Susan Meissner is an author I have come to enjoy as they typically have a historical setting and strong female characters which creates a winning combination. Her newest novel, The Nature of Fragile Things, is set in San Francisco and includes the famous 1906 earthquake which decimated the city. Beyond the physical destruction of the city, the earthquake figures prominently in the story as it impacts how the main characters choose to deal with other situations they face.
Main character Sophie, an Irish immigrant, travels west as a "mail order" bride for a widowed man and mother to a five year old, selectively mute girl, Kat. Sophie and Kat hit it off but Sophie is a bit baffled by her new husband who travels extensively for work. Sophie soon discovers everything is not as it seems as Mr. Hocking is not forthright with Sophie or others. However, readers later find that Sophie has some secrets of her own. Throughout the book, Meissner uses flash forwards which depict main character, Sophie, being interviewed by a federal investigator. These scenes culminate later in the book when the truth comes out about both individuals. In addition to Sophie and Kat, there are two other strong female characters with prominent roles in the book as well. All three adult women demonstrate the strength that someone can muster in a devastating situation when needed.
The Nature of Fragile Things is not a warm, fuzzy story but does have a satisfying conclusion. Readers will want to add this to their reading list.
I received a complementary copy of The Nature of Fragile Things from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.
No comments:
Post a Comment