Si Morley makes the enchanting decision to embrace life in New York circa 1882. Within this bygone era, he uncovers an essence of existence that eludes the grasp of contemporary New York. Despite the lack of modern conveniences, the inhabitants exude a zest for life, a profound awareness of their purpose that seems lost to the inhabitants of the twentieth century.

The shadows of two world wars and the lingering uncertainties of the ongoing military conflict in Vietnam, Si Morley realizes, have drained the vitality from people, leaving them adrift in a sea of existential doubt.

The issue extends beyond just its inhabitants. New York City's very architecture paints a picture of contrast. Back in 1882, the city unfolded like a tapestry woven from pastoral, suburban, and urban threads. A short stroll would whisk Morley from the bustling heart of commerce to tranquil residential streets and even to vibrant farmlands, all contained within the bounds of Manhattan. Today's New York, in stark contrast, stands as a monolithic jungle of concrete and steel, its landscape dominated by towering canyons of uniform high-rises.

The Intriguing Theme of Time-Travel: Finney's Perspective

In this novel, the third theme emerges as Finney's intriguing contribution to the ever-evolving debate among fantasy authors regarding the enigma of time travel. Imagine a scenario where someone from today ventures back into history — would their deeds weave new threads in the tapestry of the past, and thus alter the present we know? Si's adventure into bygone times becomes a reality thanks to the clandestine endeavors of a government experiment shrouded in secrecy. Once the feasibility of time travel is affirmed, the minds behind the project begin to ponder the tantalizing notion of intentionally reshaping history.

At this pivotal juncture, Si makes a profound choice. He decides to immerse himself in the past for eternity, driven by a desire to evade the meddling of government officials who seek to impose their own vision of progress upon the present. His decision underscores a profound reluctance to witness how bureaucratic hands might attempt to mold reality to their liking.