“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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I first read this book many years ago – right after it was originally published.
One of the things I noticed about it is that it seems to be two books. Michener tells this story of a group of people who are traveling all over, having adventures – traveling to many locations – drug usage – just generally traveling all over and having the kinds …
When I read this book the first time, I wanted to backpack across Europe. It spoke to my teenage dreams.
A wonderful book from a favorite author.
One of the best books I ever read. Had a great impact on my life – I still remember details 50 years later.
My first Michener book. A great introduction to his historical fiction.
While it was a very wordy book, that helped me really get an understanding of each character. I have read it several times over many years.
I’m generally a big fan of Mitchner but I found this novel fairly boring
It was a great character study of my generation during the 60’s.
Read it a very long time ago and remember liking very much. Like a lot of Michner.
The writing is genius and reading this book makes me want to read everything written by this author.
Michener’s talent for detailed description gave me flashbacs to this era.
Very slow read.
As always with this author, at times it does go on. An interesting snap shot of a unique “coming of age” period in our history.
This was the first book I have read by this author! Absolutely loved the book! Love the author! Now I want to read everything he has written!
Besides making me wish I was born at least 20 years earlier so I could have visited these magical places before they became true tourist destinations, it was a true detailed long description of a time and place
If you want to know what it was like in the late sixties-early seventies for those who were exploring Europe in a pop-top VW bus, traveling with an amorphous group following a constantly changing itinerary, this book provides a surprisingly accurate picture of the time and people. From the young soldier recently leaving the military to the early …
I didn’t like anything about this book. Only read a little of it was not to my taste. Maybe it improved.
One of my favorite Michener books. Love the use of music as the binding theme.
Inspired me to travel Europe.
Interesting book about the 60’s that is still relevant today.