The Nature of Fragile Things engages the reader from the very first page and continues that straight through the last page. Set in 1906 in San Francisco it combines well-researched history with mysterious relationships and endearing characters.
Sophia Whalen, an Irish immigrant living in New York City answers an mail-order bride advertisement and makes her way to San Francisco. She is met at the train by Martin Hocking, who whisks her off to city hall where they get married. He explains that his young daughter, Kat, was still recovering from his first wife, Candace's death. It is so traumatic to lose your mother at such a young age. They go to the caregiver's home to pick up Kat and then to the new home that Martin has bought for the family. Although a bit surprised at the sleeping arrangements, Sophia understands that it may take a while before an amorous relationship can develop.
As the months pass Sophie and Kat begin to develop a bond and Kat begins to emerge from her silence. Sophie is puzzled by the mysterious comings and goings of Martin and his reticence to share his work details with her. She meets Libby, a neighbor across the street, and the two share some play-dates with their children. Libby has become used to an aristocratic lifestyle and seems to lord this over Sophie.
And then one day a very pregnant Belinda appears at the door, looking for a man by the name of James. She reels at the sight of Sophie and Martin's wedding picture and recognizes Martin as her husband, James. The two begin comparing stories and plan what to do. Martin returns home to find the two of them and tragic events ensue - an accident in the house and the April 18th San Francisco earthquake. With detail that leaves the reader truly understanding the dire results of the earthquake and fire and feeling compassion for all those who had to flee their homes, the days in Golden Gate park come vividly alive.
In page-turning fashion, Meissner unfolds the story of all the relationships that soon embraces the third woman, Candace. It is a novel that accentuates the power and bravery of women, the love for their children, and the consequences of one's actions as innocent or harmful as they may be. There are twists to be sure and a very revealing and shocking ending to the book. It is a very enjoyable read, many times extremely emotional with much attention paid to the setting and events of the day.
