gap what The Source was to Israel.”—Publishers WeeklyIn this triumphant bestseller, renowned novelist James A. Michener unfolds a powerful and poignant drama of disenchanted youth during the Vietnam era. Against exotic backdrops including Spain, Morocco, and Mozambique, he weaves … Morocco, and Mozambique, he weaves together the heady dreams, shocking tribulations, and heartwarming bonds of six young runaways cast adrift in the world—as well as the hedonistic pursuit of drugs and pleasure that collapses all around them. With the sure touch of a master, Michener pulls us into the private world of these unforgettable characters, exposing their innermost desires with remarkable candor and infinite compassion.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener’s Hawaii.
Praise for The Drifters
“A blockbuster of a book . . . full of surprise, drama, and fascination.”—Philadelphia Bulletin
“[The Drifters] conveys a sense of a new time, a new generation.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“Michener has slid open a window on the world of the dropout and has spared no effort to make the reader aware of this new world.”—The Salt Lake Tribune
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Mitchner did an amazing job of depicting my generation in our yourh.
just was not my cup of tea–I love his books but not this one
I have read almost all of his books, but this one has always been my favourite. He captured the time of the Sixties perfectly.
Typical Michner
This is literally my favourite book and has been for more than 15 years. I re-read it periodically- which I never do for any book- because something about the characters strikes home in a way so realistic and visceral that I can’t resist. Though I have never lived and will never have experiences like them, this book makes me feel like it is my …
I have loved all of the Michener books that I have read, but this was my particular favorite.
I had read this while drifting, so had forgotten much of it. A Central American Ambassador loved it and wanted so much to discuss it, so I have reread it and am so glad I did. It was easy as I have a fan of Michener’s writings. More than that it reminded me of those years of searching for something worthy of me and become worthy of it in the …
Rich tapestry historical novel, in typical Michener form, about coming of age in the the complexities of late 1960s. One of Michener’s best!
If you came of age in the 60s you need to read this book. Some many different people looking at the issues from different angles. Compare to today’s turbulent atmosphere.
One of the best books I have ever read.
I first read this book when I was in my late teens and still love it. It was such a treat to be introduced to travel in this book and how it affects everyone differently.
I just could not finish this book. I believe that Michener was accurately describing how things were at the time of the story even at the time of the writing, but the way women were treated, even if supposedly affectionately, in a proprietary manner was just more than I could stand. I bailed out, even though I have enjoyed some Michener I have …
A spellbinding tale of young adults finding their way through life. There is an energy and excitement here that is really inspiring. A season of life where everything seems possible. A living and breathing adventure.