Vinegar Girl
256
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary
2016
Adult
14-18 years
In Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler, Kate Battista is a strong-willed and blunt preschool aide who reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with Pyotr, her father's lab assistant, to prevent his deportation and allow him to continue their important scientific research. Despite initial opposition to the arrangement and the complexities of their personalities and societal expectations, Kate and Pyotr navigate their unique dynamics, ultimately marrying amid misunderstandings and a theft that leads to a physical altercation at their wedding.
Romantic
Humorous
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Bittersweet
44,558 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Anne Tyler's Vinegar Girl is praised for its witty and refreshing modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Tyler's engaging prose and strong character development stand out, though some critics feel the plot lacks depth and resolution. Overall, it's a charming and humorous take on a classic tale with relatable contemporary themes.
Readers who enjoy retellings of classic literature with contemporary twists will appreciate Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler. Fans of Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres or Jo Baker’s Longbourn will find Tyler's modern take on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew engaging, blending humor and heart in a relatable family narrative.
44,558 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare project, where contemporary authors reimagine William Shakespeare's plays; it is a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew.
The novel is set in Baltimore, Maryland, which is a frequent backdrop for Anne Tyler's works, reflecting her personal connection to the city where she has lived for many years.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Anne Tyler completed the manuscript for Vinegar Girl in just six months, a relatively quick process compared to her other novels, as noted in various interviews.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
256
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary
2016
Adult
14-18 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!