THE DRIFT

Shangri-la in the Sargasso Sea is the change of course in the hitherto bleak life of a Connecticut professor in this mildly derivative fantasy adventure. Professor Sutherland is shipwrecked on The Drift, itself a multiple shipwreck of a sort, an exotic collection of derelict ships of both antique and modern vintage, centrifically gathered by some mysterious current in mid-sea. Sloshing happily among sea gardens, playing metaphoric games, departing on Strange Journeys are the inhabitants of the floating island--survivors of wrecks and their offspring. Although there are Outcasts who enjoy killing and physical struggle, the rulers of the drift are sunny souls, serenely turned on to fantasy--a life of dreams. Sutherland meets his Tondalayo in lovely Pao, but unraveling the mysteries of The Drift persuades him he must return to Connecticut. Back on campus after a miracle escape, Sutherland is at first gloomy at the loss of his ""dream"" but a deeper awareness remains and offers hope for a more meaningful life. Hilton did it better.