Mysterion, October 2021

“An Exchange of Values, Conducted in Good Faith” by David Tallerman

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

The protagonist of “An Exchange of Values, Conducted in Good Faith” by David Tallerman is a priest, assigned to an isolated church for six months. He assumes this is because he is being disciplined for controversial ideas. There are no parishioners, it seems, but supernatural beings show up at night to listen to his sermons. The experience tests his faith, and leads to a more profound understanding of religion.

The description of the remote church and its surroundings is powerfully conveyed, and the protagonist is a fully developed character. Appropriately, the visitors remain mysterious, although readers familiar with folklore will recognize their source. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this story is the fact that the priest becomes less sure about the safety that his faith provides, deepening his awareness of spiritual temptations and dangers.

Victoria Silverwolf has to go to work an hour early tomorrow night.