The Nature of Fragile Things : Book Review


Book Review
Title: The Nature of Fragile Things
Author: Susan Meissner
Genre: Historical fiction/ Mystery/Thriller
Set in the backdrop of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, The Nature of Fragile Things explores the unlikely camaraderie and friendship between three women. It also tells the story of an Irish immigrant who ends up in San Francisco before the earthquake.
Our protagonist Sophie Whalen responds to a matrimonial ad from Martin- a widower who lives with in San Francisco with his daughter Kat. She immediately responds to the ad with hopes of beginning a new life and settling down with a family and a home of her own. However when a pregnant woman named Belinda appears at their doorstep looking for her husband,a few hours before the earthquake, things take a drastic turn. Everything isn’t what it appears to be. Along with the earthquake, their lives turn topsy turvy. There is physical and emotional upheaval as they discover hidden truths, secrets and motives.
Narrated in first person from the point of view of Sophie, the story takes us through several layers. Her adjustment in her new marital home, developing a loving bond with her step daughter Kat, her unexpected friendship with Belinda and ultimately her own personal life back in her hometown.
What draws you in is the author’s vivid descriptions of the city of San Francisco and the city life back in the early 1900s. The book is clearly well researched providing historical details of the devastation caused by the earthquake. The overlap in genres make it a complex and interesting read. The author touches upon several themes like friendship, family, community, deception and survival. An interesting aspect mentioned by the author is how nature’s fury can sometimes end up being a blessing instead of a curse.
The Nature of Fragile Things is definitely fast paced and a page turner. The plot has you hooked right from the beginning with a Q and A session with the US Marshall before it unravels the mystery. It’s bound to be enjoyed by those who like suspense thrillers or a mash up of genres.

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