Kate Battista, at age 29, is definitely in a rut. How did she end up keeping house for her mad scientist of a father, Louis, and watching over her 15-year-old spoiled brat of a sister, Bunny? Her professional life is not much better, as she finds herself teaching preschoolers, and constantly offending their parents because of how she speaks straight from the hip.
She loves her gardening, however, and there is a certain amount of control in handling the household, since her father is inept. Except he does have strange rules of order for how food is served and which items belong on a grocery list.
His lab assistant, Pyotr, has a special problem, however, and just when Kate is wondering why her father is suddenly thrusting this young man in her face, mentioning how wonderful he is, over and over, she realizes finally what it’s all about. This thing he wants her to do for him. His assistant is vital to his research, and he is about to be deported. Could Kate do this tiny little favor for them? Marry him?
Vinegar Girl was aptly titled, with our Kate being one who doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She says what she thinks, never mind what anyone else expects from her. Like many eldest daughters in Anne Tyler’s novels, Kate is the one her father expects to do his bidding. To set aside her needs for his own selfish pursuits, which to him seem necessary. He believes he should come first in her eyes.
I could feel my emotions rising as the tale continued, as Kate tried to make a decision. In some ways, her actions were surprising, but then again, she was a practical character, so perhaps things happened exactly the way they should.
In the end, some obstacles almost derailed everything, and we see an angry side to the previously calm and polite Pyotr. I was almost afraid of where it would go next. But then, the sweet ending felt strangely right. As a supposed retelling of The Taming of the Shrew, Tyler’s unique spin on the characters and the story felt spot on. A five star read!
Great. I think this will be my first book I read by Anne Tyler. Have been waiting for your review of it. I saw it in our local library so I know it is there when I am ready for it.
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Thanks, Kathryn, hope you enjoy it. Another favorite of mine from this author is The Accidental Tourist, which was made into a movie.
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Five star..now you have me curious. I have not tried this author, but like the sound of the protagonist.
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Thanks, Kimberly, I do love her characters…there is always someone quirky, and there are a fair share of stubborn ones. LOL. Another favorite from this author was also made into a movie: The Accidental Tourist.
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I’m curious about this one as it’s been years since I’ve read Anne Tyler. I’ve read some mixed reviews so I had been hesitating but I like that everything works out in the end. Plus I love the idea of a retelling of Taming of the Shrew. Adding to my TBR!
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I loved the story, the characters, and that it was a short read. Thanks for stopping by, Katherine, and I hope you enjoy it.
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Wow it sounds like Anne Tyler re-spins Shakespeare just right in this novel. Your review makes me want to give it a go! thanks
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Yes, definitely, Susan. I found it a delightful read. Thanks for stopping by.
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