Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World

Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World is a 2023 non-fiction book by Canadian writer and activist Naomi Klein. Drawing on her background as a public figure, a leftist activist, a Jewish woman, and a parent, Klein sketches a sweeping portrait of the current state of the world. The book’s title refers primarily to the longstanding and widespread confusion between Klein and fellow author Naomi Wolf. Klein examines this confusion while also using the figure of the doppelganger, or double, to explore the complex relationships between capitalism, leftist activism, conspiracy theories, and various forms of oppression. The book examines the current problems facing humanity and the difficulties involved in solving them. Doppelganger is a New York Times Best Seller.

Other works by this author include No Is Not Enough, This Changes Everything, and The Shock Doctrine.

This guide uses the 2023 e-book edition from Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Content Warning: This guide discusses fascist ideology, genocide, medical experimentation, abuse of children with autism, eugenics, antisemitism, racism, anti-gay bias, and enslavement.

Summary

For years, Naomi Klein has been confused with Naomi Wolf, especially online. When Wolf starts promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19, Klein is often blamed for her words.