Under the Greenwood Tree

The story of this novel centers on Mellstock, a village much like Hardy's native Higher Brockhampton. In this one, church music has always been provided by the "string choir," a group of local men who take their duties seriously, if not always soberly. Now the new pastor has brought in a mechanical organ to replace the choir, and, as if that isn't upheaval enough, the new organist is a beautiful and educated young woman. This one is pursued by three suitors and she chooses the poor, handsome one...