The other Now by Murray Leinster
A man grapples with the death of his wife, Jane, who died in a tragic accident. Despite witnessing her burial, he experiences inexplicable phenomena that suggest she might still be alive in another reality. After a series of strange occurrences, including a peculiar experience with his front door and finding Jane's diary entries written in her handwriting, he becomes convinced that they are communicating across different "nows" or realities. As he navigates his grief, he discovers that he can write to Jane in her diary, and she responds, revealing her own feelings of loss and confusion. Their correspondence brings him temporary joy, but the realization that they are separated by an insurmountable barrier of existence weighs heavily on him. He confides in his friend, a lawyer named Haynes, who struggles to rationalize the bizarre events and suggests that Jimmy might be experiencing a form of delusion. Despite Haynes' skepticism, Jimmy remains hopeful that the barrier between their realities will thin, allowing them to reunite. As time passes, Jimmy's mental state becomes increasingly fragile, and he believes they are on the verge of breaking through to each other. However, one night, during a phone call with Haynes, Jimmy disappears without a trace, leaving behind only the evidence of their strange connection. Haynes is left to ponder the implications of Jimmy's disappearance and the nature of reality itself. He reflects on the possibility of multiple nows, where different outcomes exist, and questions the nature of existence and love. The story concludes with Haynes contemplating the impossibility of the events while acknowledging the emotional truth behind them, leaving the reader to grapple with the themes of love, loss, and the mysteries of existence.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction · 6,728 words
First lines
He knew his wife was dead, because he'd seen her buried. But it was only one possibility out of infinitely many!
It was self-evident nonsense. If Jimmy Patterson had told anybody but Haynes, calm men in white jackets would have taken him away for psychiatric treatment which undoubtedly would have been effective. He'd have been restored to sanity and common sense, and he'd probably have died of it. So to anyone who liked Jimmy and Jane, it is good that things worked out as they did. The facts are patently impossible, but they are satisfying.
What this Textopian page supports
The other Now is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1970 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Murray Leinster
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 6,728 words
- Structure: 1 section, 120 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Lost Day by Edgar Fawcett
- The Dead Past by Isaac Asimov
- The Edge Of The Knife by H. Beam Piper
- The Fifth Dimension Tube by Murray Leinster
- The Shipshape Miracle by Clifford D. Simak
- Unborn Tomorrow by Mack Reynolds
Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot explores themes of alternate realities and the concept of multiple 'nows', which are central to science fiction narratives.
- Fantasy — The story incorporates fantastical elements such as communication across different realities, which aligns with fantasy genre conventions.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's mental state and the exploration of grief and sanity are key themes, characteristic of psychological fiction.
- Drama — The emotional depth of the characters' experiences, particularly regarding loss and longing, fits the drama genre.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate Reality · Time Travel · Philosophy · Psychology · Reality Distortion · Parallel Universe · Speculative Fiction · Futurism · Social Commentary · Existential Crisis · Human Condition