On March 16th, 2016 we held our book discussion at Chilis.
We had 7 attendees including Sarah, Janet, Kathy, Betsy, Donna,
Madeleine and Nettie.
We discussed which marriage or relationship was the one the author intended in the title.
Most thought Rachel and both husbands were opposites. But when we looked at
most of the relationships we saw opposites. Although people are similar in religion,
race, and social class and ideally suited for each other that does not guarantee
a successful marriage.
We talked about Rachel's relationship with her mother as well as her
relationships with the other women in her life, like Jestine, Adele and Rosalie.
Rachel and her mother had a flawed relationship.
The mother did not want her daughter to be educated and did not care
for her daughter's headstrong manner which was unsuitable for the 1800's
We liked the setting of the novel and learned a lot about the Jewish refugees
settling in the Caribbean and their adherence to the strict religious rules
in that part of the world. We also learned about the Danish government and how they
settled St. Thomas. We thought the author put us right in the midst of the flora and
fauna and the blueness of the Caribbean Sea and the creole food along with the demon Rum.
It was a huge plus to then have one of Rachel's sons be Camile Pissaro who was one
of the fathers of Impressionism. Later whilst sipping wine we looked at several of his paintings.
We could see where some were influenced by his time in St. Thomas.
We also discussed the fact that Pissaro's mother opposed his marriage to their
housemaid and that she supported him financially throughout his life. She was disappointed that he chose a creative rather than practical career . Her disappointment with his marriage and career consumes her in the end.
Janet chose a book called "My Notorious Life" by Katie Manning and
we are aiming to meet again on April 13th .
