THE MARRIAGE OF OPPOSITES

Set amid the lushness of nineteenth-century St. Thomas, this massive family tale is an appealing audiobook. As the novel imagines the origins of the Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, the narrators’ performances are skilled and appropriate for each role. While each narrator's voice is distinctive, they share a common intensity, a complete immersion in the lyrical language that is a Hoffman specialty. Gloria Reuben's voice has a simmering, husky quality, while Tina Benko's delivery is more measured and subtle, which is appropriate for that section of the novel. Santino Fontana brings the listener forward in time, his crisp delivery sounding a bit more modern. Even with such scope, this audiobook manages to capture the imagination and transport listeners to another time. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2015]