The Man Outside

"The Man Outside" by Evelyn E. Smith is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Martin, an orphan whose life drastically changes when a woman from the future named Ninian comes to care for him. The novel explores themes of familial responsibilities and the impacts of time travel on life and existence. The narrative follows young Martin, raised in a dysfunctional environment, as he navigates his new life with Ninian and an assortment of his future relatives. As he matures, he learns about the complex motivations of his relatives, who have traveled back in time to protect him from his cousin Conrad, who plans to eliminate him to reshape society. Martin grows increasingly disillusioned with his descendants’ idyllic world, which hides a darker reality where they exploit others. As he grapples with the significance of his existence amidst their interference, he ultimately confronts the implications of a life dictated by the decisions of others, leading to poignant reflections on free will and the cyclical nature of human behavior. The book culminates in a thought-provoking exploration of purpose and existence as Martin faces his mortality.