The Big Time

"The Big Time" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a unique alternate reality where time travel plays a critical role in an ongoing conflict known as the Change War. The narrative centers around the character Greta Forzane, an entertainer and caregiver for soldiers who have returned from missions to alter the past and fight for their side—against beings termed 'Snakes.' The opening of the novel introduces us to Greta, who operates outside of traditional reality, managing a Recuperation Station for soldiers traumatized by their experiences in time-travel warfare. As she navigates her role, we learn about the complexities of the Change War, including the psychological impacts on those involved and the strange dynamics among soldiers from different historical periods. The scene unfolds with a tense arrival of new soldiers, leading to conflicts among them, setting the stage for a narrative rich with drama, humor, and philosophical questions about memory and identity in the face of constant change.