A Delicate Marriage

by Margarita Barresi

From glittering ballrooms to verdant mountains to poverty-stricken slums, A Delicate Marriage takes the reader on a vivid tour of Puerto Rico forty years after becoming a U.S. colony, a time of great change and political turmoil on the island.
Isabela, a wealthy woman, sacrifices her artistic aspirations to marry Marco, a penniless man dedicated to improving conditions on the island. As the island's insular government enacts pro-U.S. policies, Marco builds a real estate empire while struggling to maintain his populist principles. Meanwhile, Isabela feels unfulfilled in her traditional role as a wife and mother and becomes disillusioned with Marco's shifting moral compass. She begins to identify with anti-U.S. factions, leading a dangerous double life that puts her family in peril.
As political violence threatens their paradise, Isabela and Marco question whether their marriage, like the island's relationship with the U.S., should continue. Margarita Barresi's debut novel celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage.

Genres: Novels, Book Club, Drama, Contemporary, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

A native Puerto Rican, Margarita Barresi writes historical fiction and essays about growing up on the island. She studied public relations at Boston University and had a successful 25-year career in marketing communications. Her work has been published in several journals and anthologies, including Acentos Review, The Drowning Gull, and (mac)ro(mic).

Margarita lives in the suburbs north of Boston with her husband and two post-Maria rescue cats from Puerto Rico.

Reviews

[Niatate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabela, a wealthy woman, sacrifices her artistic to marry Marco, a penniless man dedicated to improving conditions on the island. As political violence threatens their paradise, Isabela and Marco question whether their marriage, like the island's relationship with the U.S., should continue.. This was a fascinating story with a strong plot and interesting characters. It pulled me in from the beginning and I really enjoyed. Two people from vastly different backgrounds that overcame much and found love. It is way more than a love story and I learned a lot about the political climate spanning decades. This author did an excellent job and I look forward to reading more in the future..
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours for hosting this Book Tour last week and to Margarita Barresi for sending me this FREE Paperback Copy with Goodies to promote and review for her.

This was my first time reading a book by this Debut Author so i wasnt sure what to expect even tho its a Historical Fiction which i read alot of this time of year but i have to say i loved it!! Learning about the history of why Puerto Rico became a US Colony really had me intrigued.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Normally im usually a BIG Fan of The Female Characters but in this one Marco was my favorite cause i 100% agreed with him on his beliefs of WHY The US SHOULD NOT of made PR a US Colony.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in PR while reading, especially when the scenery was described. Only thing i would change is if Margarita included England Translation for The Spanish Poems that were mentioned for those of us who dont speak Spanish.

Overall a very Informative Historical Fiction Novel about A Wealthy Woman who falls for a Low Income Man who tries to make the best life for them despite Political Turmoil during The 1930s. I'd love to see this book become part of a Series to see where Isabela and Marco's lives ended up throught the 30s to the 2010s.

Can't wait to read more by Margarita in the future!!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Barresi, the Author of “A Delicate Marriage,” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The genres for this story are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The author vividly describes the scenery and various landscapes in Puerto Rico and the political climate. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. There are contrasts and comparisons in classes, wealth vs. poverty, in how people live and feel. There are also contrasts in women’s and men’s roles in their diverse wealth. The timeline is about 40 years after becoming a colony of the United States. Some characters believe in differing political parties, making Puerto Rico a better place to live. There are differences in feelings of peace and violence. This reflects on the personalities and relationships of the characters. Some characters are flawed, and others are confused.

Isabela, raised in a wealthy family with secrets, marries Marco, a poor, educated man. Isabela gives up her dream of being an actress to marry Marco. Marco is determined to make a difference in Puerto Rico. Isabela has had help in her house growing up, and Marco had to work for everything he had. As the political climate changes, Marco starts to build a career in real estate. This conflicts with Marco’s original feelings. Isabela loves her children, but something is missing. She needs a sense of purpose. Isabela feels that Marco disapproves when she wants to help the poor people.

