A Dream of Wessex

Slight spoiler ahead: If you've read Christopher Priest before, you know he often makes you work, but then there's usually a big payoff. This book is no exception - starts out pretty slow, but it is worth sticking with it. The critical part of the plot becomes so reminiscent of Inception  that I actually spent time afterwards trying to figure out if Christopher Nolan had gotten the idea for Inception from this book. (Supposedly he didn't.) Also, not only does Priest's pre-Inception plot hold together a little better than Inception, it also serves as a more effective metaphor for what it is like to be trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship.  So, not the lightest read but ultimately a gripping and worthwhile one.