West Wind Drift

by George Barr McCutcheon

"West Wind Drift" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel written during the early 20th century, likely around the time of World War I. The story revolves around the fateful voyage of the steamship Doraine, which is filled with a diverse group of passengers and a potentially dangerous cargo. The narrative takes a thrilling turn as the ship mysteriously disappears at sea, leading to speculation about its fate and the events that might have transpired. The opening of the novel establishes a vivid scene as the Doraine sets sail from a South American port, revealing details about its captain, Weatherby Trigger, and its eclectic mix of passengers, including influential figures from various fields. Shortly after the voyage begins, a stowaway named Algernon Adonis Percival is discovered on board, igniting curiosity and tension. Percival's backstory unfolds—he is portrayed as a likable yet secretive individual, with hints of adventure and intrigue surrounding his presence on the ship. As the reader is drawn into the unfolding drama, the stage is set for both the external threat posed by wartime dangers and internal mysteries that may lead to profound consequences for the Doraine and its passengers.