Variants

«Variants» is a thought-provoking science fiction novel by Robert Sheckley that explores themes of free will, determinism, and alternate realities. The story follows Tom Mishkin, a down-on-his-luck astronaut who crash-lands on an uncharted planet. There, he discovers a strange device that allows him to explore different versions of his life.
Using this device, Tom can experience alternate realities where he makes different choices, takes different paths, and faces different consequences. He can become rich and successful, find love, or even prevent his own death. However, with each new variation, Tom encounters unforeseen consequences. He comes to realize that even the smallest change in his past can lead to radical changes in his future.