'Unleavened Bread' Summary

The story centers around a successful businessman, Mr. James Barclay, and his ambitious wife, Mrs. Barclay. While James is content with his hard-earned wealth and comfortable life, his wife is driven by an insatiable desire for social standing. She relentlessly pursues entry into the exclusive circles of Boston's elite, willing to sacrifice her own principles and manipulate others to achieve her goals. Her relentless ambition creates a chasm between her and her husband, as he becomes increasingly disillusioned by her shallow pursuits and the hypocrisy of the upper class. Through the Barclays' journey, the novel exposes the emptiness of social status and the moral compromises that come with chasing it. The story culminates in a bittersweet revelation about the true meaning of fulfillment and the potential for personal growth even in the face of societal pressure.