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Search - Vinegar Hill
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Vinegar Hill Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Hardcover
Book Description:
In a stark, troubling, yet ultimately triumphant celebration of self-determination, award-winning author A. Mannete Ansay re-creates a stifling world of guilty and pain, and the tormented souls who inhabit it. It is 1972 when circumstance carries Ellen Grier and her family back to Holly's Field, Wisconsin. Dutifully accompanying her newly unemployed husband, Ellen has brought her two children into the home of her in-laws on Vinegar Hill -- a loveless house suffused with the settling dust of bitterness and routine -- where calculated cruelty is a way of life preserved and perpetuated in the service of a rigid, exacting and angry God. Behind a facade of false piety, there are sins and secrets in this place that could crush a vibrant young woman's passionate spirit. And here Ellen must find the straight to endure, change, and grow in the all-pervading darkness that threatens to destroy everything she is and everyone she loves.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Amanda S. (
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was very twisted and crazy. The characters all seem to have MAJOR issues and need counseling! LOL I didn't really care for the book that much. It also seemed to really make the Catholic religion crazy and full of crazy rules.
Melissa B. (
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fabulous family drama novel! Strong, interesting characters, some suspense and great ending! I can't wait to read more from this author!
Krista m M. (
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
The writer sets a very depressing tone to this book. Great writing that can take you into the character's world, even if you really don't want to be there!
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the more interesting books Ive read lately. Unpredictable and strange at times- I couldnt put it down. Its a share with freinds book.
Denise P. (
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
Vinegar Hill is about emotional damage that can be inflicted in ordinary domestic life. Ansay is a powerful storyteller with lyrical beautiful prose.
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
In a stark,troubling, yet ultimately triumphant celebration of self determination A Manette Ansay recreate3s a stifling world of guilt and pain and the tormented souls who inhabit it. It is 1972 when circumstances carries Ellen Grier and her family back to Holly's Field, Wisconsin. Dutifully accompanying her newly unemployed husband, Ellen has brought her two children into the home of her in laws on Vinegar Hill a loveless house suffused with the settling dust of bitterness....
This book I found was a bit slow going but with good purpose. It takes you on the journey of one family with a history of abuse and violence as well as unspeakable evil. It also focuses on difficult choices to be made concerning family and self. It tests the limits of what one person would do to save their family and themselves from having history repeat itself.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very strange relationship between husband and wife
very surprise ending.
Lissette H. (
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
A hard-to-put down novel about a disintergration of a mid-western family. A. Manette Ansay is a spellbinding writer.
Kathleen K. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a very good story, sad and very dark. I usually don't go for Oprah's books but this had something different.
Kelly S. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
The book was definitely well-written and a fast read but I would probably review it as just okay. You start off hating almost all of the characters and while you do sort of see how they became the way they are by the end of the book, it just seemed to end a little quickly. I didn't really feel as though anything was resolved. A very strange book.
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Please Rate these Book Reviews
Pam H. (This book was disturbing to me. Family abuse just keeps on giving… The bravery of the main character, Ellen, made me happy though. She recognized the necessity to move elsewhere with her children and away from the continuation of abuse that family often repeats.
I picked up this book, because usually books from the Oprah Book Club are a safe bet for a vacation read. Having no other books with me, this was torture! But then again I didn't enjoy Death of a Salesman and that is a famous story that I think is along the same lines as this dreary story. So I've listed the book here, because maybe someone can appreciate this book more than I!
Well written, but I was not thrilled about "eavesdropping" on a family in the process of falling apart. I really wondered why she, the wife, tolerated the situation as long as she did. It pissed me off! I have issues with putting up with crap. Can you tell?
Natalia W. (Such an awesome read! One of Oprah's books back in the day.
Melissa P. (Didn't read so I can't provide a review or rating but it is an Oprah's Book Club pick so you know it can't be too bad.
Powerful and painful story of a dysfunctional family set in 1972.
Read All Book Reviews of "Vinegar Hill"
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