A review by kdowli01
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
This had a lot going on - historical fiction, tragedy, romance, mystery, deceit. I really enjoyed it, but at times it was possibly trying to do too much?

Synopsis: Sophie Whalen, in Irish immigrant in 1905, moves from NY to San Francisco, answering an ad for a mail-order bride, and marries Martin Hocking, widowed father of a 5-year-old girl. Sophie loves the girl, but is disturbed by Martin's long absences, and some strange behavior. Then a stranger appears on her doorstep and reveals everything she thought she knew about Martin was a lie. 

Overall I really liked this. Sophie was a fascinating character, with lots of secrets of her own, who is fully able to take charge when she needs to. And the relationship between her and her stepdaughter was really sweet. No evil stepmothers here! 

And there's lots of intrigue throughout, particularly as interspersed among the chapters are transcripts of an interview between Sophie and a US Marshal, which slowly bring out everyone's secrets. 

It wasn't 5-stars for me because I just wanted some more from some of the elements. More about the San Francisco earthquake, or more drama/suspense surrounding the secrets - but both felt a little thin. The final twist, revealing Sophie's long-held secret, wasn't particularly surprising. 

But definitely still enjoyable, and a lot to like! 

CW: miscarriage, terminal illness, abuse


 
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