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Reality
Six people have been chosen at random. Without their knowledge, Kathy, Mario, Garry, Hannah, Robert and Julia are about to participate in the ultimate game of manipulation.
A stranger brings them together, but can this ruthless puppeteer really be held responsible for the choices each makes? In the end, who is to blame for their actions: for their deceit, infidelity and crime?
At the heart of this thought-provoking novel lie questions of fate and self-determination.
A stranger brings them together, but can this ruthless puppeteer really be held responsible for the choices each makes? In the end, who is to blame for their actions: for their deceit, infidelity and crime?
At the heart of this thought-provoking novel lie questions of fate and self-determination.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Ray Glickman
3 books6 followersRay Glickman holds Masters degrees in Business, Applied Social Studies, and Psychology and Philosophy. He was the CEO of the City of Fremantle for nine years and president of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce for three.
Ray has a background in psychology and social work as well as leadership and management. He has been a lifelong student of what makes people tick as individuals and in groups.
Ray has spoken at numerous conferences around Australia for many years on a variety of subjects. Reality is his first novel.
Ray has a background in psychology and social work as well as leadership and management. He has been a lifelong student of what makes people tick as individuals and in groups.
Ray has spoken at numerous conferences around Australia for many years on a variety of subjects. Reality is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 9, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy through the Goodreads First reads program. The novel started off with promise and short, punchy prose filled chapters that introduced the main characters, along with a promise of a big master plan pay off.
My biggest quibble would be that the pay off wasn't exactly big or impressive. There was a lot of promise and some big promises made, but ultimately, the finale left me a little cold.
Perhaps it was the narrator's source of inspiration, Big Brother, that led an air of insipidness.
I don't want to give the impression that the book wasn't well written - it certainly was.
There was an initially brilliant conceit that just got a little lost about half way through.
My biggest quibble would be that the pay off wasn't exactly big or impressive. There was a lot of promise and some big promises made, but ultimately, the finale left me a little cold.
Perhaps it was the narrator's source of inspiration, Big Brother, that led an air of insipidness.
I don't want to give the impression that the book wasn't well written - it certainly was.
There was an initially brilliant conceit that just got a little lost about half way through.
February 24, 2014
Interesting intrigue with personalities and how psychologically the human species is so vulnerable to manipulation. Glickman's main character is like a human whisperer.
In many ways a fantasy but plausible when people have their egocentric and emotional indulgences that override logic. I am sure the undercover police and the spies in the world know how all this works.
The ultimate message for me from the book is that life is more like a reality show than reality shows.
For Ray's first book it is a good read and may make a good movie with some producer with an imagination.
In many ways a fantasy but plausible when people have their egocentric and emotional indulgences that override logic. I am sure the undercover police and the spies in the world know how all this works.
The ultimate message for me from the book is that life is more like a reality show than reality shows.
For Ray's first book it is a good read and may make a good movie with some producer with an imagination.
November 8, 2014
I did enjoy this and could easily visualise the Fremantle characters! Will you like them? No. But you are not meant to. The book is paced well and the story quite believable. Could it really happen? More than likely. We are responsible for our own realities.
Well Done for creating a good read Ray!
Well Done for creating a good read Ray!
February 22, 2014
I know it's a cliché, but I couldn't put it down.
Well written, couldn't wait to read the next chapter.
Looking forward to this author's next work.
Well written, couldn't wait to read the next chapter.
Looking forward to this author's next work.
July 11, 2020
Felt like I was watching the author jerk off to a picture of himself for 200+ pages (the climax of which held no ejaculate). Ego is necessary in an author, yes, but this is what happens when you take your inspiration from bad reality television. It chews ideas other writers have spat out, but swallows and defecates them; it made me feel nothing except a bald sense of revulsion and, at times, embarrassment. One point for good turn of phrase and a superficial (very) form of intelligence, other than that, it was pointless, self-indulgent drivel. More forethought to the ending, and a little heart could have made this book a four, as it is, it's soulless shite.
February 3, 2016
'Reality' by Ray Glickman
This is a book which - as well as being entertaining - gives the brain a good workout: so many philosophical and religious aspects to ponder on. The author's erudition shines through but is offset by frequent references to popular culture.
