Handyman

"Handyman" by Frank Banta is a science fiction story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a character named James Ypsilanti, who resides in a post-apocalyptic, prison-like environment, presumably on an Earth ravaged by war. The central theme appears to explore human survival and the absurdity of existence in a world where traditional roles and relationships have been fundamentally altered. The story follows James Ypsilanti as he confronts his absurd reality within the prison, where he finds himself demolishing his door for warmth, as the heating system is dysfunctional. He interacts with a carpenter, who represents the only other "being" around, yet is a robot, illustrating a profound isolation. As Ypsilanti ruminates on his past and the ruined world outside, he navigates his daily routine of destruction and despair, revealing a mix of dark humor and tragic reflection on the nature of loneliness and human endurance in a desolate landscape. The book is a satirical examination of both the individual’s plight and the broader implications of societal collapse.