As part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series, Anne Tyler has created a modern-day version of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. While it is her interpretation of that play, VINEGAR GIRL departs somewhat from the Bard's original work, and one need not be a fan of Shakespeare to enjoy her quirky characters, the Baltimore setting, and an amusing predicament set forth in this, Tyler's 21st novel.

"[O]ne need not be a fan of Shakespeare to enjoy her quirky characters, the Baltimore setting, and an amusing predicament set forth in this, Tyler's 21st novel."

Kate Battista, the main character, is 29 years old, single, and given to speaking her mind. She does not suffer fools gladly. Her frankness gets her in trouble at work; she is currently on probation at the neighborhood preschool where she is an assistant teacher. Kate lives at home with her widowed, absent-minded scientist father and her somewhat scatterbrained 15-year-old sister, Bunny. Dr. Battista has been toiling in virtual obscurity for most of his career. He researches autoimmune diseases and feels that, finally, he is near a major breakthrough. But his brilliant research assistant, Pyotr, has only two months left on his visa, and the clock is ticking. The men are quite dedicated to their research and to each other.

When Dr. Battista hatches a plan that he believes will solve his professional problem, as well as keep things on an even keel at home, it is met with great resistance by Kate. Kate is the family's housekeeper who keeps things running smoothly. She feels not only taken for granted by her father, but understandably disappointed and hurt that he even suggests she marry Pyotr so he can stay in this country. Pyotr struggles with American customs and nuances of the English language; when someone asks him how he is, he is likely to give a litany of minor ailments. Dr. Battista aims Pyotr at Kate and encourages him. Pyotr is pleasant enough in his awkward attempts to curry favor with Kate, who seems to have no particular life goals. After a while, she actually begins to consider her father's bizarre idea.

Life rarely goes smoothly for any length of time in an Anne Tyler story, and chaos and confusion erupt and threaten to derail the best-laid plans. And these really are plans of mice and men, because the research mice have been stolen. Without them, there is no research. No research means there is no need for Pyotr to remain in America or for a marriage of convenience.

Fans of Anne Tyler’s work will enjoy VINEGAR GIRL and its surprise ending.