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The Marriage of Opposites

By Alice Hoffman
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman is a captivating tale set on the island of St. Thomas, delving into the life of Rachel Pomie, a strong-willed woman whose unexpected marriage challenges societal norms. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love, family, and identity, while painting a vivid portrait of historical and cultural contexts. This compelling story vividly explores how Rachel's determined spirit impacts those around her, particularly her renowned son, the artist Camille Pissarro.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This captivating novel transports you to the exotic landscapes of 19th-century St. Thomas, weaving a rich tapestry of love, betrayal, and artistic ambition. You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to lush historical settings, complex family dynamics, and the intricate evolution of characters longing to defy societal norms. Perfect for those who appreciate a blend of art and evocative storytelling.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the bestselling author of The Dovekeepers comes a love story about one of history's most captivating 'invisible' women: Rachel, the mother of Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro.

Growing up on the idyllic island of St Thomas in the early 1800s, Rachel dreams of life in faraway Paris. Rachel's mother, a pillar of their tight-knit refugee community of Jews who escaped the European Inquisition, has never forgiven her daughter for refusing to live by the rules. But Rachel's fate is not in her own hands: in order to secure the future of her father's business, she is married off to a widower with three children.

When her husband dies suddenly and his handsome nephew Frédéric arrives from France to settle the estate, Rachel seizes control of her life, beginning a defiant, passionate love affair that sparks a scandal affecting her entire family. This includes her favourite son, Camille Pissarro, who will one day become a founder member of the Impressionists and one of history's greatest artists.

Set in a world of lush, exquisite beauty, The Marriage of Opposites shows Alice Hoffman at the height of her considerable powers. The marriage of Rachel and Frédéric is an unforgettable story of an extraordinary woman and her forbidden love.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Alice Hoffman's The Marriage of Opposites is praised for its exploration of marriage through themes of gender, race, class, and religion, with sensuous prose capturing the lush landscapes. The book is highlighted for its ability to transport readers to a world of tropical beauty, colonial luxury, and deep passions, offering an evocative and historically rich portrayal of Rachel Pizzarro, a woman depicted as living ahead of her time.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781471112119

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 August 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Scribner UK

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 384

Collections

Alice Hoffman Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.

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