Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein covers a lot of ground about some important issues.

With thanks to Netgalley and the author Naomi Klein for letting review Doppelganger

Sadly Doppelganger will be a one star review. I just could not get into this book, no matter how many times I tried. I felt like I was been shouted at and told my own views where wrong.

In Naomi Klein's latest work, I found myself grappling with a premise both unsettling and strangely familiar: the existence of a doppelganger, a distorted reflection of oneself perpetuating ideologies diametrically opposed to my own. As I immersed myself in Klein's exploration of this concept, I couldn't help but draw parallels to my own encounters with confusion and disorientation in today's tumultuous cultural landscape.

Klein's narrative unfolds like a descent into a Mirror World, where rational skepticism has been warped into outlandish conspiracy theories, leading individuals astray in a labyrinth of misinformation. Through her meticulous analysis, she illuminates the pervasive influence of doppelgangers in media, politics, and personal identity, compelling me to confront the unsettling reality of our times.

Reflecting on Klein's insights, I was struck by her astute observations on the convergence of seemingly disparate forces, such as the intertwining of New Age wellness trends with extremist ideologies. Her exploration shed light on aspects of contemporary discourse that I had previously overlooked or misunderstood, prompting a deeper introspection into the complexities of belief and identity.

As I delved deeper into the book, I found myself captivated by Klein's blend of political commentary, social critique, and environmental advocacy. Her meticulous research and incisive prose painted a vivid portrait of a world teetering on the brink of absurdity, yet tinged with a profound urgency to confront the realities of our time.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Klein's book as essential reading for anyone grappling with the tumultuous landscape of modern society. Through her narrative, I found not only a mirror reflecting the dissonance of our times but also a beacon of hope, urging us to confront our doppelgangers and chart a path towards a more just and equitable future.

Did not finish, read up to 30% but felt like author was shouting at me from the pages about American Politics. Just not for me.

This is an absolute beast of a book and Klein has mastered her craft perfectly with this release, I am not at all surprised to find it on the Women's Prize for Non-Fction long list.

Doppelganger deep dives into the world of doubles, of doppelgangers and the mirror world and begins when Naomi Klein begins to get confused for another Naomi . The Naomis share a name only, they have very different views and values and this mistaken identify sets Klein off on a journey that takes herself (and the reader) across time, lands and religion and tries to find the answers she seeks.

I read this book very slowly so as to absorb every little bit that I could and found myself thinking, and often talking, about the book daily. So many points are relevant to everyone in society now and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would not be surprised if this won the prize, if not then most certainly it will be on the short list. A must read.

The title and cover got me intrigued to read and I didn't realise how far down the rabbit hole it would take me.
When it sometimes feels like the pandemic was only last year, this book reminds you of how long ago it seems, how much has changed since then. For better, or for worse? Very eye opening to the view of the pandemic from different backgrounds across the globe, and to a whole new load of conspiracy theories. Including chapters on science, psychology, politics - there isn't much this book doesn't actually cover.
"It all would be so ridiculous - if it weren't so serious"

Ooof this was a hard read. This is not what you think it is when you first read it. When I started this book, it read like a prolonged whine about the annoyance of being confused for someone else, but it slowly (yet also suddenly) became a book about how the "mirror world" of the internet, the anti-vaxers, the conspiracy theories are both like the liberal elite, and yet not.

This is not a light hearted read, this is also not an EASY read. It is a fecking fascinating one.

For the sheer difficulty of getting through this (as it can be quite academic at times), I can't rate it high on my list of non fiction. But will definitely recommend for specific people who I know will find the topic interesting.

I tried my hardest, but failed miserably.

I did get at least a third of the way through, and actually found some enjoyment and value when I first started the book. But a rabbit hole of politics, covid, and conspiracies (and slanted towards being US centric) led me to an eventual DNF.

The book might have its unique merits, and perhaps my Doppleganger in his/her mirror world might have loved it, but I feel time would be best spent on something I would enjoy.

Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Press UK for a Review Copy

Brilliant, timely, and important. The central premise at times feels tenuous, but otherwise Klein's writing is typically rousing and intelligent, pulling together seemingly disparate ideas in a clear narrative. I will read anything she writes and feel smarter with every page.

A gripping psychological thriller that explores the consequences of a seemingly innocent encounter, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

I've never read a book like Doppelganger. What an interesting concept. The funny thing for me was I was only vaguely familiar with Naomi Klein and Naomi Wolf. I actually have a copy of the Beauty Myth but didn't make the connection. And also, the morning I began reading this book, I had just seen someone repost on twitter the Naomi Wolf tweet about Belfast having fresh air due to not having 5G. Really excellent stuff.
SO I was actually invested in this book before even beginning it, without realising it. The concept was really well executed, gives the reader a lot of food for thought and is quite in depth. I think some of the content of the book could have been cut or summarised a bit but overall, unlike anything I have ever read and I will remember thsi one for sure. And I will not get the Naomi's mixed up|!!

