This Is Just A Nightmare
A sixty-page play about a man trapped in a virtual nightmare.
The narrative follows Dr William Cumberland after his abduction by three intruders. They transport him to a facility where he is strapped into the Dream Machine chair. This device connects his brain to a computer, forcing him into a state of virtual reality. To leave this constructed world, he must endure ten specific tests. The story is written as a play, meaning the action unfolds through dialogue and stage directions rather than descriptive prose. This approach emphasizes the performative aspect of his suffering and the artificiality of the setting. The work falls under the genres of action-adventure and science fiction horror. It explores the fear of losing control over one's own mind. The text does not provide detailed explanations of the technology beyond its basic function. Readers looking for deep character development may find the focus on plot mechanics insufficient. The brevity of the sixty-page format ensures a rapid pace without digression.
Published in 2010, this work reflects early twenty-first century anxieties about digital immersion and loss of bodily autonomy. The use of the play format places it within experimental fiction trends that challenge traditional novel structures. It sits at the intersection of science fiction and horror, focusing on technological dread rather than supernatural elements.
📝 Description: This Is Just A Nightmare
💎 Our verdict on This Is Just A Nightmare
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate theatrical structures in fiction or those interested in early twenty-first century digital horror themes will find this compact narrative compelling. The play script format relies on dialogue and stage directions, creating immediate tension and claustrophobia without the need for extensive prose description. It suits audiences seeking a rapid-paced survival story focused on plot mechanics rather than deep character development. Those drawn to the vulnerability of the human mind when disconnected from physical reality will engage with the artificiality of the setting. The work offers a tight focus on immediate survival and the mechanics of the virtual environment, providing a unique blend of action-adventure and science fiction horror elements for those willing to accept its narrow scope.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Deering’s script effectively utilizes the play format to heighten the sense of immediacy surrounding Dr. Cumberland’s ordeal. By stripping away descriptive prose, the text emphasizes the performative aspect of suffering and the stark artificiality of the constructed dream world. This approach creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that aligns well with body horror traditions. The narrative maintains a relentless pace through ten specific tests, ensuring no digression from the central conflict. While it lacks extensive character backstories or philosophical musings, this limitation serves its purpose as a focused thriller. It is best suited for readers who enjoy concise, high-tension scenarios and are comfortable with a theatrical presentation of sci-fi horror elements.
📖 Read on the blog
🏛 Books from this publisher Lulu.com
You might also like
See more →
Have a question about this item?
Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.
