Pilgrims' project

"Pilgrims' Project" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of individuality versus societal control, particularly through the lens of a dystopian future where marriage is dictated by a mechanized system. It likely delves into the struggles of the protagonist as he navigates a world that enforces conformity and how he reconciles his desire for personal agency with societal restrictions. The story follows Roger Bartlett, who finds himself in a society where marriages are arranged by the Marriage Integrator, an entity that pairs individuals based on subconscious preferences rather than personal choice. As he applies for a wife, Roger interacts with Julia Prentice, a woman whose beauty captures his attention. However, the plot thickens as it unfolds that Julia is part of a nefarious scheme involving ghouls who rob car cemeteries. The novel spirals into a dramatic confrontation with the fanatical Captain Taigue, representing the oppressive enforcement of societal rules, leading to a desperate escape and a chance at love in a world driven by strict regulations. The blend of individual desire against a backdrop of rigid societal expectations makes for a compelling exploration of human connection and freedom. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Franklin Young was an American science fiction writer born in Silver Creek, New York. Except for the three and a half years he served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, he spent most of his life in New York State. He owned a property on Lake Erie.