When I saw the cover of this book, I had two thoughts: Is this the right Naomi? And how is she going to get a whole book out of this concept anyway?

I needn't have worried.

I haven't even finished the book yet, but it manages to be both audacious and slightly mad, and rigorously researched (thank God). When you do your homework like Klein clearly does, it must be maddening to live in a world where people can just say things, with no backup, and get lauded for it - particularly if that person shares a similar name and appearance to you. (Both Klein and Wolf are pretty, big-haired, Jewish non-fiction writers and pop-culture theorists whose areas of focus sometimes overlapped. The resemblance ends there, but it's been enough).

I once saw Naomi Wolf read at an event in Oxford - strangely, it was on 9/11. The book was about childbirth, I think (I was too skint to afford it). I remember being impressed by her and enjoying The Beauty Myth in my early twenties; Klein's older feminist relative may be correct that it didn't have much new in it, but it was new *to me* which I still think matters, and I wouldn't mind at all if that book continued getting readers among young people today.

However, with the publication of Wolf's 'Outrages,' and her public debunking on BBC radio, her story started getting like something from Black Mirror or the darkest recesses of Jon Ronson's mind - and that was BEFORE a global pandemic that sent everyone a bit mad.

This is a story of our shadow sides, our digital sides, the mess of cold data porridge we've sold our hearts for, and the lure of believing something easy in a world gone to hell.

Apparently, Zadie Smith is not on social media at all. I'm beginning to think she has the right idea.

I remember reading No Logo by her, along with most other people of my generation, many years ago and really enjoyed that book.

Doppelgänger starts of by examining the relationship that Klein has with her own Doppelgänger Naomi Wolff. Both are Jewish women who write social cultural non-fiction books and for a time they were both more on the left of politics, with Wolff having worked for the Clintons. With the same first name too, many people kept on getting the two Naomi’s confused. But then Wolff’s political views changed and she is now often a star on shows that are more on the right of politics and she was a leading anti-vaxer, so not someone that Klein really wanted to be mistaken for.

From this premise the book explores many ways in which we create our own personal brand, via social media, through making our children an extension of us with negative implications if your child doesn’t fit the ‘normal’ mould (Klein has a neurodivergent child), through our political and religious affiliations (this section gave a very good analysis of Zionism and the mistakes that happened following the holocaust).

Just from that you can tell that the book covers a lot! It’s a really good and interesting book that will make you think. I’ve certainly got it lined up as a book I’ll be buying for a few people.

I was guilty of exactly what this book is about. Initially, I saw this and sighed that the lunatic anti-vaxxer had another book out. Obviously, that’s not the case and this clever and intriguing book delves into conspiracists, the cult of the internet, and truth in our Information Age.

"Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World" by Naomi Klein is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the online underworld of conspiracies and misinformation, political doubling, as well as a reflection on the author's own experience of being mistaken for Naomi Wolf, a feminist turned conspiracy theorist.

With insightful political analysis, cultural examination, and personal contemplation, Klein draws us into a concept she dubs the "mirror world." This realm is a distorted reflection of our reality, a place where conspiracy and misinformation flourish, magnifying societal divides.

Klein taps into the dynamics of this online underworld of right-wing paranoia, a space that exists in a pervasive sense of disorientation, amplifying the most extreme beliefs. She scrutinizes the erosion of political discourse, revealing how the blurring lines between truth and fiction contribute to an ever-widening societal chasm. Her analysis extends to the allure of online clout and the seductive power of the attention economy, shedding light on the complex interplay between online validation and the deeper, sometimes shadowy motivations within us. This dynamic significantly warps our perception of reality, fuelling increased divisions and conflicts among groups and individuals.
Naomi Klein also assesses the left's reaction to today's complex political environment. The erosion of political resistance language has further fuelled societal polarization. Traditionally, such language has been a tool for articulating dissent against power structures, fostering collective action, and advocating for systemic change. Its loss signifies not just a dilution of political discourse but also a weakening of the mechanisms through which societies negotiate differences and seek common ground. Without a language to challenge injustices or criticise corporate influence, the capacity for constructive opposition diminishes. This vacuum is readily filled by the extreme and divisive rhetoric of the "mirror world," where simplified, us-versus-them narratives replace nuanced discussion and critical thought.

