Are you interested in formats other than books? A rather brilliant example of this genre can be found in the anime series "Serial Experiments Lain." While the process of self-revelation is only one plot point among several that are contained in the set, it IS one of the key themes.

A more mainstream, and very witty movie, that takes on this theme is "Stranger than Fiction" in which the protagonist, an IRS agent, finds that he's a character in a novel by a reclusive novelist (Emma Thompson) who can't figure out how to kill him off. Not many attempts have been made, that i know of, to make a any movie that takes literary theory seriously - but still attempts, and succeeds, as a very sweet comedy. Will Ferrell manages to be subdued as the main character and creates a persona that's far easier to take than his usual film self. "Eternal Sunshine" is in the same ballpark, but, not, i think, as emotionally and, yeah, intellectually pleasing as "STF."

good luck
bob

posted by bobmcconnaughey at 9:27 pm (EST) on Jul 20, 2008

Neither am I a member of the Science Fiction Group.

But I would like to mention the "William Monk" books written
by Anne Perry. In the first book he is told that he is a policeman, but has no memory of his past. He must return to
work and conceal that fact. The first book in the series is "Face of a Stranger". These books are reputed to be
an exellent portrayal of the police of Victorian times.

posted by MAJic at 2:20 am (EST) on Jul 19, 2008

Hi, saw your post in the science fiction group but I am not a member there so thought I would comment here. Have you seen The Raw Shark Texts by Stephen Hall? The main character wakes with amnesia and finds a note directing him to call a telephone number. It all gets very confusing and the story is a strange one but worth a look.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 10:03 am (EST) on Jul 18, 2008