), The Last Year of the War. The plot was implausible but made entirely believably. Polly this is absolutely exquisite and so inspiring. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. This book was an enjoyable combination of mystery and historical fiction. We are so blessed with your access to nature and your talent to communicate visually. Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world. Two of my favorite adjectives! A powerful message. So beautiful, Polly. I love this! Thank you for your blog. Thank you for letting the divine shine through you so brightly! Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly. I get so happy when I see your paintings. I feel your heart when I see them. Well done Polly, I love your book reviews! Thanks, Polly! Would you have the courage to live in a tent city as you watch beloved neighborhoods burn? In addition to Ginger's (correct) answer, it was also a way to get a free fulltime nanny and housewife. They don't sleep together until they are married, she notices that he doesn't say grace before meals, she says bedtime prayers with the little girl and at some point he says that if she wants to got to church there are plenty of Catholic ones around. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner Posted on May 14, 2021 by Amanda Book #32 in 2021 3.0 out of 5 (photo from Goodreads) The Nature of Fragile Love you! How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth. Instead, Sophie finds herself living in a tenement building and working in an umbrella factory with a surplus of Irish immigrant girls just like her. With appreciation for all you do to magnify good! Oh how I love this! Im very thankful for your blog. Thanks for recommending it. Goodreads It is almost criminal, IMO, that she wouldn't bring the newspaper and share the information. [Perhaps because, in her mind, they had already all laid it to rest and moved on. Thank you for your words of wisdom. *Edited (5/27/2021) to add that The Nature of Fragile Things is currently my favorite [], [] The Nature of Fragile Things (earthquake) [], [] but I did (mostly) enjoy The Good Sister and The Beautiful Strangers (a not so scary ghost story); The Nature of Fragile Things and The Huntress have a side of [], [] The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissnerpaired with1906 San Francisco Earthquake by Richard Hansen [], [] The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner(finished on 12/31/2020 so it didnt make last years list) [], [] The Nature of Fragile Things is another story about a mail-order [], [] Other books Ive reviewed by these authors include The Nature of Fragile Things (Meissner), As Bright As Heaven (Meisner), A Fall of Marigolds (Meissner), I Was Anastasia [], [] The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner []. It wasnt difficult for me to imagine myself in this earthquake! We are going to check on each other, and progress. Although Sophie fears losing Kat, she determines that she must return the girl to her mother. Oh, and there is one quote from the Book of Common Prayer. You truly are a polymath!! Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. I will refer to it often. Happy to hear we share the love for this one! ), As Bright As Heaven (a favorite, too! The Nature of Fragile Things Reader Q&A - Goodreads Characters: I love a strong character! Themes: The Nature of Fragile Things is a complex story and has some thoughtful and powerful themes including friendship, working together, trust, community, found family, survival, second chances, actions taken in desperation, moral ambiguity, and women in vulnerable circumstances. The Nature of Fragile Things revolves around Sophie Whale a young Irish mail-order bride, a 1906 seismic event, mysteries, friendship and love. While Candace thinks that she and Kat should go and live with a distant cousin in Texas, Sophie persuades her that Kat needs to feel like part of a family circle with Belinda and Sarah and that Candace should join them while she is still alive. WebThe Nature of Fragile Things is a well-written and crafted historical novel. I think one reason I enjoy your blog is that you Stand Forth In All Your God-given Glory, expressing everything Good! When presented with the Fragile Heart, a second philosophical wandering will occur, and the Fragile Heart becomes the Resilient Heart. The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . The book tells the story of Sophie Whalen, a turn-of fi Films That Explore Humanity some very funny but always with love. You are an inspiration! The Nature of Fragile Things explores the bonds of friendship and unconditional support between three women.each mistreated by Martin. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner | Book Review What a delight to experience the beauty of nature you shared of your slice of the world through these beautiful photos. You are an inspiration to me, and Im sure to many others. Oh yum, Polly These gorgeous photos made my mouth water and my eyes pop! Where are the first responders? Adding it to my list. . This is one of the BEST explanations of ones understanding of God I have seen in a long time. Where is the Red Cross? Thank you. Wow. When a devastating earthquake strikes San Francisco and Belinda goes into labor, their plans prove futile. I think its appropriate for young adult girls. You are a Creative Genius, Polly. They marry the day Sophie arrives in San Francisco, and she quickly adjusts to her new role. For years, Belinda and Sophie have had a terrible burden. This woman sets in motion a chain of events that will change their lives and that of another woman with a connection to them. Excellent. Are you a Susan Meissner fan? All opinions are my own. I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! Nature of Fragile Things Protagonist Sophie, an Irish immigrant, is living in the slums of New York in 1905 when she answers an ad for a mail order bride, which requires moving to California. Wow!! Deeply nourishing. WebGoodreads Author. Book Spotlight: The Nature Of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner The Nature of Fragile Things is a well-written and crafted historical novel. Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. A word of caution though: dont start reading it if you have anything important that must get done, its very hard to put down. They made my day. Polly, you are a whiz at living life the way its meant to be. And a sure wake-up call for me regarding mortal decline. The narration was perfect! ***Blogs posts may contain affiliate links. I love it! Things Nature of Fragile Things This time, instead of running scared, Erik decided he wanted to take this journey with Helen, even though Helen didn't want him to relive the pain. Recent widower Martin Hocking tells her he wants a wife to take care of his five-year-old daughter and to keep up his image for work. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! You certainly are a shining example. I did your 52 books challenge, and loved the structure that it provided to my selections. Thankfully there is no graphic violence, explicit sex or any profanity. Candace is in a frail state but overjoyed to see her daughter. ????? I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Thanks! Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castors photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Nature of Fragile Things What a stunning collection of gorgeous images and though-provoking quotes. Now we must wait another year for Susan Meissners next novel (sigh). Sterlingcindysu WebThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner The Nature of Fragile Things book. Were Martin's dastardly deeds motivated simply by greed? I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you for sharing such a personal, and at the same time, universal, love of beauty. This blog deeply resonates while being beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and fun. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. A few days later, Sophie insists on taking Kat to Tucson to be reunited with her mother. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice I absolutely loved this story and Susan is such a masterful storyteller. Thank you for focusing in on and capturing the little things we so often pass by and/or take for granted. After, she starts to unravel the lies her husband told and discovers her marriage was never what she thought. The Nature of Fragile Things | ReadingGroupGuides.com Genre/Categories: Historical Fiction, 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, Friendship, Womens Fiction, Found Family, Thriller. She is a remarkable woman who rises from a life of despair and poverty, calling upon her inner strength to make things better, not only for herself, but for the women all around her as well. A California native, she attended Point Loma Nazarene University and is also a writing workshop volunteer for Words Alive, a San Diego non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth foster a love for reading and writing. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. You are just plain wonderful, Polly! Thank you for your burst of sunshine reflected in your positivity this morning I look forward to your blogs. You are a treasure! . I guess that is why she is the writer and I am the reader! Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive! By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our. ~Denise J Hughes, Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones. Even if mistreatment was reported, the police often sided with the men. Therefore, I love you! I am grateful for the myriad ways you celebrate Life in your art, activities and relationships. Thank you! Thus, Candace agrees to come to San Rafaela and writes that Sophie will be Kats legal guardian when she dies. This novel was neither profound nor consequential, but it was evocatively written, full of suspenseful twists. The photos speak volumes tooand I see the connections with the poem perfectly. Spoiler-filled vlog: The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner There is a part where the police detective says to Sophie/Saorise that he knows why Martin married her. What a breath of fresh air!! . I know that she was sheltered from things because she was only 6 or 7 when Martin "fell" down the stairs. Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. This blog is simultaneously simple and profound a perfect, balanced combination of seriousness and light. This is just what I needed today. We are not always what we seem. My review of Fragile Things here. The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here. I love your blog. This was a good, entertaining novel with plenty of drama, feel good moments, tenacity of spirit, the promise of love, and the heart-saving reality of friendship. Martin Hocking is a traveling man with abundant secrets. This morning I went from fasting to feasting . I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. I listened to it on audio, and the reader did a great job, complete with a slight Irish brogue. So beautiful and I have shared it with so many others. #colorado #fyp #bluritscold #freezingweather #shortstaffedproblems". Deep and encompassing. Recommended. Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation. This left her unable to properly nurture Kat. In between the lines I read that Great review! Susan Meissner delves into the bonds of family, love, and Thankfully there is no graphic violence, explicit sex or any profanity. