I think it's important to note here that the state by state approaches to slavery in the novel do not represent actual distinctions among states in the 1850s — this is part
of the
magical realism aspect, he was playing with geography and time, to build suspense and deepen understanding.
Through a blend
of documentary and
magical realism, the artist investigates various
aspects of role play: costumed youth and their families, workers» dreams come to life at a Siemens light factory, and the simulated romance between avatars.