Book Review of A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi

Today, I'm sharing a review of A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi as part of the WOW! Women on Writing blog tour.

About the Book

From glittering ballrooms to verdant mountains to poverty-stricken slums, A Delicate Marriage takes the reader on a vivid tour of Puerto Rico forty years after becoming a U.S. colony, a time of great change and political turmoil on the island.

Isabela, a wealthy woman, sacrifices her artistic aspirations to marry Marco, a penniless man dedicated to improving conditions on the island. As the island's insular government enacts pro-U.S. policies, Marco builds a real estate empire while struggling to maintain his populist principles. Meanwhile, Isabela feels unfulfilled in her traditional role as a wife and mother and becomes disillusioned with Marco's shifting moral compass. She begins to identify with anti-U.S. factions, leading a dangerous double life that puts her family in peril.

As political violence threatens their paradise, Isabela and Marco question whether their marriage, like the island's relationship with the U.S., should continue. Margarita Barresi's debut novel celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

ISBN-10: 1639889302

ISBN-13: 978-1639889303

Print length: 352 pages

Purchase a copy of the book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Bookshop.org and add it to your Goodreads reading list.

My Review

Margarita Barresi's debut novel, A Delicate Marriage, is a compelling exploration of personal and political turmoil set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Puerto Rico. The narrative takes us through a period marked by significant transitions, both for the island as it grapples with its status as a U.S. colony, and for its inhabitants, who navigate the complexities of societal and political expectations.

The story centers around Isabela, a woman from a wealthy background, who relinquishes her artistic dreams to marry Marco, a man with noble yet financially unrewarding aspirations. This premise sets the stage for a poignant exploration of sacrifice, love, and the inevitable clash between personal desires and societal duties. Barresi masterfully paints the portrait of a woman torn between her traditional roles as a wife and mother and her yearning for personal fulfillment.

As Isabela becomes increasingly disillusioned with Marco's shifting ethics, she finds herself drawn to anti-U.S. factions. This subplot not only adds a layer of suspense but also deepens the novel’s examination of identity and resistance. The tension in Isabela and Marco's marriage parallels the island's tumultuous relationship with the United States, offering a profound commentary on colonialism and its multifaceted impacts.

A Delicate Marriage is a thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on Puerto Rico's history. It skillfully blends personal drama with political intrigue, making it an excellent choice for readers interested in historical fiction, cultural exploration, and deep character studies.

About Author Margarita Barresi

Raised in Puerto Rico by her grandparents, Margarita Barresi grew up hearing stories about the “good old days”—the genesis for this, her first novel. She studied public relations at Boston University, and after

a successful career in marketing communications, now devotes her time to writing. Her essays have been published in several literary magazines and compilations. Margarita lives in the suburbs north of Boston with her husband and two Puerto Rican cats, Luna and Rico.

Learn more at www.margaritabarresi.com.

Instagram: @margaritabarresi https://www.instagram.com/margaritabarresi/

X/Twitter: @Barresi_Writes https://twitter.com/Barresi_Writes

Facebook: Margarita Barresi

Follow the Blog Tour

A Delicate Marriage Blog Tour

November 10th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the blog tour launch of A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi. You'll have the chance to read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 12th @ World of My Imagination

Stop by to read Nicole's review of A Delicate Marriage.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

November 14th @ Michelle Cornish's blog

Read a guest post by Margarita Barresi about the evolution of her writing process.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

November 16th @ Deborah Adams's blog

Check out Deborah's spotlight of A Delicate Marriage, read a guest post about Puerto Rico by Margarita Barresi, and enter a giveaway.

http://www.deborah-adams.com/blog

November 17th @ A Story Book World

Visit Deirdra's blog to view a spotlight of A Delicate Marriage.