Isabela gets involved with a magazine and starts to change her political beliefs. She also feels that women should be able to contribute more to the cause. She feels that women should be treated equally. Her beliefs could cause problems for her husband. I was fascinated by reading this story, and I highly recommend it.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabela Soto is Mexican. She has a very strict father. When Isa goes out on a date she is chaperoned by the housekeeper. Like most men, Isabela's father is concerned about Politics. Should Mexico become a state or become independent? There are definite feelings about whether the United States should help or stay out of the arena. I am surprised. Feelings about religion have not been brought up yet. Memories about hurricanes. Simply because so many lost their lives. A severe case of Pneumonia causes the death of Isabela's grandmother. San Felipe is blamed for the sickness. All in all I see this as a lovely romance. It is a love story. I hope not a tragic one. It is also Puerto Rico's story.

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We're U.S. citizens with the duty to fight in wars but without the ability to vote for president. We're in limbo. It's not acceptable."

A Delicate Marraige by Margarita Barresi was December's #ReadPuertoRican pick and it was such an illuminating read. It is a historical fiction novel, loosely based on the author's grandparents and brimming with Puerto Rican history after the San Felipe hurricane. I loved that this one centered around the marraige of Isabela, a wealthy socialite and Marco, a jíbaro from a poor neighborhood in Puerto Rico. To top it off, you get to see their marraige ripe with challenges due to opposing beliefs about Puerto Rican independence.

The writing was vibrant and beautiful. The descriptive writing style brought San Juan life, especially El Fanguito, to life. The author tackled themes of classism, colonialism, machismo, feminism, social inequality, methods of protest and independence in interesting and informative ways. The characters were multi-layered and had unique voices. I loved seeing how the women found their own voices and shaped their own definitions of feminism and politics. I loved how the unraveling Puerto Rican political movements were unfolding in the background, yet played such a vital role in the evolution of the characters. Reading about Pedro Albizú Campos and the roots of his political movement made me swell with pride. I could draw connections with events in the story with the political climate and suppression tactics that occur still today. I kept reminding myself of the time period the story was taking place, because if it was me,I would've left Marco for the Albizú Campos slander alone. His character ARC really illustrated how the illusion of capitalism can cause one to deviate from the work of liberation.

If you loved A Taste of Sugar by Marisel Vera,then you will definitely want to add this gem to your TBR. It's rich in Puerto Rican history and storytelling. Reading this one will teach you so much and have you taking side quests to research further about certain events. The story is so engrossing it will not feel as if you are reading a debut novel. I can't wait to read what else Barresi has in store for us.

[Soochi Sandhiya]

A Delicate Marriage, written by Margarita Barresi, is a beautifully crafted story of love, family, and life's hardships. The story can absorb readers into an emotional world revolving around the lives of Isabella and Marco, a couple whose marriage suffers from personal challenges, cultural differences, and the complexities of their pasts. Isabella, a wealthy woman, sacrifices everything to marry her love, Marco, defying all financial disparity. The actual love wins, but the situation changes later. As the love is fading due to personal challenges, Isabella gets trapped in more hurtful scenarios, adding twists and turns to the story.
The writing style is simple and effectively captures emotions. The characters are well-written and progress with the story. You can correlate with characters, like Isabella, who seems so natural. Her feelings and thoughts seem more like those of an everyday wife, and her take on her responsibilities might connect with many readers. The gradual unfolding of the subplots makes it more interesting for readers to enjoy the themes of love, sacrifice, and understanding. The book is engaging and starts moderately, but the storyline aptly justifies its pace.

[BookTrib.com]

Readers will be enchanted with A DELICATE MARRIAGE by Margarita Barresi, a romantic story of an idealistic coming-of-age couple who build their new marriage on their home island of Puerto Rico.

Read the full review on BookTrib.com

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:

Marco grew up poor with his mom and sister. His goal in life is to make something of himself and to take care of his mom. He never expected to fall in love with Isabela, a woman from wealth.

Isabela’s dream is to go to Mexico to be an actress. Her dad forbid it. She comes up with a plan when she met Marco. She hoped if she was in a relationship with Marco, her dad would see Mexico as a better option. Isabela didn’t expect to fall in love with Marco.



My thoughts:

A Delicate Marriage is a debut novel by Margarita Barresi. The setting is from 1928-1952 Puerto Rico. We follow Marco from a young child losing his father during a hurricane and Isabella starting in her early twenties.

