Saint Christopher (novella)

Saint Christopher is a novella by Donald Antrim, published in 2006. The narrative focuses on a choral director, known only as Mr. Christ, and his relationships with the members of his amateur choir. The novella explores themes of artistic ambition, personal obsession, the complexities of community, and the subtle forms of emotional manipulation.

Mr. Christ is portrayed as a somewhat eccentric and demanding figure, deeply committed to the choir's performance. His intense focus often leads to awkward and strained interactions with the singers, revealing a vulnerability beneath his seemingly authoritative exterior. The story unfolds primarily through episodic scenes depicting choir rehearsals and performances, offering glimpses into the lives and motivations of the individual choir members.

The narrative structure is fragmented and impressionistic, mirroring the often-discordant nature of human relationships. Antrim employs a distinctive prose style characterized by precise language, dark humor, and a keen observation of human behavior. The novella's title, referring to the patron saint of travelers, adds a layer of symbolic resonance, hinting at the choir's collective journey and the individual struggles of its members as they navigate their lives and their shared artistic endeavor. The ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the reader to contemplate the ultimate fate of Mr. Christ and his choir.