Secret Lives: More Tales and Fancies

The Secret Sits is a collection of short stories and a novella set in middle-class England, exploring themes of family history, scandal, and hidden lives. The novella revolves around a late nineteenth-century Yorkshire businessman who was airbrushed out of family history due to a scandal, while the short stories feature characters such as a bombastic fourth former, a lonely middle-aged woman, a widowed man, and a man who tries to create his own secret life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

A rich tapestry of narratives unfolds within the pages of this collection, weaving together a vivid tapestry of middle-class life in England. The author's meticulous attention to detail captures the intricacies of human relationships, where parts of individuals' lives remain hidden from others.

Many individuals have embarked on the fascinating journey of exploring their family history, a quest that has led them to the dusty archives of public record offices. For some, this involved traveling to distant towns, eager to uncover hidden secrets or perhaps fearing the discovery of skeletons in their cupboards. In this intricate web of investigations, they have encountered cousins of distant kinship, united by the same passion for uncovering the truth.

The Secret Sits, a captivating novella spanning centuries, unveils the untold story of a late nineteenth-century Yorkshire businessman who was erased from family history due to a scandal. When his family gains access to the censuses of that era, the truth about his life is finally revealed, shedding light on the scandal that caused a rift within the family and may have resulted in the loss of an inheritance.

The remaining parts of this work are a series of short stories that delve into the lives of diverse characters. Roy, a bombastic and self-confident fourth former in a 1950s grammar school, disappears into obscurity, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. Helena, a lonely and late middle-aged woman in a Midlands town, finds solace in a chance encounter with a charming, handsome, yet somewhat secretive man. The Lost Phone introduces a widowed man to two sisters who are on a quest to uncover family secrets, ultimately becoming his new family. The Strange Tale of Walter Greenough explores the complexities of a man who attempts to create his own secret life, only to be unmasked by the consequences of his actions.

Sues Caff, a bustling city-center eatery, serves as a backdrop for a remarkable day when secrets are shared, albeit with a touch of poetic justice. Sue, the proprietor, vividly describes the events that unfold, highlighting the power of truth and the consequences of keeping secrets.

Through these captivating narratives, the author invites readers to explore the depths of human emotions, relationships, and the complexities of family history. Each story offers a unique perspective, painting a vivid portrait of middle-class life in England and shedding light on the hidden corners of individuals' lives.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800464384