Marco was from a poor family and Isabella’s father was wealthy. He didn’t approve of the relationship and tried several times to break them up. Marco and Isabella did end up married. It wasn’t prefect and they ended up on two different sides of the political spectrum on certain issues but they had love.

The character development for Marco and Isabella as well as some of the side characters was done very well. I did feel Marco’s changed once he started to make more money was sudden ; however, it shows how money can change people. The storyline had a smooth flow. The main complaint I have is that in some areas it was dragged out. Overall, I liked Barresi’s writing style and the storyline.

Thank you TravellingPagesTours and Margarita Barresi for the complimentary physical copy of A Delicate Marriage.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn more about PR history. Evident that this was a debut novel — character development was lacking and novice writing style, especially around intimacy…

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Barresi does a magnificent job of blending history and fiction in her debut novel, A Delicate Marriage.

The story opens with Isabella Soto on stage. She is about to recite Manuel Fernandez Juncos’ poem, ‘La Serenata.’ It is September 1935, and the place is Puerto Rico. The students of the University of Puerto Rico are her audience and they anticipate her reading this acclaimed body of work. As she approaches the microphone, she catches her breath. She is not sure if her eyes are playing tricks on her, but she could swear Gardel, the Argentinian King of Tango was staring back at her from the first row. This isn’t possible, given he perished in an airplane accident the previous June. After collecting her thoughts, she shakes off the impossibility and recites the poem. Enthusiastic applause erupts after her reading and as Isabella walks off stage, she is greeted by Dr. Chardon, the University chancellor. He introduces Isabella to the mysterious and intriguing stranger she had earlier mistaken for Gardel. “…Ah, Senorita Soto, let me introduce you to one of our top students, Marco Rios, the chancellor said, welcoming her admirer with an enthusiastic pat on the back...” (page 10) That chance introduction was the beginning of how Isabella and Marco would forge a future together in time that neither could possibly fathom in that moment.

During the reception post-recital, Isabella and Marco have an opportunity to exchange pleasantries. While details of their respective backgrounds are not discussed, it is clear to Marco that Isabella has lived a life of privilege. Marco’s life and social status was vastly different. He was a jibara (a term used to refer to the poor people of Puerto Rico). He has struggled and worked hard for everything he had attained in his life so far. Isabella’s ‘Papi,’ Don Gabriel, is one of the most affluent figures in Puerto Rico and his plans for his daughter are to have her marry into a situation of equal wealth and stature. Isabella doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Papi’s vision of her future. She wants to be an actress and the only way to achieve this is to convince her Papi to send her to Mexico to study under notable directors like Miguel Contreras Torres and Fernando de Fuentes. The challenge will be to convince her father to agree with her choice. Perhaps meeting Marco was a divine intervention for her plan to become a reality. What Isabella had not planned for was to fall in love with this dark stranger. Maybe she wasn’t destined to become an actress after all.

A Delicate Marriage is Margarita Barresi’s debut novel, and I must give her huge props for writing a well-thought-out storyline that has more than enough meat on its bones. Her attention to the historical details of Puerto Rico’s history in becoming a U.S. Territory is fascinating. The period of time begins with the prologue and the torrent of the San Ciriaco hurricane in 1928 and ends with the epilogue in 2017; describing the aftermath of one of the most devastating hurricanes (Maria) to ravage Puerto Rico in the 21st century. She touches upon class differences between the ‘have’s’ and ‘have-nots,’ comparing privilege to the struggles the native people endure as she highlights the political diversities between those natives who are for U.S. support and those who are not. There is a tangible sense that Ms. Barresi did far more than sprinkle a few historical accounts periodically throughout the read. Rather, she strategically sited specific periods of time and unrest. One account she describes is when the dissent rose beyond a boiling point during the Nationalist party uprising in the 1950s. The unrest began with the "...El Oso Blanco, the massive penitentiary in Rio Piedras, killed two guards and injured another four. More than one hundred convicts were on the loose, spread over the Suan Juan area and beyond, like fleeing vermin, each desperately scurrying to safety..." (page 292). Ms. Barresi tempers the storyline in developing credible characters and situations as she infuses political discourse as the undertone to the storyline. There is a lot to absorb, but Ms. Barresi has written an incredibly engaging tale across the pages. The characters are richly developed, and the dialogue and scenery are captivating. I give this book a big thumbs up!