This sheds light on the concept of "political doubling" that is reshaping the landscape of global politics over recent decades. This phenomenon included the emergence of polarized narratives within countries, the increasing formation of political echo chambers, and the presence of political figures or movements mirroring each other across different cultures or countries. Consider, for example, the deepening ideological rifts in the United States, the rise of populist leaders in both Europe and America who champion similar anti-establishment and nationalist agendas, and the widespread adoption of political strategies and misinformation tactics on a global scale. These instances underscore a significant shift in political discourse and dynamics, where mirrored ideologies, strategies, and divisions are often amplified by digital media and global interconnectedness.

Klein finishes her analysis with an extended discussion of Israel/Palestine, which she reveals to be a potent site of "doppelganger politics." She argues that Israel has created its own "double" of the European nationalism that has oppressed many Jews, allowing it to project everything it cannot bear to see about itself onto the Palestinian Other. Klein explores the way that "doubling" structures what we see and don't want to see, what we project and what we hide, particularly in the context of contemporary dynamics around settler colonial denialism. She also delves into the journey of Israel from oppressed to oppressor, indicating that it is indicative of a larger global story, where "pools of trauma being with yesterday’s victims enlisted as today’s occupying army.”

The author takes a thoughtful approach, prioritizing understanding over judgment. But she also confronts our own role in sustaining this mirrored reality. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection, to realize the true source of their problems and to grasp the allure of the narratives spun by conspiracy theorists. She suggests that hyper-individualism and capitalism are at the root of many societal troubles, and a shift away from this mindset is necessary to acknowledge our complicity in the "mirror world. "

Klein's exploration of the "mirror world" is not just about the world of conspiracy theorists, but also about our world, serving as a metaphor for the media logic that encompasses all of us. Through this lens, she advocates for deeper comprehension and engagement with the forces that shape our perceptions and responses to the political world around us.

Doppelganger is a strong contender for book of the year for me. It's an amazing exploration of the modern world, with a focus on culture and politics, all seen through the lens of mirror images and doppelgangers. I was blown away with Klein's sharp assessments and keen insights and I feel like this book will require a re-read for me to truly appreciate every detail she has put in here. A must-read, for everyone!

Wow! Thought provoking stuff written in such an engaging way. Klein is a skilful writer, she always presents a well researched narrative with plenty to unpack. In this case , the sense of who we are and how we define our public personas, and more troublingly how our personas and belief systems are defined for us by the online world we live in. I was fascinated by Klein’s unpicking of how previously and seemingly incongruous and unrelated beliefs and political stances have been realigned and now sit together in what is becoming an increasingly uncomfortable new world order.

First off, I apologise for my late review on this one. There was something wrong with the file I received which led to words and sentences cut out of the page. I couldn’t read that so I waited for my library hold instead. All I will say is, Naomi Klein continues to offer light, reason and FACTS in areas that so often seem to miss them. I have read every single one of her books and her research is so thorough, so well-put and always prompts me to further agency. In doppelgänger, I was especially captivated by the chapter about being the parent of a child with autism and the chapters devoted to Palestine and Israel, which now more than ever, or maybe always, feel incredibly urgent. I want to shove it into everyone’s hands and shout (kindly) READ IT AND LEARN.

In a world which feels it has moved past the need for privacy, the rise in social media use and almost constant surveillance - ''Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein offers up a hard to define part-memoir/part-social critique.

Naomi Klein is confused with Naomi Wolf's, an individual who traverses the political spectrum from 'far-left' to 'alt-right' conspiracy theorist (vaccine denials) and in doing so Klein tries to dismantle Woolf's fellow 'alt-right' friends and collaborators. Such discussions seems to be what polarises readers of this book, especially the discussions of Wolf's fellow 'alt-right' friends inc. Steve Bannon (note - I am not American and I am on the left politically). This becomes the jumping point for the rest of the book (which is considerably longer than I expected) Klein discusses the new digital world from AI, Populist News, COVID-19 deniers, and to me shows how anyone can fall down the rabbit hole of changing viewpoints.... at moments 'alt-right' and 'far-left' viewpoints can be similar (see discussion of Bannon's podcast by Klein).

One criticism for this book is that in moments it felt a bit disjointed, perhaps in part because of part-memoir aspect of this book. I will recommend (and have) recommended to friends and buyers across the politically spectrum - I would say you have to like non-fiction.

Brilliant, razor sharp writing on such interesting, clever concepts. Like nothing I’ve ever read before and definitely one I’m recommending to everyone. I’ve also downloaded the audiobook to re-read which I’m looking forward to!