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The Marriage of Opposites: A Novel By Alice Hoffman | Conversation Starters
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The Marriage of Opposites is an in-depth exploration of the life of Rachel Pomié, the mother of Camille Pissarro, the father of Impressionism. Starting from Rachel’s childhood, it is a highly fictionalized story of her life and that of her son’s. Considered one of the finest painters of the twentieth century, Camille Pissarro’s personal life was not smooth. He was in constant disagreement with his business-minded parents, rebelling at every point just like his mother did before him. With vivid and colorful imagery, this book brings out how life might have been for Rachel Pomié, who unwillingly became the mother of the famous painter.
EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER
than the surface of its pages. The characters and their world come alive,
and the characters and its world still live on.
Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to
bring us beneath the surface of the page
and invite us into the world that lives on.
These questions can be used to..
• Foster a deeper understanding of the book
• Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups
• Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately
• Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen before
Disclaimer : This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource to supplement the original book, enhancing your experience of The Marriage of Opposites. If you have not yet purchased a copy of the original book, please do before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters .
Download your copy today for a Limited Time $3.99 ($4.99)
Read it on your PC, Mac, iOS or Android smartphone, tablet and Kindle devices.
The Marriage of Opposites is an in-depth exploration of the life of Rachel Pomié, the mother of Camille Pissarro, the father of Impressionism. Starting from Rachel’s childhood, it is a highly fictionalized story of her life and that of her son’s. Considered one of the finest painters of the twentieth century, Camille Pissarro’s personal life was not smooth. He was in constant disagreement with his business-minded parents, rebelling at every point just like his mother did before him. With vivid and colorful imagery, this book brings out how life might have been for Rachel Pomié, who unwillingly became the mother of the famous painter.
EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER
than the surface of its pages. The characters and their world come alive,
and the characters and its world still live on.
Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to
bring us beneath the surface of the page
and invite us into the world that lives on.
These questions can be used to..
• Foster a deeper understanding of the book
• Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups
• Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately
• Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen before
Disclaimer : This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource to supplement the original book, enhancing your experience of The Marriage of Opposites. If you have not yet purchased a copy of the original book, please do before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters .
Download your copy today for a Limited Time $3.99 ($4.99)
Read it on your PC, Mac, iOS or Android smartphone, tablet and Kindle devices.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 25, 2020
A fictional account of an historical artist's life. I liked it more than the NY Times review did.
January 6, 2020
Very enjoyable.
Taking reality and twisting it with a very well researched story
Taking reality and twisting it with a very well researched story
March 1, 2023
Truly fascinating story of Rachel Pisarro (although she had several other names before finding her true love Frederick) mother of Camille Pisarro the famous Impressionist. This combines a fascinating location filled with colorful descriptions of the geography, plant and animal life, the legends and superstitions with an incredible love story, multiple mysteries, race relations, a little known story of a small Jewish diaspora and the fascinating history of St Thomas. Oh and pirates...there be pirates!
Although Rachel is the main character, a number of others figure prominently. Most are interesting, all are likeable in their own way, even some of the Female Dragons that persecuted Rachel for not following the rules of society.
I rarely give five stars no matter how interesting or entertaining, but I simply could not find fault with this incredible novel. I tried to read a previous Alice Hoffman book and didn't finish so I was a bit reluctant to take this on. Now I am going to rethink and purchase some of her other novels.
Although Rachel is the main character, a number of others figure prominently. Most are interesting, all are likeable in their own way, even some of the Female Dragons that persecuted Rachel for not following the rules of society.
I rarely give five stars no matter how interesting or entertaining, but I simply could not find fault with this incredible novel. I tried to read a previous Alice Hoffman book and didn't finish so I was a bit reluctant to take this on. Now I am going to rethink and purchase some of her other novels.
March 18, 2020
A fictional account based on actual history. Set in early 1800s Rachel Pomie meets and marries her first husband, a widow much older than her and who has 3 surviving children.