Quill says: A Delicate Marriage is rife with character and depth and a wonderfully educational look at the history of Puerto Rico.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Margarita Barresi's captivating novel, A Delicate Marriage, readers are immersed in a riveting narrative, shedding light on the unlikely union between Marco, a man of humble origins with soaring ambitions, and Isabela, the privileged daughter of a successful businessman. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Puerto Rico in the tumultuous 1930s, the tale offers a keen exploration of the intertwined destinies of these two characters.

Will Marco manage to convince Isabela's father of his worth? Can Isabela transcend her sheltered, superficial lifestyle to discover a deeper sense of contentment? A nostalgic, romantic ambiance infuses the narrative as readers find themselves instinctively championing these characters. Moreover, the development of Puerto Rico - navigating the journey from a colonial outpost to an industrialized state - constitutes an engaging subplot interwoven with the central romance.

Barresi's A Delicate Marriage skillfully etches each character with minute precision, providing an immersive reading experience that allows the audience to traverse through their vicissitudes. Isabela, in particular, is depicted as a remarkably human character, prone to errors as any of us, which only enhances her appeal. The author meticulously describes the exotic locale without overindulging in detail, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Despite its merits, I think the novel could have benefitted from a more in-depth exploration of its secondary characters. I think that delving into their perceptions of the unfolding events and their roles within the broader narrative would have enriched the story. And I think greater usage of internal monologues would have added more depth to the motivations driving each character.

A Delicate Marriage, with its blend of glamour, charm, and a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, promises to uplift readers' spirits on even the dreariest of days, inviting them to revisit the tempestuous yet enchanting landscape of Puerto Rico. This delightful romantic saga, with a touch of Latin American flair, is likely to enthrall readers, particularly those with a penchant for compelling love stories.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🌀 have ever experienced a hurricane
🇵🇷 want to learn more about Puerto Rico
📕 ever wrote for a magazine
⛺️ like to help the homeless

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

From glittering ballrooms to verdant mountains to poverty-stricken slums, A Delicate Marriage takes the reader on a vivid tour of Puerto Rico forty years after becoming a U.S. colony, a time of great change and political turmoil on the island.

Isabela, a wealthy woman, sacrifices her artistic aspirations to marry Marco, a penniless man dedicated to improving conditions on the island. As the island's insular government enacts pro-U.S. policies, Marco builds a real estate empire while struggling to maintain his populist principles. Meanwhile, Isabela feels unfulfilled in her traditional role as a wife and mother and becomes disillusioned with Marco's shifting moral compass. She begins to identify with anti-U.S. factions, leading a dangerous double life that puts her family in peril.

As political violence threatens their paradise, Isabela and Marco question whether their marriage, like the island's relationship with the U.S., should continue. Margarita Barresi's debut novel celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a fantastic read full of information about the Peurto Rican heritage, which I really enjoyed learning about, especially since I once dated someone whose family came from there. I loved that these two people, who for all intents and purposes, were not meant to be together (one poor, one rich) decide to say bah to these so called rules and get together. Love conquers all! Isabela and Marco’s relationship felt real and relatable to me, even though their time period is different from my own, they still struggled with normal every day things like all couples do. Overall, this was a real learning experience for me, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy!

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: #OwnVoices Puerto Rican Historical Fiction

𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶

⭐⭐⭐⭐



𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧: In early twentieth century Puerto Rico, we meet Marco Rios, a poor business student, and Isabela Soto, an aspiring actor and member of the wealthiest family on the Island. Despite their differences, and the Soto family's misgivings about the relationship, the two fall in love, marry, and start a family. But as their increasingly opposing politics and ideologies drive a wedge between them, their delicate marriage is put to the test.


𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: This is a poignant, nuanced, culturally and historically rich love story, including themes of poverty, class, and politics. Primarily taking place in the 30s-40s, and told in alternating perspectives (Marco's and Isabela's), the reader really gets to know these characters, their relationship, their ideological differences, and what life was like during such a tumultuous time in Puerto Rico.

