Part Four: Chapter Twenty-Two, A Walking Grove Summary and Analysis

Martin is admitted to the Home at the age of 61 after being diagnosed with Parkinsonism and is no longer able to care for himself. His father was a famous singer at the Met and Martin grew up exposed to and immersed in a world of music. Following the deaths of his parents, Martin tries to care for himself but his slowness prevents him from keeping a job for any length of time. Throughout everything, he maintains an amazing memory for music.

Sacks wonders if Martin might have also been a famous singer if not for his mental retardation. Martin himself is saddened by his inability to take to the stage like his father but focuses more on his own abilities. He consults on musicals and for churches, staging large...