Round the Corner: Being the Life and Death of Francis Christopher Folyat, Bachelor of Divinity, and Father of a Large Family

"Round the Corner" by Gilbert Cannan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Francis Christopher Folyat, a bachelor of divinity, as he navigates his life and the complexities of family and social expectations. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, the narrative explores themes of ambition, religious duties, and the quest for individual identity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Francis Folyat, who comes from a gentle but declining family. His mother intends for him to follow a traditional path, which leads to a crisis when she doubts his suitability for a military career, instead suggesting the Church. Francis reluctantly embraces this path, but his thoughts and dreams offer glimpses into his internal struggle. The early chapters illustrate the dynamics within the Folyat family, characterized by unfulfilled ambitions and the weight of generational expectations, setting the tone for Francis's ensuing journey into life, love, and the responsibilities that come with them.