Vinegar Hill

Re-read this after many years. I had originally rated it 4 stars...now? 2. It was depressing. The characters were all completely unappealing right down to the children. Very patriarchal and misogynistic. How did I make it through this book back then??

I thought the writing style was effective - the present to past tense, intrusive memories. I felt it fit the situation of the main character well, her depression with her past/present and her anxiety and hopelessness about her future. There were some great moments of characterization, but there were some subplots that weren't complete enough for me. Also, I thought the ending was abrupt. I needed more “closure,” maybe? I just thought it ended too quickly.

I was able to relate to the main character in regards to her strict Catholic upbringing but that's where it ends. The characters seemed to lack any substance and there was never a clear definitive reason for each characters distress. I can't give 2.5 stars so I went with three because it was a quick read.

I liked this book. Except for the ending. Too easy.