Splendid Ruin: A Novel

"The San Francisco Earthquake" is a novel that tells the story of May Kimble, who moves to San Francisco after her mother's death and is welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family. She soon senses that dark mysteries lurk in the shadows of the mansion, and she is trapped by betrayal, madness, and murder. On the morning of the earthquake, May embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers with the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

This novel is a captivating page-turner that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. Kristin Hannah, the New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale, has crafted a mesmerizing tale of dark family secrets and a young woman's journey of revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The story begins with Penniless May Kimble, living a lonely life after her mother's death until an aunt she never knew existed summons her to San Francisco. There, she is welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family and their social circle, initially overwhelmed by the opulence of her new life. However, May soon begins to sense that dark mysteries lurk in the shadows of the Sullivan mansion. Her glamorous cousin often disappears in the night, her aunt wanders about in a laudanum fog, and a maid keeps hinting that May is in danger.

Trapped by betrayal, madness, and murder, May finds herself facing the ultimate threat to her freedom and everything she holds dear. But then, on the morning of April 18, San Francisco comes tumbling down, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Out of the smoldering ruins, May embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers, with the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist who puts vengeance within her reach.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. May's journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments and unexpected twists, as she confronts the demons of her past and fights for her survival. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique motivations and struggles. The writing is vivid and evocative, transporting you to the heart of San Francisco during the earthquake and the aftermath.

Overall, this is a tragic twist of fate that will leave you pondering the consequences of actions and the strength of the human spirit. Kristin Hannah's writing is masterful, and this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, suspense, and a powerful story of resilience.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 139 x 209 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781542022392