Secret Bread

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to James Ruan, a dying man grappling with his fate while awaiting his marriage to a woman named Annie, with whom he has had children outside of marriage. The book delves into themes of social standing, familial tension, and the juxtaposition of personal desires against societal expectations. At the start of the novel, we find James Ruan on his deathbed, reflecting on his life and the children he is leaving behind. As he prepares to marry Annie, the woman set to bear his legal heir, the atmosphere is tense with unspoken emotions. Ruan's thoughts reveal a man caught between his past actions and the future he hopes to secure for his unborn child. The narrative then shifts to Ishmael, Ruan’s young son, who embodies innocence and curiosity, contrasting sharply with the established values and struggles of the adults around him. The opening chapters set the stage for a complex exploration of inheritance, love, and the nature of legacy within a rural Cornish community.