Anywhen by Beth Duke is a unique time-travel novel that blends the excitement of science fiction with the nostalgia of music history, offering an intriguing read for fans of both genres. The story follows Joan Baez Smith, affectionately nicknamed “Baezy,” a 30-something woman from the 22nd century. For her birthday, Baezy’s physicist mother secures her a journey back in time via the Time Insertion Protocol portal to experience the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969. Along with attending Joan Baez’s performance, Baezy hopes to meet her distant relative, Kelly Jean Adams, a mathematician whose groundbreaking work paved the way for the utopian future in which Baezy now lives.
Baezy’s time-travel adventure begins with a sudden leap from December 13, 2101, to August 15, 1969, and she quickly becomes embroiled in the free-spirited world of Woodstock. She assumes the alias “Sarah Sandoval” to blend in with Kelly’s group, but soon finds herself both charmed by the music and the culture and conflicted by her difficult relationship with her ancestor. Amidst the idyllic chaos of the festival, Baezy’s journey takes an unexpected turn as she falls in love with Jack Warren, a friend of her great-great-great-grandmother.
Duke’s novel skillfully captures the essence of Woodstock, immersing readers in the vibrant atmosphere of the 1969 festival, from the music to the communal spirit. Fans of the era will appreciate the authentic references to legendary musicians, including the namesake of Baezy’s character, Joan Baez, whose performance serves as a poignant moment in the story. At the same time, the novel explores the complexities of time travel and the delicate balance of altering the past, creating an engaging narrative that balances nostalgia with futuristic science fiction.
Anywhen is an entertaining, offbeat tale that effectively blends the two worlds of music and speculative fiction, offering readers a memorable adventure filled with heart, history, and a touch of romance. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who loves time-travel stories, Woodstock, or stories that explore the intertwining of past and future.
