The Servant Problem

by Robert F. Young

"The Servant Problem" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The narrative centers around a small-town inventor named Francis Pfleuger, who unintentionally creates a cosmic doorway through which his entire town finds an escape to a new world. The book explores themes of community, humanity's search for better living conditions, and the humorous yet poignant consequences of their exodus. The story unfolds as a real estate agent named Philip Myles arrives in the seemingly deserted town of Valleyview to appraise properties for Judith Darrow, the last resident. As Philip delves deeper into his work, he learns about the mysterious circumstances that led the townsfolk to abandon their homes for Pfleugersville, a flourishing utopia on a distant planet. The narrative intricately weaves together moments of humor through quirky inventions, philosophical reflections on human nature, and a love story blossoming amid the bizarre situation. Ultimately, the tension between staying in the known versus pursuing an uncertain but potentially better future culminates in a witty and heartwarming exploration of belonging and aspiration.