In the not-too-distant future, the gap between the wealthy and the working class has grown to the point that some people who see no chance at ever retiring or finding happiness while working have decided to simply walk away from capitalist society and into the rural areas of the world, creating communities based on helping each other out, using skills when and where needed, and rejecting all of the bartering, money, and competition that defines "default" society. Walkaway follows three young adults who make the decision to walk away, exploring the places they go, the people they meet, the technology that makes walkaway communities possible, and the inherent danger of throwing off the yoke of a consumer/capitalist society. It's an intriguing thought experiment, and while it wasn't a quick read by any means, I enjoyed the thoughtful care Doctorow put into creating this world that is somehow both beyond anything imaginable and disturbingly realistic. I can't wait to see what the Orcs & Aliens make of it tonight!
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