A Singular Life

[1][2][3] The book was published in a period when Americans were exploring how the teachings of Jesus Christ could be applied to daily life.

A Singular Life, in this vein, features a protagonist named Emanuel Bayard who pursues Jesus-inspired humanitarianism by forsaking ties to his orthodox church.

[4] Among Bayard's projects is positively influencing a prostitute named Magdalena (or "Lena") to become more respectable and use her talent for singing for a better purpose.

When he suggests she pursue a new career, specifically household service, she balks and refuses the stereotypical domestic role and instead works for a gunpowder factory.

[6] One of Ward's favorite novels among her many, the story follows a young minister who promotes temperance in a small fishing town.

First chapter of A Singular Life as it appeared in The Atlantic Monthly , January 1895