Down And Out In The Magic Kingdom Summary
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is a science fiction novel written by Cory Doctorow. Published in 2003, the book is set in a future world where death is temporary and people can upload their consciousness into new bodies. The story takes place in Disney World, which has been taken over by a group of people called the "Ad-Hocs". These people reject the idea of centralized authority and use a system known as "whuffie" to measure their social standing.
Plot Summary
The main character of the story is Julius, who works as a "ad-hoc" historian in Disney World. He is killed at the beginning of the book but is able to upload his consciousness into a new body. Julius's girlfriend, Lil, is working on a project to revive the Haunted Mansion ride, but she is sabotaged by a rival named Dan. Meanwhile, Julius is caught up in a power struggle between the ad-hocs and a group of people who want to restore Disney World to its former glory. Julius ends up leading the ad-hocs and, with their help, is able to stop the restorationists.
Themes
The book explores several themes, including the nature of human consciousness, the role of technology in society, and the power of social networks. The concept of "whuffie" is central to the story and represents a new form of currency based on reputation and social standing. Doctorow also touches on the idea of immortality and how it might change the way people live their lives.
Reception
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The book won the Locus Award for Best First Novel in 2004 and was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel. Many reviewers praised Doctorow's writing style and the innovative ideas presented in the book. However, some readers found the book's emphasis on technology and social networks to be overwhelming.
Conclusion
Overall, Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is an engaging and thought-provoking read that explores some fascinating ideas about the future of human consciousness and society. Doctorow's writing is sharp and witty, and the book is sure to appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy. Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or just looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth checking out.
