"The House on the Strand" by Daphne du Maurier explores the themes of time travel and duality through the experiences of its protagonist, Dick Young. Set in 1960s Cornwall, the story unfolds as Dick takes a break at his friend’s ancestral home, where he discovers a potion that allows him to experience visions of the past. This journey into the 14th century reveals the lives of local inhabitants, particularly a man named Roger and the trials he faces, which parallel and disrupt Dick's present life.
The narrative intricately weaves between Dick's modern reality and the historical events he witnesses, raising questions about identity and the desire to escape one’s current existence. As he becomes more engrossed in Roger's life, Dick struggles to maintain his grip on reality. The potion acts as both a tantalizing gift and a curse, revealing the dangers of obsession and the consequences of living in another time.