The Drifters: A Novel

This book was published in 1970, but its message is every bit as relevant today. Get comfortable, play some Woodstock era music, and take a most interesting trip!

definitely used, but seems to be in good to very good condition. dust jacket tattered as advertised, print is not too small. Price was good for a 53 year 1st edition book. spine was in good condition. I'll keep it as it will benefit me as a reader and also a library in Oregon. anxious to read this again.

This is my second time through The Drifters, I originally read it when I was in my twenties. Michener's prose is just as lush as I remembered. He captures the desperation, amazement, intense questioning and driving need of a generation to break free of their parents value system.Flung across the gorgeous landscapes of frozen Norway's Trömso, Africa's British colonies in turmoil, Spain's sunny and free Torremolinos, Portugal's quiet and intimate Algarve, down miles of Africa's unspoiled coastline to the ancient city of Marrakesh, our Drifters story plays out.Through the eyes of Mr. Fairbanks of World Mutual Funds, we meet Britta, a dazzling Norwegian girl who desires to escape the dark nights of Scandinavia and her father's obsession with Ceylon, a land he'll never get to see.Monica, the stunning daughter of English parents just barely holding onto power in a British colony in Africa, contemptuous of her father's fear of failing, is eager to flee the coop.Gretchen, a lovely, intelligent girl from Boston, runs up against the tension between the protesters of the Vietnam War and the Police. After a seriously violent encounter, her parents beg Mr. Fairbanks to take her away from Boston for some healing.Cato, a bright and inquisitive black man from Philadelphia, is rising to the top of his peer group. He is tired of watching his neighborhood and friends being beaten down by the system. A mentor sponsors his flight to find better answers.Yigal or Bruce, as he's known as by his American grandparents, is caught between two worlds. He becomes known as'The boy from Quarash' for his part in the six day war in Israel. But his Grandfather wants him to give up his Israeli citizenship for a life in America.Our Drifters meet Joe, an American young man, faced with the emotional choice of fighting an immorral war or running from the draft and facing jail, in Torremolinos, Spain.Their adventures begin at the bar called The Alamo, where Joe tends bar and holds down the business for a friend. This sweeping tale will entertain, amuse, educate and break your heart. This is a read for all generations.

This books provides a view of people, the world and particularly US policy through the eyes of the late 60’s generation. Amazing how much Michener got right and how he could foresee major topics and challenges of today. Highly recommend. Especially for the young people of today.

Being a product of the late 60's, I initially felt a certain kinship with some of the characters. I was an airman in Rota in the 70's. Certainly drifted down those paths seeking something. What it was I couldn't say.Certainly, the story is entertaining but way too long and really never provides the charm and creativity I've grown to love and cherish for his other works. But it was still an enjoyable read.

At first glance, finishing James Michener's The Drifters may seem a daunting task; the novel is incredibly long, with over 750 pages of small print. Despite many tedious moments of over-description lacking in captivation, this is a story absolutely worth reading. Michener paints a brilliant picture of a fascinating time period, using six young adults as a lens to explore the issues of the 1960s: the Vietnam War, drug abuse, rock music, and black civil rights. He does a phenomenal job developing these characters and helping the reader to establish a connection to these complex individuals, and subsequently to the spirit of the 60s. Furthermore, with the story told from the perspective of a sixty year old man, the reader can see the opinion of the established order on the turbulent events that unfold. While the action can be slow at times, there are equally many moments of conflict that make this novel a page turner. He inspires one to drop everything and go see the world, like the "drifters" in this novel, with his brilliant depictions of numerous interesting people and places. It is a character study, period novel, and coming of age story all rolled into an epic book.

If you're hungry for something other than the slop the internet provides. Read anything by this Author. Deep and intense building of characters, scenery, atmosphere and mood. This book is 50 years old, as am I, but so much truly resonates in what's happening today in our world.

Gradually putting Michener on Kindle- read years ago. Must have reads

Writing and research are phenomenal. The tale is absolutely gripping. All his books are superb. Don’t miss any books. Wow !!

ich habe das buch vor etwa 40 jahren erstmals gelesen und natürlich vieles vergessen.jetzt bin ich absolut begeistert.damals war ich anfang 20 und studentin .so zu leben und erleben wie die beschriebenen jugentlichen inTorremolinos hätten meine eltern nie erlaubt.die wurden abwertend als gammler bezeichnet.der stdentenaufstand fand ja damals auch in Deutschland statt und ich habe das fassungslos und neidisch am fernsehen verfolgt.an meiner Uni(medizinstudium) war das garnicht möglich.in dem buch wird diese jugend so hoffnungsvoll beschrieben .und wie sehr hat das meine generation vermasselt wenn man sieht was alles passiert ist.George W Bush ist so alt wie ich!!!!und Trump auch!!!ich empfehle das buch von meiner generation unbedingt zum wiederlesen

For a xmas present - Have read before - a great read