Turn backward, o time!

"Turn Backward, O Time!" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative follows the desperate plight of a man named Donovan, who longs to escape his controlled existence in the 25th century by traveling back to the early 20th century. His desire stems from the harsh realities of a future where rejuvenation is strictly regulated, and one misstep can lead to dire consequences administered by the ruthless Criminal Destroyers (C.D.). The story centers on Donovan’s illicit ambitions to evade societal constraints and regain his youth through unlicensed time travel. Facing threats from the C.D. and grappling with the moral implications of his choices, Donovan ultimately makes a perilous escape to the past, where he attempts to rebuild his life as a painter. As time progresses, he becomes increasingly consumed by the fear of being discovered and loses both his memories and his identity due to the effects of rejuvenation. The climax reveals the intensity of his predicament, as he encounters Edel W. Crane, an agent of the C.D., leading to a chilling conclusion about the futility of his attempts to escape the entrapments of his original time.