Michener established his reputation writing novels in which he demonstrates his comprehensive knowledge of the history of specific places. Usually these novels include discussion of prehistoric times and proceed to the present. The Drifters is distinctive among Michener's works because it isolates a moment in contemporary history and provides the author with an opportunity to exhibit his understanding of current affairs. As the characters travel through Europe and Africa, Michener still has ample opportunity to expound upon the history of various places, but his primary objective is to write a novel about the 1960s.

1. How does the montage of quotes at the beginning of each chapter prepare the reader for the ensuing chapter?

2. How authentically does Michener portray the generation gap between the younger characters and the older ones, such as Yigal's grandfather Melnifoff, Harvey Holt, and the narrator George Fairbanks?

3. Michener observes that Harvey Holt...