The Amazing Mrs. Mimms

"The Amazing Mrs. Mimms" by David C. Knight is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The story revolves around Mrs. Althea Mimms, a 107-year-old time traveler working for an organization called Destinyworkers, Inc., which aims to subtly influence the lives of individuals in different time zones to improve their destinies. The narrative explores themes of human connection, societal challenges, and the implications of time travel. The plot follows Mrs. Mimms as she navigates life in the year 1958, settling into a new apartment while taking on the role of a babysitter and companion. As she observes the complexities and struggles of the families she interacts with, she uses her time-traveling abilities and specialized equipment to address their issues, from babysitting to offering advice and solutions to familial conflicts. Throughout her assignment, she grapples with the responsibilities of influencing lives and the emotional weight of her interventions, culminating in a decision to employ a Duplicanical assistant to ensure her work continues after she is pulled away for a more critical mission. The novel is both a reflection on human relationships and a commentary on societal pressures, all intertwined with the fantastical elements of time travel.