The Baritone's Parish; or, "All Things to All Men"

"The Baritone's Parish; or, 'All Things to All Men'" by James M. Ludlow, tells a story about a pastor and singer in the late 1800's. It shows their complicated relationship, with themes of pretending to be something you are not, being saved from bad choices, and how art and doing what is right connect. Reverend Knox and Philip Vox, the singer with a beautiful voice, make a connection that allows Vox to recognize he is not happy with his singing job and the conflict between his job and doing what is right. Encounters, including one with a troubled tenor, Charles Downs, test their relationship. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships and how music affects people. Vox discovers new ideas and Downs gains an understanding of how to transform his life, showing how important kindness and understanding can be when trying to figure out what you are meant to do.