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner Publication Date: January 4, 2022 Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Berkley ISBN-10: The title stems from this quote, It is the nature of the earth to shift. She swapped her name for her sisters because she killed her husband Colm after his violence led to her giving birth to a stillborn daughter and needing to have her reproductive organs removed. I just listened to it on the Libby app through my library. Thank you so much for recommending it. Thank for including a link to my review! One April evening, Sophie is surprised by the visitor. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner. Ooh sounds like me and wilbur Smith for historical fiction haha. Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. She has also begun to have sexual relations with Martin, although she knows that there is no love between them. The great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 is just one of the traumatic events they will face together. This poem really hit home. This is a riveting story, and as an historical thriller, moves along nicely, But I felt I didn't learn enough about the lead characters - Sophie and Martin. I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. Thank you! Polly, your wonderful blog is doing more than its bit in this dreadful time. I will continue to benefit. Thanks for sharing this with us. Sophie is compassionate, caring, loyal, brave, and determined. or was he a sociopath? You can also subscribe without commenting. I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. A wonderful poem Polly! Neat! I hope you get a copy! Bless your precious and beautiful soul for sharing this. But today you are on top. Did Martin know of her questionable past? The book tells the story of Sophie Whalen, a turn-of-the-20th-century Irish immigrant who becomes a wife and mother overnight after responding to an unknown mans advertisement. Thank you for revealing this idea youve been following. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers. (Quote by Hermann Hering), Newspaper Article by me: Understanding God Helps Alleviate Suffering, So Big (Book Review of 1924 Pulitzer Prize Winner). LOVE it. An interesting aspect mentioned by the author is how natures fury can sometimes end up being a blessing instead of a curse. Secondly, Sophie and the other key female characters in the book lived during a time when women were seen as fragile creatures with very little agency. They go on to prove within the pages of the book that both are false notions. The nature of something fragile is that when hurled to the ground, it will shatter. I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color. I am so grateful for your generous sharing of ideas across so many different fields! Polly! The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner transports readers to San Francisco, California in 1905 where Sophie Whalen has agreed to marry Martin Hocking. I dont live in an area with earthquakes but we do have flash flooding, tornadoes & wildfires. nature of fragile things spoilers Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. Our fave film in 2019 was The Green Book which we watched following your recommendation. She really captured the I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all. I love your blog! This sounds great Carol. Thank you, Polly!! ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Ask the Author. The paramedics? Earthquake: If you live in an area of the country that is prone to earthquakes as I do, Meissners story will affect you on a personal and practical level. You inspire me! Easy to see why you are much loved. When all of them are reunited, Belinda insists that they come and stay at her inn in San Rafaela. [In 1926, why wouldn't Kat tell Sophie, Belinda and the others about "Martin" at the courthouse???!!!! It shows the power of women ca. I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy. I am one of your readers who definitely looks forward to a positive message from you every morning. I didnt kow this book, and I dont think I have ever read any fiction related to this event! our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! It has a suspenseful edge which I think youd enjoy! Im so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more! You are a wonder! Over the next few months, Sophie, who is unable to have children of her own, grows to love Kat and brings her out of her shell. You show great courage, humility, and such support for everyone around you. Lovely Polly! Ive just finished this book and I loved it! Sophie is an immigrant girl from Ireland living in a filthy New York tenement when she answers an ad from a man in San Francisco looking for a wife to be a mother to his young daughter. WebSpoiler-filled vlog: The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner II Last vlog for Book Club! Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! I really want to read this! A wonderful poem Polly! Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! | Reading Ladies, A Fall of Marigolds: A Review | Reading Ladies, More Books Like These Please! Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts. I didn't know what to expect from this book but heard good reviews. The Nature of Fragile Things | Bookreporter.com Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend. Now imagine yourself in 1906. Sophie repeatedly makes the excuse that her husband was traveling. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. I love color, texture, beauty, great ideas, nature, metaphor, deliciousness, genuine spirituality, and exploring new territory. Your email address will not be published. Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated! Your blog is very interesting and insightful. Lets all have a productive day and be joyful! Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work! Sophie returns to the house in San Francisco to see if there are any remains of Martin. I encourage authenticity, nurture creativity, champion sustainability, promote peace, and hope to foster a new renaissance where we all are free to be our most fulfilled, multifaceted, and terrific selves.