64 pages • 2 hours read
Susan MeissnerThe Nature of Fragile Things
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner follows Sophie Whalen, an Irish immigrant in early 20th-century America, who becomes a wife and mother overnight after responding to a stranger's advertisement. Set against the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Sophie uncovers dark secrets about her husband Martin Hocking, faces profound challenges, and forms unbreakable bonds with two other women. This book references domestic violence and themes of trauma related to past abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Susan Meissner's The Nature of Fragile Things receives praise for its compelling narrative, rich historical context, and strong female characters. Critics commend the well-researched depiction of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. However, some find the plot twists predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a well-crafted historical novel with minor flaws.
Who Should Read The Nature of Fragile Things?
Fans of historical fiction with strong, resilient female characters and intricate plot twists will enjoy The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner. Readers who appreciate works like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman will find this novel captivating and emotionally engaging.