What readers think of The Marriage of Opposites, plus links to write your own review.

This profound book of historical fiction by Alice Hoffman has it all: In addition to fascinating characters, lush descriptions, and meaningful dialogue, this is an intriguing story of forbidden, scandalous love on a tropical island.

Taking place in the 1800s on verdant St. Thomas, this is the story of Rachel Pomié Petit Pizzarro, the only daughter of a doting Jewish father and a disdainful, strident mother. It's a time when girls and women had no rights and a future that consisted only of marriage, a tough path for a sassy and bossy little girl who wants so much more. In order to save his failing business and shop, Rachel's father forces her into a marriage of convenience to a much-older widower with three children. And while Rachel does not love Isaac, she does love his three children very much. After having three children of their own, Isaac dies. A fourth child is born after Isaac's death.

The family business falters and with Isaac's death, it is given over to his distant family in Paris. That family sends one of their own, 22-year-old Frédéric Pizzarro to manage it. It's love at first sight for Rachel and Frédéric, but since she is his aunt by marriage, this passionate union is an incestuous scandal to St. Thomas society and is forbidden under Jewish law. But obstinate and rebellious Rachel will fiercely fight with all she has to get what she wants most in this world even as she and her beloved are shunned from the community. On a very small island, they are outcasts.

This is only a bare description of the compelling plot that also includes the riveting stories about a host of other characters that are shrouded in deeply guarded and shocking family secrets—all of which are entwined with Rachel, Frédéric, and their 11 children, one of whom is the renowned Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, whose artist friends included Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, and Cézanne. (Google "Camille Pissarro paintings" to view some of his incredible artwork.)

Bonus: The lush descriptions of the flora, fauna, weather, and stars of St. Thomas will have you feeling the heat and wondering if you should enjoy the book with a drink mixed with rum.

This creative and provocative story that is based on historical fact is storytelling at its finest. It is steamy and smart, enchanting and entertaining, impressive and imaginative.

The book was a masterpiece in its descriptions and character development. It was a page turner. I was immersed and it fuels colorful imagination.

The book delved deeply into many deaths in excruciating and vivid detail. This is part of life but it depressed me. I would have preferred to have Rachel s many children also fleshed out as 3 dimensional characters as Camille received all the focus. Being a mother with so many children is life changing and time consuming and it begs the question, who raised them?

Overall, the historical references, magical metaphor, and relationship development were excellent.

Compelling! Stories like this don't come around too often. I could not put it dow. The book title is so appropriate.