Book Review: Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Cory Doctorow
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Tor, Feb 2003, $22.95, 208 pp.

Sometime in the future, youngster Jules (just over a hundred years old) enjoys being a member of the Bitchun Society. He relishes the freedom to enjoy life by doing whatever he wishes as long as he does nothing to lose respect from others, which would cost him "points". .

Jules decides he wants to be part of the volunteer crew that works the Haunted Mansion at Disney World. However, he soon finds himself recovering from being murdered and forced to relocate his consciousness in another cloned body. Quite upset with his fourth death, Jules believes the innovative idiots destroying the Hall of Presidents by turning it into a virtual showcase where visitors become the president killed him for being in the way of someone’s dream. As he tries to enact revenge for his death and for the heresy committed in the name of progress, Jules loses much of what he values especially the esteem of others, but obtains perceptions shared by few. He wonders about the cost, but war is hell.

DOWN AND OUT IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM is an interesting satire that leaves no doubt what Cory Doctorow expects the heritage the twentieth century will leave behind. The story line is kept low- keyed, which adds a realistic feel to the plot, but also leaves the audience wanting more action. Jules is a delightful character ironically worshipping the purity of Disney World as if the place is Mount Olympus, with Mickey and Walt as the Gods.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner