Book Review: Vinegar Girl

Although I'm familiar with Anne Tyler's name and had often run across her books, I had read nothing by this author. I think I will have to remedy that further. I really enjoyed Vinegar Girl. This retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew does an outstanding job of presenting a modern take on the classic tale. I fell in love with the caustic Kate and sympathized with her dilemma. Well done, Anne Tyler!

In Vinegar Girl, Kate Battista's life lacks direction. College didn't pan out for her, due to a bold response to a professor's ineptitude. So instead, she settled into the role of caretaker for her scientist father's household. She has her empty-headed younger sister, Bunny, to manage, endless household chores, and a less-than-ideal position as assistant for a preschool class. She has alienated the parents of her charges with her forthright candor often. Now she's on probation, not that she'd mind losing the job. The only thing that brings her satisfaction is her gardening.

But Dr. Battista is about to ask her to do more than merely manage his household and his taxes. He values his life's work more than he values his daughters. Thus, when his essential research assistant faces deportation, Dr. Battista plans to remedy the problem by marrying Kate off to Pyotr. This way he can satisfy the immigration requirements and keep his research on target. But can he convince his recalcitrant daughter to comply and aid him in this manner? Will he lose years' worth of research progress or will Kate put her foot down and insist upon having her own say in the matter?

I loved the audio version. Kirsten Potter did a phenomenal job of bringing the story to life. Her distinct voices for the various characters were excellent. She fully fleshed out the whiny teenager, the foreign lab assistant, and the strong-willed protagonist. I recently gave up on a retelling of Jane Eyre (My Plain Jane), so it pleased me that this was a more satisfying experience.