The Marriage of Opposites

De: Alice Hoffman

Narrado por: Gloria Reuben, Tina Benko, Santino Fontana, Alice Hoffman- afterword

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Dovekeepers and The Museum of Extraordinary Things: a forbidden love story set on the tropical island of St. Thomas about the extraordinary woman who gave birth to painter Camille Pissarro - the father of impressionism.

Growing up on idyllic St. Thomas in the early 1800s, Rachel dreams of life in faraway Paris. Rachel's mother, a pillar of their small refugee community of Jews who escaped the Inquisition, has never forgiven her daughter for being a difficult girl who refuses to live by the rules. Growing up, Rachel's salvation is their maid Adelle's belief in her strengths and her deep, lifelong friendship with Jestine, Adelle's daughter. But Rachel's life is not her own. She is married off to a widower with three children to save her father's business. When her husband dies suddenly and his handsome, much younger nephew, Frédérick, arrives from France to settle the estate, Rachel seizes her own life story, beginning a defiant, passionate love affair that sparks a scandal that affects all of her family, including her favorite son, who will become one of the greatest artists of France.

Building on the triumphs of The Dovekeepers and The Museum of Extraordinary Things, set in a world of almost unimaginable beauty, The Marriage of Opposites showcases the beloved, best-selling Alice Hoffman at the height of her considerable powers. Once forgotten to history, the marriage of Rachel and Frédérick is a story that is as unforgettable as it is remarkable.

©2015 Property Of, Inc. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

Reseñas de la Crítica

"While each narrator's voice is distinctive, they share a common intensity, a complete immersion in the lyrical language that is a Hoffman specialty.... Even with such scope, this audiobook manages to capture the imagination and transport listeners to another time." (AudioFile)

Magical, Historical Fiction At Its Best!

The Marriage of Opposites is based on the true life of Rachel Pomie Petit Pizzarro, who was born in the island of St Thomas in 1795. She is better known as the mother of Camille Pissarro, a renowned painter that would become one of the fathers of the French Impressionism movement.

Alice Hoffman uses four narrative voices in the book, the first few chapters are told from Rachel’s perspectives. Later chapters are told from the perspective of Rachel’s second husband, her son, and her best friend’s daughter.

Rachel's grandparents had long ago fled France who, after living in St. Domingue (what is now Haiti in the island of Hispaniola), ended up moving to St. Thomas, an island that by virtue of an edict proclaimed by the King of Denmark in 1754, allowed Jews to become citizens and to freely practice their religion.

I thought The Marriage of Opposites was a wonderful work of historic storytelling, but the novel also incorporates captivating fairy tales, fables and allegories.

Alice Hoffman crosses the lines between reality and the supernatural so flawlessly that at times is difficult to determine what parts of the story are intended to read as magic and what parts are presented as purely symbolic.

Pissarro, who lost his first name and changed the spelling of his last name after permanently settling in France, would become friends with Cezanne and have an important influence on the likes of Gauguin, Renoir & Vincent Van Gogh.

I learned a lot while reading this novel, starting with getting to know about Camille Pissarro, a amazing artist I hadn't heard of before.

The novel's exploration on the topics of religious intolerance, racism and, of course, sexism sounds eerily familiar and as relevant today as ever.

The narrators all this a wonderful job, but I particularly enjoyed Tina Benko's performance as the voice of Rachel!

The Marriage of Opposites is a beautifully love story, one that I would highly recommend.

A real tear jerker

I haven't had a book make me cry since I read a prayer for Owen Meaney it made me think of my departed mother. I wish to thank my sister for recommending this author

Slow starting

Took a few chapters till I became emotionally involved with the characters. Still the author only skimmed the surface. But in the end I did enjoy the book.

This Leaped to the Top Of My Book Recommendation List

This is the best book I’ve ever read that no one had ever recommended to me. Maybe it’s just too new, but I was amazed at its beauty. Every word was sheer perfection.

excellent story

well written, descriptive and you could feel the culture of St Thomas. I enjoyed it!

One of Best Historical Fivtions

My first Alice Hoffman books and I am absolutely mesmerized by this tale and the writing. Her character development with moving plot creates a beautiful page turner.

beautifully written, no suspense.

The story has a slow start, it definitely pick up about mid way. What it lacks in suspense it makes up for in lush detail and character development.

Enchanting

I loved the story, writing style, narration performance and was completely enchanted. Sad to have it end!

Well written and well read

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Found Rachel’s character to be quite interesting and ahead of her time. Enjoyed the idea of doing what one wants when it comes to love, defying the world around us, and not regretting a moment. The descriptions of the world seen through the eyes of an artist were quite well done. Excellent piece.

enjoyed all aspects. narration very good. Story

Enjoyed the story and history. My favorite character was Camille. Narration was also very hood