Secret Bread

Published in the early 20th century, 'Secret Bread' by F. Tennyson Jesse follows James Ruan, a dying man reflecting on his life as he awaits marriage to Annie, the mother of his children born out of wedlock. The novel explores themes of social standing, familial tension, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. As Ruan contemplates his legacy, the narrative also introduces his innocent son Ishmael, highlighting the contrasts between childhood curiosity and adult struggles within a rural Cornish community.