Miriam Sagan's 'Commune of the Golden Sun'




Miriam Sagan's 'Commune of the Golden Sun'. The recipe for this novella is a strange mixture. Part hippie Rumspringa, part essence of Ayn Rand's Anthem, part drug fueled walkabout.

Obviously inspired by Trumpian politics, this book is set in a dictatorship driven South Western United States. The civil war is coming and some folks have decided to exclude themselves in the Commune of the Golden Sun, a planned community with resources to stay off the grid.

A generation later, five teenagers march from the confines and safety to see what the 'ruined world' has to offer them. Each has a distinct need, an itch to scratch, or a hole in their soul requiring salve. What follows is an introspective study in relationships and the bond of family, found, chosen, and born into.

What fascinates me most about this book is the setting. Part of it occurs post neo civil war, but beyond PTSD references for soldiers, the world itself appears no worse for wear, everyone seems to be living the American Dream under the 'dictatorship'. Beyong being invited to the party, the setting has no direct influence on the teenagers save as a catalyst for their commune life and their need to leave and explore. Doesn't hurt the book, but feels like a little cut and paste.

Amazing shorter read!




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