The title is absolute perfection, as it describes both the delicacy of Marco and Isabela's marriage, as well as the arranged 'marriage' between Puerto Rico and the colonizing United States.

I haven't read much on Puerto Rico and learned so much from this debut novel. While this is fiction, Barresi bases it off real history. Definitely recommend!

Thank you @margaritabarresi for the #gifted copy ❤️

📌 Out now!

[Gorgose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi, and I really enjoyed it. The novel took me back to the 1930s and 1940s Puerto Rico, a period I hadn't explored much before. Barresi's vivid descriptions of the island's landscapes and the societal contrasts between the affluent and the impoverished were truly immersive.

The story is based on Isabela, a woman from a wealthy family who marries a man called Marco, who focuses on making himself better. Their relationship is based in Puerto Rico. I was moved by how their personal struggles mirrored the island's own quest for identity and independence.

Isabela's journey, in particular was interesting for me. Her struggle with fulfilling traditional roles and pursuing her own aspirations was well written. I found myself relating with her because of her challenges of her marriage and her involvement in nationalist movements.

Barresi does a great job of blending historical events with the characters' lives. The emotional depth of Isabela and Marco's relationship kept me engaged, and I appreciated the characters portrayal of their change overtime.

This is a powerful debut novel that not only tells a compelling love story but also the significant cultural and political themes. I found it both enlightening and emotionally affecting, and it's left me reflecting on it long after turning the last page.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi
This book starts with a tragic event that occurs for many families...
Story follow Issabella as she grows up in a relatives house. She knows who her mother was and is treated good there.
Story also follows Marco who is trying to win Isa over. He works so hard at everything he does for her.
They are both in their young years and the book follows them as they make adult decisions as they become familiar with one another.
Love the give me 20 days to change your mind as it appears in this book.
Touching and loving.
After the marriage Isa is just not happy enough and wants to make things better for the countries families, especially women and children.
Like other characters that come into play and what Isa takes on next as war breaks out.
It means a lot of work for Marco as he gambles a bit with the proceeds and to provide for his family. Lots of glamour and fashion and feasts among the others who don't even have food to eat....
Story follows them through wars and good times in the country.
She gets caught and removed from the house and it is very detailed and tragic
Love hearing about her roots and how she finds them, after all this time...
Adult situations.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A immersive read into the history of the US and Puerto Rico relationship during after WWII and the life of a couple who grew up in very different life styles. Isa was raised without knowing what need was and has always dreamed of going to Mexico to become a star. Marco has grown up in poverty and is bound to make things better for himself and his mother no matter how hard it will be. Going to college and doing all he can to elevate himself, he soon falls for Isa a woman who is well out of his league. But Marco has learned that so far, all he has strived for in life, he has gotten and obtained. The two are married and often Isa questions her choices in life and Marco continues to strive for better and more but it seems that their roles have reversed and secrets are kept and loyalty is questioned. Marco seems to have become a different person from when they first met, and Isa is wondering who she really is and if she isn't too different from her father after all. I really enjoyed this story and the history that the author wove throughout. Thank you to WOW! Women on Writing and to the author for the free complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marco is a man of minimal means but he has high aspirations. Isabela is from a wealthy, aristocratic family. These two, even though they have diverse backgrounds, marry and start a family. As the political climate changes, Marco develops a real estate empire but Isabela realizes her life is missing something and she becomes disillusioned with her world.

Let me start off with…I LOVE THIS COVER!

I also enjoy how the author depicts Puerto Rico. I was captivated by the descriptions of this lovely country and the politics. I have not read very many books set in this country, so I was amazed at feelings I developed when the author described its beauty. You can tell Margarita Barresi has her heart in this area of the world!

The characters are unique, especially since their backgrounds are so different. I love how their life changes and this changes their world…doesn’t it do that to everyone. But the author captures their situation so vividly.

