Maid—To Order

"Maid—To Order" by Hal Annas is a science fiction story from the 1950s concerning Herb Cornith, a man with a long list of requirements for his ideal wife. The story humorously investigates love, compatibility, and what society expects from marriage. As Cornith searches for the perfect partner, his main focus becomes Lucy Hollowell. Lucy, a woman who almost meets every one of his needs, except for one final weight requirement, which is the barrier to Cornith’s happiness. Through their journey, the story centers on the difference between personal desires and emotional bonds; Cornith wrestles with his preferences as Lucy desperately tries to please him. Over time, Cornith starts to understand that compatibility is generated by affection, instead of his list of requirements. The book ends with a sweet discovery, which highlights that love is far more meaningful than any hard set of rules.