From the outset I didn't feel myself particularly liking the characters involved in the narrator's 'game'; rather, I was fascinated by the unnamed narrator. I think many of us could recall instances when (perhaps with some degree of shame) we have identified with him in his innate sense of superiority. Bible scholars tell us that in the New Testament characters not referred to by name are traditionally said to represent all of us. I found it horribly easy to identify with the narrator as he observed the failings of his - for want of a better word - victims. It's the same sort of feeling you get from watching reality television programmes, and I have to say that I avoid that particular genre, preferring to watch dramas, where I can feel free to despise the characters with some degree of impunity, safe in the knowledge that they are not real people (while at the same time despising myself for spending my time even doing that).
While reading, I was asking myself questions such as: 'To what extent would it be true to say that the narrator represents Satan?' or again: 'Does he rather represent God, who has given us all free will?' References came into my head as diverse as Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the Rolling Stones track 'Sympathy for the Devil'. The narrator was convincingly portrayed as being such a Charming Man (another popular cultural reference!): it is often the case that those who appear to be exceptionally charming are in fact ruthless if crossed
It was interesting, too, to see a passing reference to the narrator's ethnicity, i.e. not white Anglo Saxon. Up to that point, is it the case that we readers were imagining him to be of the same ethnicity as ourselves, and if so what does that say about us? In recent years there has been a complete volte face in the way that roles in television and film are cast. Colour blind casting is now the norm, whereas a few years ago - for reasons of political correctness - it would have been unthinkable to cast a black actor in a bad guy role.
The unusual punctuation in 'Reality' (no inverted commas, for example, to indicate direct speech) and the use of at times startlingly colourful language are, I think, devices employed to promote the overall flowing style, which explores deep inside the minds of the book's characters. After all, we don't edit bad language out of our innermost thoughts.
All in all a thought-provoking first novel - let's hope there are many more to come from Ray Glickman.
This is a book which - as well as being entertaining - gives the brain a good workout: so many philosophical and religious aspects to ponder on. The author's erudition shines through but is offset by frequent references to popular culture.
From the outset I didn't feel myself particularly liking the characters involved in the narrator's 'game'; rather, I was fascinated by the unnamed narrator. I think many of us could recall instances when (perhaps with some degree of shame) we have identified with him in his innate sense of superiority. Bible scholars tell us that in the New Testament characters not referred to by name are traditionally said to represent all of us. I found it horribly easy to identify with the narrator as he observed the failings of his - for want of a better word - victims. It's the same sort of feeling you get from watching reality television programmes, and I have to say that I avoid that particular genre, preferring to watch dramas, where I can feel free to despise the characters with some degree of impunity, safe in the knowledge that they are not real people (while at the same time despising myself for spending my time even doing that).
While reading, I was asking myself questions such as: 'To what extent would it be true to say that the narrator represents Satan?' or again: 'Does he rather represent God, who has given us all free will?' References came into my head as diverse as Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the Rolling Stones track 'Sympathy for the Devil'. The narrator was convincingly portrayed as being such a Charming Man (another popular cultural reference!): it is often the case that those who appear to be exceptionally charming are in fact ruthless if crossed
It was interesting, too, to see a passing reference to the narrator's ethnicity, i.e. not white Anglo Saxon. Up to that point, is it the case that we readers were imagining him to be of the same ethnicity as ourselves, and if so what does that say about us? In recent years there has been a complete volte face in the way that roles in television and film are cast. Colour blind casting is now the norm, whereas a few years ago - for reasons of political correctness - it would have been unthinkable to cast a black actor in a bad guy role.
The unusual punctuation in 'Reality' (no inverted commas, for example, to indicate direct speech) and the use of at times startlingly colourful language are, I think, devices employed to promote the overall flowing style, which explores deep inside the minds of the book's characters. After all, we don't edit bad language out of our innermost thoughts.
All in all a thought-provoking first novel - let's hope there are many more to come from Ray Glickman.
October 25, 2014
My View:
Bold, slick and acerbic.
I love that Ray Glickman has successfully (I hope) rid himself of all the angst and frustration his working life has heaped onto his shoulders by writing this witty, honest and scathing attack on the mindless, selfish, irresponsible actions of the individual (and the Corporate) and how easily we can all be manipulated to serve the purpose of …well anyone if you know how to play the game.
I really enjoyed reading about local haunts that I too was aware of – Milk’d café, The Department of … best leave that one there it sounded very much like more than one government department I have worked in – full of self-serving egotists…always worried about the bottom line and their own job “The Department was paralysed by inertia and stultified by ancient rules and regulations” (p. 31)… Glickman makes fun of everything and everyone – no one is safe, “The Britney Generation” (p.18), “Wait A-while WA” (p.14), lawyers, executives…no one is spared. And it is all so familiar to the cynic in us all.
