Nothing Left But Dust
San Francisco’s earthquake of April 1906 is the setting for fictional characters Josephine, “Jo,” and Otto. Jo, age sixteen, is an unpaid worker for her uncle’s produce business. She plots how to leave her uncle and become a mapmaker like her mentor, Mrs. Tucci. Otto, aged nineteen, is the son of the region’s finest pool table manufacturer. Otto sneaks away from home, intending to travel east and become an artist. The earthquake, soon followed by a city on fire, interrupts their plans. Water pipes have broken, horses pulling fire wagons are spooked, and most buildings are made of wood.
This young adult romance follows Jo and Otto as they escape fallen or burning structures, evade a bad man bent on kidnapping Otto, and try to find family members. The two teens run into each other and are pulled ever closer by their good looks, different backgrounds, and spunk. Secondary characters, such as mapmaker Mrs. Tucci, a pet cat, a kind lady dispensing hot chocolate, and a Chinese mother trying to save herself and two youngsters, add to the adventures.
Geissinger’s description of the city and the earthquake with fires spreading everywhere is detailed and captivating. Illustrated street maps help locate the frenetic action and subplots. Despite all the chaos, Jo and Otto manage to ponder deeply and eloquently about life and loss, women’s roles in that society, family loyalties, the pros and cons of fleeing, and young love. Fewer subplots and family dramas would have made for a more sharply focused and compelling story, but this is recommended for readers wanting to learn more about those harrowing days.
