Goodbye Woodstock: The Last Reunion

Goodbye Woodstock: The Last Reunion by M.H. Sullivan takes readers on a poignant journey through the lives of the Love & Peace Commune members in the Oregon forest. Set against the backdrop of the annual Woodstock Reunion, the novel examines the personal struggles, spiritual experiences, and the looming threat of a natural disaster. The story opens with Ceil and Sky who must confront Sky's returning cancer, making the Woodstock Reunion his last. As the commune prepares for the celebration, personal challenges intensify for its members. Ceil grapples with the loss of her mother and the unexpected revelation that the commune's land has been given to her brother, Spencer. Meanwhile, Ceil's granddaughter, Kate, arrives with disturbing visions of earthquakes and tsunamis, adding an eerie layer to the already charged atmosphere.

Sullivan creates a stunning portrait of the hippie lifestyle and the enduring spirit of Woodstock. Born and raised in San Francisco, the author brings an authentic understanding of the era, infusing the narrative with a genuine love for the communal way of life and the majestic Redwoods that serve as a backdrop. The characters are finely drawn, each with their compelling backstory and traits. The novel explores the esoteric experiences of the commune members, portraying moments of heightened consciousness, time travel, and shape-shifting. These elements add a mystical feel to the narrative, connecting the characters on a profound level and enhancing the emotional impact of the impending danger.

The commune becomes a binding force in this narrative, transcending the music and festivities of Woodstock, and resonating deeply with readers. The fear of the imminent natural disaster becomes so palpable it heightens the tension and creates an exacting sense of suspense in the narrative. Goodbye Woodstock is an absorbing novel that successfully revives the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. Sullivan's superior storytelling and the wonderful gift for character shine through the story.