The Glamour (novel)

The Glamour is a novel by English author Christopher Priest, published in 1984. It is a science fiction/fantasy novel exploring themes of perception, identity, and reality, through the central conceit of "glamour," which in the novel refers to a scientifically induced form of invisibility or imperceptibility.

The narrative follows the character Richard Grey, who suffers brain damage following a car accident. Upon regaining consciousness, he discovers he has lost several weeks of his memory and also has intermittent periods where he is completely unnoticeable – people look right through him and are unaware of his presence. This phenomenon is referred to as "glamour."

Richard investigates the origins of his condition, leading him to a shadowy organization involved in the creation and manipulation of glamour. He encounters various individuals who can manipulate glamour for their own purposes, including espionage and personal gain. The novel blends elements of thriller and mystery as Richard attempts to uncover the truth about his condition and the nature of glamour itself.

The novel is known for its unreliable narration, shifting perspectives, and ambiguous ending, leaving the reader to question the true nature of reality and the characters' motivations. It is considered a complex and thought-provoking work that defies easy categorization.