50 pages • 1 hour read
The Marriage Of Opposites
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Paris; Saint Thomas • 1800s
2015
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1800s on the island of St. Thomas, following three generations of a Jewish family. The narrative centers on Rachel Pomié, who dreams of leaving the island, and her son, artist Camille Pissarro, who struggles with his creative aspirations and societal norms. The novel explores themes of family, love, and societal constraints. Sensitive topics such as racial discrimination and enslavement are depicted.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Romantic
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
77,067 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alice Hoffman's The Marriage of Opposites has been praised for its lyrical prose, vivid historical detail, and compelling characters. Reviewers admire the richly woven narrative and Hoffman's evocative depiction of 19th-century Saint Thomas. However, some find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Despite these minor critiques, the novel's strengths shine brightly.
Who Should Read The Marriage Of Opposites?
Readers captivated by richly woven historical fiction and intricate character studies, similar to those found in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, will appreciate Alice Hoffman's The Marriage of Opposites. Fans of lush, evocative storytelling rooted in real events are an ideal audience.
77,067 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Frédéric Pizzarro
Frédéric Pizzarro
A logical and dedicated man who moves to St. Thomas from France and becomes deeply devoted to his family and his relationship with Rachel.
Jacobo Camille Pizzarro
Jacobo Camille Pizzarro
An artistically gifted individual who struggles with balancing his passion for painting against the expectations of his bourgeois family and society.
Jestine
Jestine
Rachel's best friend and half-sister, known for her artistic talent as a seamstress and her embracing support of Camille's artistic pursuits.
Madame Halevy
Madame Halevy
A pivotal character who influences significant events in the community and in the lives of the main characters, often guided by her own convictions.
400
Novel • Fiction
Paris; Saint Thomas • 1800s
2015
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
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