The Nature of Fragile Things

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare to Susan Meissner’s other works? How does Sophie Whalen compare to the protagonists of Meissner’s other novels?
• Were you surprised by the final revelation that Sophie killed her first husband? What evidence is there elsewhere in the book that Sophie has a dark past?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Meissner’s works often focus on a woman’s experience of a historical event: in this case, the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. If you could travel back in time and safely experience a historical event of this kind, what would you choose?
• In the novel’s final chapters, it is revealed that Sophie (whose real name is Saoirse) left New York City because she feared gossip had followed her from Ireland. Have gossip and rumors ever had a negative effect on your life?
• This novel contains difficult depictions of child loss and sexual trauma. What was your experience reading these passages?
• Which of the novel’s female protagonists (Sophie, Candace, and Belinda) did you find most compelling and relatable? Why?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does Sophie’s status as an immigrant woman make her vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in New York and San Francisco?
• What unique challenges do Sophie, Belinda, and Candace face as early-20th-century women? What challenges does the novel depict that also face modern women?
• Why do you think Ambrose Logan agreed to keep Sophie’s secret? Do you think the novel would end in the same way if it were set in the present day?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Do you think there is any romantic connection between Sophie and Ambrose Logan, the US marshal investigating Martin’s death?
• How is the theme of motherhood reflected in the novel? What makes Sophie, Candace, and Belinda good mothers?
• How does Sophie’s character develop across the novel? How does her relationship with Kat affect her character development?
• How does the 1906 earthquake act as a symbol of loss and trauma?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you were to produce an adaptation of this novel, who would you cast in the roles of Sophie and Kat?
• Would you cast an actual five year old as Kat, or age her up? How would the story change if Kat were in her early teens rather than a young child?

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