The Drifters: A Christian Historical Novel About The Melungeon Shantyboat People

by Tonya Holmes Shook

Harriett Holmes was 15 and pregnant when in 1837 she boarded a Kentucky shantyboat that would become her home for the next decade. Life was difficult for many people during the 1800s, but it was especially so for Harriett’s family, because they were Melungeons, a mixed race with low social status. The Drifters follows Harriett and her family through the Trail of Tears, the Civil War and Texas cattle drives. Can a slave help Harriett and her family find solace, redemption and grace through God? This book explores that and other themes in a compelling story about a forgotten ethnic group in American history.

311 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2004

Reviews

[KerryT · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a lot of words in this over 300 page book!
It was interesting, although there were sections that were a little boring for me that I skimmed through. It was slow until about the last third of the book. There is quite a bit of bad language, which surprised me, since it says on the front about it being a Christian historical novel. That was disappointing. There was a lot of rape. War and Indian parts of the story were very graphic. And a lot of sex scenes…near enough to the actual act to make it uncomfortable. I kept thinking why is it labeled Christian?? Finally in the last 3 short chapters we read of how Harriet, main character, was told the Gospel and she accepted Christ as her Saviour. While that is wonderful, I really question why it was written so graphically? Unfortunately, I could not recommend this book.

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Editing Needed! Story jumps, then repeats. Sad mess.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it was well wwritten. The characters were believable and honest. The flaws were revealed right along with the good in this family. I choose this book because of the Melungeon reference. I now know a little more about the descrimnation these people suffered.The story line followed the history of the civil war and the mobility of people after the war seeking a new life. Harriett's family certainly was interesting but to say this was a christian novel is mighty far reaching. The only mention of God was in the last chapters and the change that leads to the life-changing belief.