Need a wonderful novel with a wonderful setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master class in character development!
I'm from Puerto Rico and absolutely loved "A Delicate Marriage" by Margarita Barresi.
The meaning of Delicate Marriage between PR and the USA will not escape any reader. Through the two main characters Marco and Isabel, you will be enchanted by the history of Puerto Rico at a time of so many changes. Barresi grasped the evolving political and business boom of Puerto Rico while delighting us with Marco and Isabel through dialogues with a splash of Spanish throughout. Loved this!
Truly felt Marco's pain losing his father as a young child, his desire to prosper to be someone, his desperate desire to make more and more money, to be accepted were indeed palpable.
Isabel's frustration in every sense, impressively presented. A beautiful character full of growth. To me Isabel symbolized the frustrated Puerto Rico trying to save its culture, its language.
How she loved Puerto Rico!
What a beautiful novel. Thank you to the author for transporting me to the Puerto Rico del ayer. And the ending, wow!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Barresi has produced a truly captivating debut novel. One part love letter to Puerto Rico, one part stunningly complex love story - A Delicate Marriage kept me invested from start to finish. The story follows Isabela and Marco’s journey through its intense highs and lows, and both characters are deeply, heartbreakingly human. Many novels fall into the trap of creating characters that are frustratingly black and white, but Barresi’s characters exist in that beautiful gray area that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican politics of the time add another layer of richness to the story, one that many people (myself included) may be less than familiar with. I was just as interested in what would happen next to the island as I was with what would happen to our main couple. To top it off, the descriptions of Puerto Rico - the sights, smells, tastes, culture, and language - are so well articulated that you can almost feel the island breeze. Highly recommend!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Delicate Marriage, Margarita Barresi brings us into a fascinating period in Puerto Rico's history, and the consequences of societal expectations, gender roles, machismo, economics, access to education -- and temperamental and destructive weather patterns. This is the story of Isa and Marco, set against the backdrop of mid-century Puerto Rico, during a time of political change and growth. Marco must fight to prove his worth in a society that wants him to remain in his place. Isa is a woman in a society that expects her to marry early, marry well, and spend her life dedicated to home and family. But the changes going on around them affect them in ways they could not have expected. The story follows them for decades and you'll find yourself surprised at the way their lives unfold -- always remembering that life never goes as planned and adversity may come from areas we never expect them to.

If you enjoy historical fiction like I do, I'd highly recommend picking this up.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, while there are Spanish phrases in the book, I do wish I was bilingual. It is easy to sort out what is being said by the rest of the conversation around the phrases, I do wish I could speak Spanish.

That being said, I also wish we were taught more, or rather anything at all, about the history of Puerto Rico in school. There is much about the history of the island I was learning about. And since the two main characters were on opposite sides of the struggles, I feel you do get a fairly balanced view.

There is also the struggle of a woman in the 1950's and 60's who is trying to find a place in her world beyond being 'just' a mother and wife. To become fulfilled as a person in her own right.

I enjoyed the journey as Marco and Isa learn how to grow together as a couple and how to develop their own selves outside of the confines of the society they exist in. A good read overall.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The political unrest of Puerto Rico's relationship with the US is the backdrop for this love story.

This is a love story of two people who must overcome the obstacles facing them - their different backgrounds and clashing allegiances. Isabela and Marco’s marriage started with sacrifice and respect. But as the political climate became more volatile, the couple's opposing political views threatened their union.

I enjoyed following Isabela and Marco’s romance and marriage. My heart went out to them as they were divided on several fronts.

Historical and political events made the story come alive to the time and place; I appreciated learning more about Puerto Rico’s history and rich culture.

𝐴 𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒.


*The author shares in the Author’s Note that Isa and Marco’s courtship was inspired by her grandparents.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @margaritabarresi
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Rajnish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot in "A Delicate Marriage" focuses on two people whose relationship is strained by outward expectations and internal conflicts. Barresi explores issues of loyalty, individualism, and sacrifice, frequently challenging cultural standards that define the bounds of love and devotion. The story is broad and intensely intimate, transporting readers to the emotional highs and lows of a partnership fighting to survive despite challenges. This book is an intimate look at love, commitment, and all the challenges of establishing an intricate connection in the face of cultural and personal expectations. Set in the mid-twentieth century, the novel depicts a fragile and tempestuous marriage, indicating the fragility and sturdiness of human relationships. Overall, it was an enlightening read for me, which revealed essential features of a connection and could help us understand our relationships' challenging paradigms. It was a deep read with the perfect blend of relatability

[Helen Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author skillfully wrote about the history of Puerto Rico. This storyline is a well crafted rags to riches with multiple moving parts. The book surprise at every turn. Marco & Isabella’s story took a turn I wasn’t expecting. At the beginning it was Isabella who wasn’t that helpful when it came to dealing with the poor and once she started seeing why it was important to help, then Marco changed. I did enjoy how at the end they talked through what happened so they could continue being a family.


