The Drifters

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

In 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 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.

Praise for The Drifters

“A blockbuster of a book . . . full of surprise, drama, and fascination.”—Philadelphia Bulletin

“Rings with authentic detail and clearly descriptive sights and smells . . . The Drifters is to the generation gap what The Source was to Israel.”—Publishers Weekly

“[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

Critic reviews

“A blockbuster of a book . . . full of surprise, drama, and fascination.”—Philadelphia Bulletin

“Rings with authentic detail and clearly descriptive sights and smells . . . The Drifters is to the generation gap what The Source was to Israel.”—Publishers Weekly

“[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

Robot ruins the story

Such a great book i remember from my youth but the narrators robotic voice ruined it.

Great time piece

I like Michener, and this work had some great moments. From the standpoint of Michener writing about this time in history I believe he did a great job articulating some of the tension that young people faced during the 60's and 70's.

Great Period Piece of The Sixties!

James Michener's, The Drifters, takes you on an International journey with six young people in the turbulence of the late Sixties. It was a confused time of unclear moral boundaries, Vietnam, drugs and some great music. I didn't want it to end!

Stands the test of time

I recently listened to this book which impressed me over 40 years ago when I first read it. It's surprising how much Michener got right in his predictions about the future of our society. Also surprising, was how I responded to the more politically incorrect word use found in sections of the book. Culture does shape us.

Wonderful

One of the best Michener books out there. You really get to know the characters and experience a dizzying world with them.