Review of "As Time Goes By," by Richard H. Williams

Don Zimmerman

As Time Goes By," by Richard H. Williams, is a marvelous collection of short fiction by a promising writer who obviously is capable of high achievement. The freshness and originality of the work is extraordinary. Many of the stories invite comparison with Kurt Vonnegut. And some of the darker passages that occasionally turn up without warning throughout the tales, are reminiscent of Henry Miller, William Burroughs, and Philip K. Dick. But the best of his writing is not comparable to the work of these earlier authors. This collection contains startling evidence that Williams is in the process of developing a unique style and creating his own niche in literary history.

The introductory story from which the book takes its name, "As Time Goes By," is an original version of the popular theme of time travel. In the story, Williams refers to works by H.G. Wells and others, and then takes a new direction. As an aside, it is interesting to note that the idea of time travel is no longer limited exclusively to science fiction, but has been taken seriously by some modern philosophers. In fact, events that move backward in time are given credence by mainstream theoretical physicists like John Cramer.

Closely related to time travel is the alternate universe theme of science fiction, and Williams interweaves this idea with time travel in new ways. His development brings to mind a unique and wonderful exploration of a similar concept by Philip K. Dick in the novel "The Man in the High Castle." In a reversal of the usual approach, the main characters in Dick's story did not live in our world and encounter a universe strange to us; rather, the characters from the beginning existed in a parallel universe and speculated about the possible existence of the strange one that we call real. In the story, Germany and Japan have defeated the United States in World War II, and the west coast of the USA is controlled by Japanese administrators, while the east coast is run by German bureaucrats. In the end, the characters recognize poignantly that their universe is imaginary, and the Truth is that the USA won the war.

Many other stories in the book represent new twists on older themes, and some of them are unique and, to this reviewer's knowledge, not comparable to any earlier works. In the stories, Williams continually reveals his encyclopedic knowledge of a variety of topics, including psychology, literature, sports, celebrities and the entertainment industry, and many other things.

Williams' style possibly is contagious. As I write this review, I find myself drawn into his world. Strangely, I want to participate in the events he has described, to the extent of incorporating them into my own writing, even discussing them at length in this review and pretending that they are real. But I restrain myself. Other readers may eventually have a similar reaction, which perhaps is not uncommon upon being introduced to the distinctive work of a noteworthy writer.

Critics will debate the extent to which the characters in Williams' stories are real people. I have my own ideas about this. I can see the future. Having arrived in Stockholm, Richard H. Williams mounts the podium, bows before the King of Sweden, and receives the Nobel Prize for literature. The auditorium is hushed, as he prepares to deliver his acceptance speech, but shortly a commotion emanates from the front of the crowd. It is the personal entourage that has accompanied Williams to the ceremony. There sits Basketball Betty, a little older and more restrained than formerly, basketballs on display, giggling and chattering to Nikki, who is older but still lovely in her revealing yellow dress. And there is Dr. Wilson, conversing with Henry, who holds a bottle of bees. And Lena! There sits black, beautiful Lena! And there is Joy and all the others, applauding and whistling in adoration of Richard Williams as he receives recognition. So the question is answered. These people are real.

But another troublesome concern soon arises. In the back of the auditorium, Philip K. Zimmerman observes the proceedings. He turns to Nicole Kidman beside him and whispers: "I am having disturbing visions. I seem to be aware of an alternate reality, in which Richard Williams and I worked together on minor social science projects. The Nobel Prize was far beyond us; the most we could hope for, even in fantasy, was a note in our college alumni magazine at retirement. We discovered some mathematical equations. But our activities were drab and without fire and delight. At one point, our interests diverged: I continued with these mundane projects, and Williams began to write fiction. What is worse, you and I never met."

Nicole kisses Philip and speaks softly: "I visited the oracle up in that castle we have been talking about and, sadly, discovered that you speak Truth. The alternate world you imagine is real. The one we experience now is a place of dreams, a shadow reality with no substance. It seems actual and true to us at this moment, but I assure you, it has no concrete existence. Williams is not receiving the Nobel Prize. In fact, Richard H. Williams is a psychologist and budding writer living in Miami. You, dear Philip, are a retired professor who watches X-rated films and walks his dogs in Vancouver."

Overcome by sorrow, Philip K. Zimmerman nods in assent, studies intently his non-existent environment and the non-existent apparition of beauty at his side, and at length accepts Deep Truth. But even in the realization that he must abandon the virtual pleasures of a parallel universe, he retains some hope: He will do something positive. He will write a review of the real Richard H. Williams latest work, "As Time Goes By," for Mountain Mist Productions, put it on his personal web page, and tell the world of the breathtaking potential of this new talent.