Fools in the Magic
Kingdom by Michael Hartnett is a captivating satire of true-to-life
undercurrents of present day American culture. Metaphors abound, striking close
to home. There is Walt Disney’s creation of a magic kingdom and a world of
nations on Florida’s swampy terrain. Think of Shakespeare’s character Jaques
who says in As You Like It: “All the
world’s a stage.” and “One man in his time plays many parts.” With a
past-her-prime actress and a gullible documentary filmmaker, remember Gilligan’s Island. Sprinkle in the
budding romance of Shakespeare’s Romeo
and Juliet. From Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” add a full portion of
invading green-skinned Martians (portrayed by Dreamers in green T-shirts) where
Halloween is supplanted by April Fool’s Day.
Author Hartnett does a masterful job of creating a Chinese
box, a play within a play. In fast-paced action, the reader follows three sets
of well-developed characters who on one day enter Disney World for diverse
purposes only to become embroiled in a rising tide of emotional and physical tension.
Dare I refer to the tidal wave of Typhoon Lagoon? Readers exposed to character
gullibility, racism and greed are led to understand, if not to endorse,
resentment, confusion, and life’s perils within a satirical tale of an enticing
culture created in a make-believe world. Haunting parallels exist to life in
the United States where God is not replaced by a mouse and wrist bands need not
be purchased for magic or enchantment.
His writing, interlaced with humor, is sharp and detailed,
yet not excessive. One need not wait for a fast pass to enjoy the plot twists. He
wraps the reader inside a cocoon of physical description and emotional reaching
out. For example, the different nose colors of Chip ‘n’ Dale. Further examples
of vivid metaphors include: “Marlene suckled on the sweet milk of distant
memory.” And “… sky fell upon them like the clouds were equipped with Jacuzzi
jets.”
Both the Disney World novice and veteran will enjoy experiencing
the world of Author Hartnett. His world won’t be found in either the Burnham or
Unofficial guide, and that is notable. His world’s journey is a tour where the
question is not “We there yet?” but “What will happen next?”
