World is a machine. Man recognizes this and is chased by others [s]

[Benjamin]

I have no idea the author. All I remember about the book is it is about a man who suddenly becomes aware that the world he is living in is one giant machine. It's still Earth, it's just everything is functioning like a machine. He comes to this realization when a woman, who is outside the machine, bumps into him. Suddenly he is outside the machine, even though people are acting like he's still there (coworkers are talking like he's standing there). He is then chased by a group of other people who also know the world is a giant machine.

I remember reading it in the late 80s, but got the feeling it was from the 70s or early 80s. The author steps out of the novel format occasionally to offer trippy commentary.

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks,
Ben

[Andy]

This is probably "You're All Alone" by Fritz Leiber (which is also been published under the title "The Sinful Ones") http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...

[Benjamin]

That's it. Thank you for the help.

Ben

[Andy]

Glad to help

[Kris]

Okay, I NEED to read this one.

I adore Leiber in all his weirdness!