All marriages have struggles, but what broke my heart is that both Isabella and Marco made sacrifices to be together. However, when push came to shove they hid how unhappy they were in their marriage. My heart broke when all the changes Isabella tried to make got shut down by new Marco, and we know old Marco would have been there for her as her number one supporter.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel stages beautifully the political background of Puerto Rico as they adjust to being a colony of the states and a brand new marriage between a poor man Marco and a rich debutant Isa.

The marriage of these two had so much strife and a lot could have been so much better for their marriage if they had truly listened to each other's views and been honest and fought for their feelings. Instead they tended to hide much from each other.

The book is very dense in history and may throw some people off for the slowness of the novel but I found it fascinating. I love learning history that I never got from school.

Most of this novel takes place before my mother was born, but I loved reading it because my grandpa was stationed in Puerto Rico for the year after her birth. It just sounds like an amazing, beautiful place and I hope my mom gets a chance to go back one day.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters of *A Delicate Marriage* captivated me instantly, confirming that this would be a powerful read. Margarita Barresi expertly brings her characters to life while immersing readers in the rich culture of Puerto Rico. Marco, hailing from the poorest region of the country, endures the devastation of losing everything to a hurricane, yet he relentlessly pursues higher education. At college, he is profoundly influenced by his professor and encounters Isabela, the love of his life. When Isabela's father forbids her from pursuing acting, she defiantly redirects her attention to Marco, only to fall deeply in love with him. However, the stark differences in their social backgrounds, their contrasting inspirations, and profound communication gaps threaten to unravel their delicate marriage. This is a fascinating read that will delight any reader.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous historical fiction read that not only entertained but educated me. The book is set in Puerto Rico from 1935-1952. From this read, I learned about the political and social climate of Puerto Rico as well as enjoyed reading vivid descriptions of Puerto Rican life at all economic levels.

The book is divided into three parts and is told in the points of view of the two main characters, Marco and Isabela. Marco comes from poverty and is a university student when he meets debutante, Isabella. We see the dynamics of this couple as they along with their country change with the times.

In the author’s note, Margarita shares that Marco and Isabela’s courtship is based on her own grandparents.

The mixing of the real with the imagined in this book kept me captivated.

[butterflyprincessluvsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All in all this was a great book. Being if PR decent I loved reading about my island & learning things I might not have necessarily known. I related really well to Isabela & Marco. This book is so beautifully written & it tells a very good story. It tells the story of family & the history of the island. It tells of the struggles in marriage when both parties differ in their political views & the obstacles in their way & how they overcome it. It makes it even more special that the main characters are loosely based on the author’s grandparents. It brings my beautiful island to life. This book is so well written & hooked me off the bat. I am honored that I was gifted this copy & this review is my own. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jeanne Attaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi had me hooked from the very first page. She brings the reader into the delicate dance of marriage with profound honesty, exposing the joy and heartbreak that exist in a relationship. This book was a page-turner for me as I became fully invested in the lives of Isabela and Marco. Margarita blends this with the complex relationship between Puerto Rico and the US during this time. I must admit I did not know the complexities of this political history and it certainly opened my eyes. I would also highly recommend this book for book clubs as A Delicate Marriage lends itself to further discussions on so many wonderful levels.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi is a compelling read that will have readers enjoying the beauty of a country that has a rich and vibrant history that is still evident today. I was completely immersed in the story. The complexities of the main characters Marco and Isabella and their love for each other leaves a sweet taste in the mouth and a beautiful imprint on the heart. The contrast of Puerto Rico’s beauty and the poverty craftily interwoven in between makes for a startlingly interesting contrast. I absolutely loved A Delicate Marriage and highly recommend it to fans of vibrant beauty and romance amid turmoil and despondency.