"SNAFU, my husband said it reminded him of The Prisoner. It also reminded me a little of parts of A Boy and His Dog, just the fake-happy-wholesomeness of the town."
Yes, I agree w A Boy and His Dog. ( esp the original story) a definite influence not necessarily tho the "Fake" forced yes fake not so much. (subtle difference)
As a sci fi (sic) reader for decades the reveal on this one took be pretty much by surprise, which I liked. (OK not TOTally by surprise but just dismissed the possibility)