The Servant Problem

Name: The Servant Problem
Author: Robert F. Young

In a small town named Valleyview, a man named Francis Pfleuger, known for his eccentric inventions, inadvertently creates a machine that opens a portal to another world, Sirius XXI. The townspeople, disillusioned with their lives, decide to leave Valleyview for this new paradise, leaving behind their homes and businesses. Judith Darrow, the village attorney, is tasked with selling the properties but finds herself in a complicated situation when she meets Philip Myles, a real estate agent who arrives to appraise the town. Philip discovers that Valleyview is nearly deserted, with only Judith and her dog, Zarathustra, remaining. As he appraises the properties, he learns that the townspeople have moved to Pfleugersville, a utopian village on Sirius XXI, where they can live without fear and enjoy a better life. Judith reveals that the properties have been signed over to Philip, but he is to donate the proceeds to charity, as the townspeople have no intention of returning. As Philip grapples with the implications of this arrangement, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Judith and the mysterious nature of their situation. He learns that the portal created by Francis's machine is fading, and he must decide whether to return to Earth or join Judith in this new world. Ultimately, he realizes that his feelings for Judith are genuine, and he seeks to prove his worth to her. The story culminates in Philip's decision to embrace the unknown and pursue a relationship with Judith, while also acknowledging the complexities of their pasts. The narrative explores themes of ambition, love, and the search for belonging, set against the backdrop of a fantastical world that challenges the characters' perceptions of reality and their place within it.

By Robert F. Young · First published 1960 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 12,697 words

First lines

Selling a whole town, and doing it inconspicuously, can be a little difficult. either giving it away freely, or in a more normal sense of "selling". People don't quite believe it.

If you have ever lived in a small town, you have seen Francis Pfleuger, and probably you have sent him after sky-hooks, left-handed monkey-wrenches and pails of steam, and laughed uproariously behind his back when he set forth to do your bidding. The Francis Pfleugers of the world have inspired both fun and laughter for generations out of mind.

What this Textopian page supports

The Servant Problem is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert F. Young, dated 1960 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Robert F. Young
Date: 1960 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Humor
Length: 12,697 words
Structure: 1 section, 198 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around a fantastical premise involving a Moebius coincidence field that connects two worlds, exploring themes of alternate realities and the implications of technology.
Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of magical realism, such as the existence of a village that can be accessed through back doors, and the presence of green roses, which defy natural laws.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey that leads him to a new world, encountering various challenges and discoveries along the way.
Romance — The story features a romantic subplot between the main character and Judith Darrow, exploring themes of love, connection, and emotional conflict.