Naomi Klein’s latest book, “Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World,” takes readers on a fascinating journey into the online realm and the culture wars that thrive within it. The story begins with a case of mistaken identity, as Klein finds herself frequently confused with another Naomi, who has taken a controversial turn towards spreading Covid misinformation.
As the pandemic unfolds and Klein retreats to rural Canada with her family, she becomes increasingly unsettled by her doppelganger’s existence and the ideologies she represents. In “Doppelganger,” Klein explores the concept of the “mirror world” that the internet has cultivated, where conflicting opinions and culture clashes dominate social media platforms. She delves into various topics such as Covid misinformation, conspiracy theories, internet moderation, QAnon, anti-vaxxers, climate change, wellness influencers, surveillance capitalism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Klein’s narrative is thought-provoking and expansive, drawing connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. With her well-rounded knowledge and personal insights, she guides readers through complex issues and examines the underlying causes that draw people into the mirror world. Rather than dismiss those with differing beliefs, Klein seeks to understand the motivations behind their choices.
Throughout the book, Klein sprinkles cultural references and musings from writers, philosophers, and psychoanalysts on the significance of doppelgangers and twinning. This adds depth and richness to her exploration of the mirror world. Additionally, Klein’s self-deprecating humor brings levity to serious topics, such as her obsession with Steve Bannon’s podcast during yoga sessions.
In dissecting her doppelganger’s transformation, Klein identifies two pivotal moments that may have contributed to her ideological shift. One is a 2019 BBC interview where the doppelganger was informed of major misunderstandings in her research, and the other is the backlash she faced in 2014 for criticizing Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip. Klein finds common ground with her doppelganger in a multifaceted chapter exploring the Holocaust, Jewish identity, Zionism, doppelganger politics, and inter-generational trauma.
While “Doppelganger” covers a wide range of topics, it can feel overwhelming at times. However, Klein’s ability to connect seemingly disparate subjects helps thread everything together. Through her extensive pattern recognition skills, she presents the absurd, contradictory, and conspiratorial aspects of our internet-driven society and offers a guiding map through the confusion.
Amidst the chaos, Klein’s underlying message is clear: to create a better future, we must work together. “Doppelganger” serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to listen, understand, and collaborate for positive change. Although it’s not an easy read, it is a powerful reflection of our strange times.
“Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World” is an immersive non-fiction book by Naomi Klein, with 416 pages. It is available in hardcover for €25.99 and as an e-book for £10.99.
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