Essay Questions

What is the significance of the novel’s title?

The novel’s title is a reference to it’s central plot where the protagonist Alan makes his way to the fictional KAEC to pitch a sale of holographic conferencing technology to its monarch, King Abdullah, which he intends to make use of in the new city that he’s building. It is also a reference to Alan’s deeper, more personal struggles in this difficult season in his life. Alan is trying to revive his all but dead career through an all-or-nothing gamble of a sales pitch. In his quest to chase after the illusive dream of success however he realizes that like the holograms he’s trying to sell his dreams of being able to reinvent himself are every bit as difficult to grasp.

What does KAEC symbolize in the novel?

The KAEC is the result of wishful thinking and a bunch of loud, flashy promises and as such it symbolizes just that: empty promises and unfulfilled wishes for both Alan and the subjects of King Abdullah. It positions itself as modern, forward-thinking city, and, unlike any of it’s Middle-Eastern peer cities, it promises economic and even social freedom, especially for women. The truth of it however is sadly a far departure from the proposal: the city is full of roads leading nowhere and unfinished infrastructure. The mirage-like quality of this bogus desert city is also reflected upon the seeming duality of the culture of its inhabitants: on the surface society seems to be very religious and uptight and yet hedonistic pursuits and oppression are also tightly woven into the social fabric.

How is the theme of identity discussed in the novel?

The theme of identity is discussed primarily through the character of Alan Clay. Life has just thrown him an ugly curveball: he has lost his job and not many will hire a middle-aged man with his skillset. He struggles financially and he sees this opportunity to sell holographic devices to King Abdullah as on opportunity to get back into the game. He finds however that this trip to the KAEC will reveal more about himself than he imagined. The isolation and the vast cultural differences force him to confront his shortcomings as a husband, father, and friend. He eventually comes to the realization that the version of himself that he sees now is not at all who he wants to be. Sadly however there is little time or opportunity to reinvent himself.