Mistake inside

"Mistake Inside" by James Blish is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the late 1940s. The book explores themes of alternate realities and personal conflict, centering on the experience of the protagonist, Dr. Hugh Tracy, as he finds himself transported to a bizarre world that blends different centuries and realities. The narrative delves into the struggle of Tracy as he grapples with his emotions and the consequences of his actions. The story begins when Dr. Hugh Tracy, in a fit of rage, breaks down the door to confront his wife’s alleged lover, Jeremy Wright. However, he inexplicably finds himself in a strange and chaotic place called "Outside," where time and reality are distorted. The inhabitants explain to him that he has become a "transportee," a person sent to rectify a mistake linked to his life. Tracy learns that he must locate his "Atavars," symbols of his error, to correct his situation and return to his own time. As he interacts with eccentric characters and grapples with the duality of his motives and emotions, Tracy ultimately realizes that understanding and confronting his mistakes is essential for his redemption. The novel combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, creating a compelling narrative about self-discovery and the meaning of mistakes in life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Benjamin Blish was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He is best known for his Cities in Flight novels and his series of Star Trek novelizations written with his wife, J. A. Lawrence. His novel A Case of Conscience won the Hugo Award. He is credited with creating the term "gas giant" to refer to large planetary bodies.