I admire Glickman’s sarcasm, his wit and his sense of humour. He plays with his characters, plays with the culture that is Perth and produces a read that is for the most parts engaging and enlightening. Where would we be without ego? How much ego is too much of a good thing? How easily do we display our secrets under the guise of social media “sharing” and “likes”, and who or what can be trusted or manipulated here? Everyone it seems.
This is a thought provoking read which only loses momentum for a short while in the middle section before bursting back to life. Thank you Ray Glickman for saying all those things we secretly say to ourselves and don’t have the courage to say out loud…and for extolling the virtues of so many exceptional Western Australian wines amongst your storytelling.
Bold, slick and acerbic.
I love that Ray Glickman has successfully (I hope) rid himself of all the angst and frustration his working life has heaped onto his shoulders by writing this witty, honest and scathing attack on the mindless, selfish, irresponsible actions of the individual (and the Corporate) and how easily we can all be manipulated to serve the purpose of …well anyone if you know how to play the game.
I really enjoyed reading about local haunts that I too was aware of – Milk’d café, The Department of … best leave that one there it sounded very much like more than one government department I have worked in – full of self-serving egotists…always worried about the bottom line and their own job “The Department was paralysed by inertia and stultified by ancient rules and regulations” (p. 31)… Glickman makes fun of everything and everyone – no one is safe, “The Britney Generation” (p.18), “Wait A-while WA” (p.14), lawyers, executives…no one is spared. And it is all so familiar to the cynic in us all.
I admire Glickman’s sarcasm, his wit and his sense of humour. He plays with his characters, plays with the culture that is Perth and produces a read that is for the most parts engaging and enlightening. Where would we be without ego? How much ego is too much of a good thing? How easily do we display our secrets under the guise of social media “sharing” and “likes”, and who or what can be trusted or manipulated here? Everyone it seems.
This is a thought provoking read which only loses momentum for a short while in the middle section before bursting back to life. Thank you Ray Glickman for saying all those things we secretly say to ourselves and don’t have the courage to say out loud…and for extolling the virtues of so many exceptional Western Australian wines amongst your storytelling.
July 16, 2014
If you are seeking a voyeuristic escape then Reality is the place to start.
It is not often that a novel seeking to extol an author's ego is written in the first person, and even less often that a (hopefully) fictitious drama is played out as a scene set in the endless suburbia of Perth, Western Australia. Ray Glickman actually injects a cosmopolitan culture and a subtext that works for Perth, a skill and feat that may not have been attempted before.
Reality leaves the reader questioning whether the plot is a very subtle and cynical metaphor, or whether it is just a creative fantasy that will continue to play on your mind, even if you insist that it shouldn't. Then comes the answer - you choose, it's you're Reality.
A recommended read.
It is not often that a novel seeking to extol an author's ego is written in the first person, and even less often that a (hopefully) fictitious drama is played out as a scene set in the endless suburbia of Perth, Western Australia. Ray Glickman actually injects a cosmopolitan culture and a subtext that works for Perth, a skill and feat that may not have been attempted before.
Reality leaves the reader questioning whether the plot is a very subtle and cynical metaphor, or whether it is just a creative fantasy that will continue to play on your mind, even if you insist that it shouldn't. Then comes the answer - you choose, it's you're Reality.
A recommended read.
January 22, 2015
I found this one through Goodreads and am very please that I did. Ray Glickman's enjoyable debut novel, Reality, presents a protagonist so smugly assured of his intellectual superiority that he decides to stage his own "reality show" - with unwitting real people in real situations engineered by himself. I found the characters suitably colourful and fleshed out to induce a sympathy and engagement in their stories.
A very Australian novel, with a great many references which would surely be esoteric to an international audience, this was an enjoyable read with a pleasingly satisfying - cringe inducing - finale.
A very Australian novel, with a great many references which would surely be esoteric to an international audience, this was an enjoyable read with a pleasingly satisfying - cringe inducing - finale.
March 31, 2014
I did enjoy this book and I thought the subject was interesting. It was well-written and kept me wanting to read more but there was just something missing…I can’t put my finger on what I wanted from the book but I feel like it lacked some depth. I think you could tell that this is the first book for this author but it was an interesting subject matter.
The story revolves around a group of people whose lives have been woven together by another person. They were picked randomly out of the phone book and then the ‘manipulator’ set about getting all the parties to meet each other. As I said, it’s an interesting storyline but just had something lacking.
