by way of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I loved this retelling of The Taming of the Shrew! It's been a while since I read the OG version by Shakespeare, but Kate was always a favorite character. I like blunt, honest people better than those who play games. Just tell me like it is. And Kate Battista in Vinegar Girl does exactly that. In fact, I expected her character to be even more "shrewish" than she was ~ an example of when a character defies their intended place on the page. She was warm and caring and nurturing as well, taking care of her family. I also loved the dynamic between Kate and Pyotr, her intended through a set up by her father. I actually really didn't like her dad much, at least until the end. he was a jerkface. All in all, I found this book delightful, funny, lighthearted - a fun take on the Shakespeare version.
by way of NetGalley for an honest review
This book was so good! I love a good murder mystery and this one creeped me right out! Unfortunately, I did figure out the who pretty early, but it didn't deter me from reading it until the end, rapt with attention. I didn't want to put it down; I had to know what was on the next page. The reader is led down the path of two murders, one in the past, one in the present - could they be connected? Then surprises pop up at you - like a haunted house of horrors. The tenaciousness of the main character Sarah was admirable, although sometimes I believe she went a bit overboard. Who can you believe, who can you trust? This book was awesomely scary, and I highly recommend it for those who like a thriller.
I usually love Gudenkauf's books, read them all, but this one was a bit on the creepy/depressing side for me. Just my opinion, it was a good read if you were in the mood for it. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI've seen Vinegar Girl around and have to admit that I never read The Taming of the Shrew, but I don't think that will affect my possible enjoyment of this one. And I do like the occasional Anne Tyler. Have you read A Spool of Blue Thread? I'm thinking of looking for that one, but it might appeal more to me than you as I'm more of the certain age it deals with--we older folks, ;)
It was kind of creepy and gross, actually in some parts! I think I was in the mood to be scared. Lol.
DeleteI don't think it matters at all if you have read The Taming of the Shrew - it is so loosely based off of it, that it will be fine. This was my first Anne Tyler book! My stepmom loves her writing though. And I pretty much read everything! ;)
I have never read Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew." I remember having to get used to the movie version of "Mid-Summer Night's Dream." I think I will try to find an audio version after I get through Bronte.
ReplyDeleteThe only movie version I have seen of Taming of the Shrew is the Heath Ledger Ten Things I Hate About You version - and I am embarrassed to admit, I loved it! Lol. I don't think I have seen the Mid-Summer Night's Dream movie; I will have to look for it.
DeleteI like a scary good read every once in a while, and Missing Pieces sounds like it fits the bill. Even though you figured out the whodunit it sounds like it still had some "yikes" moments. I love those ha ha. And I've seen a lot of good reviews of this too...
ReplyDeleteIt definitely had its moments! This one was great for that scary book type mood - I am going to have to try to find more by Gudenkauf.
DeleteVinegar Girl sounds fantastic and I'm glad you liked it. I have an ARC and hope to get to it soon. I did like Missing Pieces though it's not without flaws.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it had its odd moments where I was like hmm. Like the wife was a bit weird, I think.
DeleteI did love Vinegar Girl - it was pretty fun, which I actually wasn't expecting!