The novel revolves around Edgar, a young choir boy who possesses an otherworldly voice. He becomes the center of attention at his church and is eventually discovered by a wealthy patron who seeks to exploit his talent for financial gain. As Edgar's fame grows, so does his sense of self-importance and detachment from reality. His relationships with those around him become increasingly superficial, and he begins to lose touch with his own identity. The novel explores themes of vanity, materialism, and the corrupting influence of power, as Edgar becomes trapped in a world of luxury and excess.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1921 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Humor