The story revolves around a group of people whose lives have been woven together by another person. They were picked randomly out of the phone book and then the ‘manipulator’ set about getting all the parties to meet each other. As I said, it’s an interesting storyline but just had something lacking.
October 31, 2015
I started ready Reality on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney, which was a real shame. I was hooked instantly and the flight wasn't anywhere near long enough. I was engrossed in the tale. I've never read a book anything like Glickman's debut; the format just works. Not only is it a highly entertaining read, the underlying theme reflects the sad state of affairs that has haunted our living room screens since the early 2000s. It might be a work of fiction, but the world we live in is not that far removed from the world of the narrator.
Bonus points for having a character called Nathan who played golf. I can't wait for Glickman's next novel.
Bonus points for having a character called Nathan who played golf. I can't wait for Glickman's next novel.
May 23, 2014
I very much enjoyed reading this fast paced, fascinating book. I must declare I know the author and have worked with him on projects . I have tried to imagine if my response would have been any different of this wasn't the case - I don't think it would.
The plot is a beauty. The all pervasive Reality TV is the basis for the Narrator's Master Plan. You will recognise people you know in the main characters- you might look again at people you thought you knew.
It was a great pleasure to help launch this book in Hobart.
The plot is a beauty. The all pervasive Reality TV is the basis for the Narrator's Master Plan. You will recognise people you know in the main characters- you might look again at people you thought you knew.
It was a great pleasure to help launch this book in Hobart.
March 8, 2014
An insightful view of the reality of life, and the vulnerability of the human race. The character descriptions are so vivid that I’m pondering on who could play their parts in a movie, especially Mario!
The author’s droll, dark brown humour enabled this octogenarian grandmother to allow the colourful language to go through to the keeper. In fact I Laughed Out Loud! It was a brain teaser finale. A good read.
The author’s droll, dark brown humour enabled this octogenarian grandmother to allow the colourful language to go through to the keeper. In fact I Laughed Out Loud! It was a brain teaser finale. A good read.
July 23, 2014
Enjoyed the read, Ray. I detected a couple of elements of yourself in the 'narrator' but obviously not totally (after all, you're not an arse-hole!) and I enjoyed the development of each of the characters. A great concept. It was a page turner until I got to the middle bit "Reality Reviewed" which slowed me down a bit - but once through that, it picked up pace again and I couldn't wait to get to the end. Well done ... A fantastic first novel. More to come?
May 12, 2016
A story of life, fate or manipulation? Interesting read as the puzzle takes shape but the final outcome unravels unexpectedly. Interesting breadth of characters engaged in what most see as isolated acts in their daily lives when the reality is entirely different. Enjoyed Reality so much I bought 5 other copes as gifts . Enjoy discussing with the recipients the Reality in their lives.
April 20, 2014
Forget manipulation. Forget the dubious character of the nameless 'main character'. The intrigue lies with the self proclaimed 'victims', who find it so hard to take responsibility for their choices and actions. Don't we all know a Garry and Mario between our friends ... A real slice of life and most enjoyable read.
November 9, 2014
The book was a really enjoyable read and I burst out laughing a few times feeling a true and deep connection to the Perth lifestyles described throughout the book.
My favourite thing about Reality was that the narrator's name is not known.... (so I toyed with the names Kye/ Adam/ Roger for my own entertainment!). Ray, you did a great job on the book. Looking forward to the next!
Karen
My favourite thing about Reality was that the narrator's name is not known.... (so I toyed with the names Kye/ Adam/ Roger for my own entertainment!). Ray, you did a great job on the book. Looking forward to the next!
Karen
July 14, 2014
I found the style & structure of this book quite unique which added to the story the author was telling. The themes of the story are very thought provoking, and the characters (except perhaps the narrator) were relatable & engaging. This is definitely worth a read.
September 26, 2014
Well, at first I did not like the book as i find the characters really unpleasant, but on a second reading I could see what the author was trying to achieve.
i recommend this book as a view on today's manipulative society and how we are all pawns within that.
i recommend this book as a view on today's manipulative society and how we are all pawns within that.
November 5, 2013
Please note, I represent the publisher of the book.
September 12, 2014
A great read that moves along at a fair clip. I found myself squeezing in a couple of pages wherever I could.
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August 28, 2018Lindsay 2014
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March 8, 2014This was a good read. Original theme, well written with realistic characters. A real page turner.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews