VINEGAR HILL

Set in a small town in Wisconsin, Ansay's debut novel reveals one woman's desperation to free herself from stifling, narrow-minded expectations. Ellen Grier lives with her rigid in-laws. Her resignation resounds as she acts the role of married "lady" in a devoutly Catholic home. Mother-in-law Mary-Margaret is cranky and cruel, portrayed by Monk in a relentless snarl. The other females are equally believable. Monk's male voices, however, are less strong as they are unevenly attempted, but the triumphant struggle for Ellen's spirit is not diminished. R.N. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]