Looking for Simulcrum ? by Pierre Boule?

[Phlip]

Don't know if this rings a bell with anyone. Simulcrum? was probably the first book I've ever read about a virtual world: Protagonist almost dies when a road is chopped off in the middle of nowhere over a black void. Turns out that earth as we know is really a simulcrum/artificial/virtual world created by 'others' to test advertising. Occasionally there is a glitch like the road up above. People are reprogrammed to forget the incident. Protagonist experiences a reverse feedback where his virtual mind takes over the mind of the 'other' operator. I may be way off on the title and author. Publication date somewhere in the early 60's. Pretty sure it was an english translation of a French SF book.. thanks! Phlip

 

[j d worthington]

Question: Was this a novel, or a story? If a story, it may be one of those included in Time Out of Mind:

Time Out of Mind: And Other Stories by Pierre Boulle

Or there's a bibliography of Boulle's work that might spark a memory:

Pierre Boulle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

However, I've not read much of anything by (Planet of the Apes and Bridge Over the River Kwai), so it doesn't ring any bells

 

[Somni]

Sounds very similar to the film 'The Thirteenth floor' in concept, but I do not know of a related book.

 

[Phlip]

>J.D asked,"Was this a nove, or a story?..
==> It was a story. I may have the author wrong, but I'm pretty sure Simulcrum or Simulacra was part of the title... thanks!

 

[supergirl]

there's a book (not a story) - "The Simulacra" by Phillip K Dick, but it doesn't sound like the one you're looking for. Anyway, check it here:

The Simulacra by Philip K Dick

 

[chrispenycate]

Could this be "Simalcron 3" (counterfeit world) by Daniel F Galouye? (who was not french, but came from New Orleans)?
It sounds about right.

 

[williamjm]

Sounds very similar to the film 'The Thirteenth floor' in concept, but I do not know of a related book.

The Thirteenth Floor is an adaptation of the book Chris mentions - "Simulacron 3" - see The Thirteenth Floor (1999) - Full cast and crew

 

[Seli]

Could this be "Simalcron 3" (counterfeit world) by Daniel F Galouye? (who was not french, but came from New Orleans)?
It sounds about right.

Yes I agree, I am sure this is the book.
The protagonist was not edited to forget the incident because his personality was based on the main operator of the simulation.
The road (and people) were disappearing because a simulation was being developed in the simulation.