"The Peripheral" is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that explores themes of technology, time travel, and alternate realities. The story follows Flynne Fisher, a young woman living in a near-future America, who becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy after she tests a virtual reality game that turns out to be much more than it seems. As Flynne navigates this new world, she discovers connections to a distant future where society has drastically changed. The narrative intertwines her life with that of Wilf Netherton, a man from the future, highlighting the impact of advanced technology on human relationships and society.