“The Time Machine Did It” by John Swartzwelder”.
In a quirky twist on the classic time travel narrative, John Swartzwelder’s novel “The Time Machine Did It” introduces readers to Frank Burly, a bumbling detective whose knack for getting into trouble is rivaled only by his ignorance of the complexities of time travel.
Frank lives in a world where crime is rampant, and he is determined to make a name for himself as a detective. One day, he stumbles upon a hidden time machine in the basement of an old library. Instead of calling for backup or conducting thorough research, he jumps in, convinced it will help him solve his current case: the mysterious theft of a giant inflatable gorilla.
However, Frank’s understanding of time travel is minimal. He accidentally jumps to the future, where he encounters bizarre societies and futuristic technologies that make no sense to him. In one instance, he accidentally disrupts a peace treaty between two warring factions of robots, leading to chaos that he can’t comprehend. His attempts to fix the timeline only result in more absurdities, like accidentally inventing the disco craze or bringing dinosaurs into the present.
As Frank flounders through different eras, he unwittingly complicates historical events. Each time he tries to return to his original timeline, he ends up in an even stranger situation. His character embodies the everyman, showcasing how someone with minimal intelligence can unintentionally become a catalyst for monumental changes, albeit with comical outcomes.
The humor is largely derived from Frank’s naive observations and interactions with various characters across time. He remains oblivious to the consequences of his actions, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and a series of unfortunate events that spiral out of control.
Ultimately, “The Time Machine Did It” is less about the mechanics of time travel and more about the absurdity of human nature. Swartzwelder’s comedic approach challenges the serious themes often found in time travel stories, inviting readers to laugh at the folly of trying to control time. It’s a delightful romp through history and a testament to the chaos that can ensue when the unqualified meddle with the fabric of time.
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