The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Description

“The Marriage of Opposites” is a historical novel written by Alice Hoffman. Published in 2015, the novel is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from the life of Rachel Pomie Petit Pizzarro, the mother of the renowned French Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. The story is set in the 19th century on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, which was then a part of the Danish West Indies.

The novel centers around the life of Rachel, a strong-willed and unconventional woman who defies the societal norms of her time. Despite being married to Isaac Petit, a much older man chosen by her mother, Rachel finds herself drawn to Frederick Pizzarro, a young and passionate artist. The novel explores Rachel’s journey as she navigates the complexities of love, societal expectations, and her own desires.

The title, “The Marriage of Opposites,” reflects not only the cultural and racial differences explored in the novel but also the juxtaposition of tradition and individuality, duty and passion.