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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Emotional / Bittersweet / Suspenseful / Romantic

Susan Meissner

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Nature of Fragile Things reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Nature of Fragile Things | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Nature of Fragile Things and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Nature of Fragile Things Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Nature of Fragile Things Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-11

The Nature of Fragile Things Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-22

The Nature of Fragile Things Chapters 12-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 23-Epilogue

The Nature of Fragile Things Chapter 23-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Nature of Fragile Things Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Nature of Fragile Things Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Nature of Fragile Things Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Nature of Fragile Things Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Nature of Fragile Things Essay Topics

The Nature of Fragile Things

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Nature of Fragile Things?

Reading Age

Book Details