Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire
 A Rural Painting of the Dutch School

by Thomas Hardy

"Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1872. Set in the fictional village of Mellstock, it follows young Dick Dewy, a member of the traditional parish choir, as he falls for the beautiful new schoolmistress, Fancy Day. When a new vicar threatens to replace the choir's string music with a modern organ, Dick must navigate both the changing times and romantic rivalry from wealthier suitors competing for Fancy's affections in this charming portrait of rural English life.