In 1825 she locks eyes with Frederic Pizzaro, a man several years her junior, but a man to whom she is immediately drawn to. Their affair appalls the community who shun Rachel and her children.
Over the years Rachel’s determined manner causes trouble, a trait she doesn’t appreciate when her own son stands up to her in similar circumstances.
A well crafted story which cleverly uses the known history of those involved.
In 1825 she locks eyes with Frederic Pizzaro, a man several years her junior, but a man to whom she is immediately drawn to. Their affair appalls the community who shun Rachel and her children.
Over the years Rachel’s determined manner causes trouble, a trait she doesn’t appreciate when her own son stands up to her in similar circumstances.
A well crafted story which cleverly uses the known history of those involved.
May 13, 2020
A fun read. I found I wanted the characters to behave a bit differently, to meet my 'novel' expectations, then realized that the book was based on reality. So the characters had to still be themselves and act as people with all those complexities and not just to fit my plot and ideals.
Also interesting to get a very light view of the Jewish community in the islands. I knew that there are communities in South America too, but I have no idea what that could be like.
Overall i really like Alice Hoffman, she creates an engaging story and I always want to find out what happens.
Also interesting to get a very light view of the Jewish community in the islands. I knew that there are communities in South America too, but I have no idea what that could be like.
Overall i really like Alice Hoffman, she creates an engaging story and I always want to find out what happens.
May 27, 2020
Fascinating story taking place on the island of St. Thomas and in Paris. The main character is the mother of artist Camille Pissarro. He is her joy and her nemesis, and much like her in temperament. She tries to discourage from making art but finally must concede he is extremely talented.
An enjoyable intermingling of the history, fiction, and fantasy.
An enjoyable intermingling of the history, fiction, and fantasy.
January 3, 2021
Engaging piece of historical fiction, with a bit of background on being welcomed/tolerated as Jews on a Danish-colonized Caribbean island in the 1800s. Fascinating main character, and the introduction of Camille Pizzaro was a pleasant surprise half way through. Appreciated the bit of African mysticism presented as part of island life, as well.
February 18, 2022
Overall, I loved the books. As always Hoffman paints beautiful pictures with her words. I felt some of the character development was stunted but that may have been the author attempting to maintain historical accuracy.
July 31, 2026
Well-written, great description. Storyline is about a woman that lives her life with magic, passion, and while staying in her Jewish religious circles straddling the world of love, commitment and loss.
A solid read, with interesting historical tidbits interspersed.
A solid read, with interesting historical tidbits interspersed.
April 21, 2020
Loved this book. Depiction of strong women during a not-so-good period of time for women. Beautiful descriptions.
June 1, 2020
I love a book where the characters are not clean cut but are a mix of values and beliefs and leave you unsettled.
I have to admit the descriptions became laborious and lengthy.
I have to admit the descriptions became laborious and lengthy.
November 7, 2020
The Muffia enjoyed this story and found it a great escape from early plague times back in March.
October 4, 2021
ThiS was an excellent read, good historical works. Loved it. Highly recommend it.
October 5, 2021
Loved this book. Especially enjoyed the description of the island and the paintings. Great historically based book.
November 14, 2022
Interesting look at family dynamics and cultural expectations.
May 9, 2026
This is really a five star book. The story, the language, and imagry were brilliant. Why did I give it only four stars? AS much as I loved it, it was tooooooo long.
February 8, 2020
This book is so beautiful. Perhaps I'm just a sucker for all things Paris and all things art. I spent a week last May just wandering the city and inhaling its beauty. I want to go back to see Pissarro's work at the D'Orsay.
I listened to this book on Chirp while I took long walks through my neighborhood. I fell in love with the characters, I looked up the historical references, and then I longed to be in Paris.
It's wonderful - read it.
I listened to this book on Chirp while I took long walks through my neighborhood. I fell in love with the characters, I looked up the historical references, and then I longed to be in Paris.
It's wonderful - read it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews