Drift — Victoria Patterson

A “wonderfully realized” story collection that “scrapes off the glitter” of posh Newport Beach, California (Publishers Weekly).

Welcome to Newport Beach, California -- a community that often seems dazzling from a distance, but isn't always as glamorous as we imagine. In this fresh and fearless collection of interconnected stories, Victoria Patterson introduces us to a homeless stoner named John Wayne; a trophy wife who is cheating on her husband -- who in turn has a secret of his own; and a confused teenager named Rosie whose wayward coming of age is depicted with frank honesty and piercing insight.
 
Through the lives of these and other denizens of this coastal city, Patterson's Drift offers “keen perspectives on life lived on the fringe” while plumbing the depths of female friendship and what it means to be an outsider (Booklist).
 
“Drift is one of the truest depictions of Southern California I've read yet. . . . Subtle, honest, and a great pleasure to read.” -- Danzy Senna, author of New People
 
“Patterson is our generation's heir to John O'Hara and Edith Wharton. Several times I had to put this book down just to catch my breath.” -- Michelle Huneven, author of Jamesland