Fifteen-year-old Margarita is a complex girl. She is a Jew who lives in Berlin with her father Avi who is a Cantor. Add to her profile the fact that her mother Marsha left Margarita and Avi when she was an infant. When MISOPHONIA, by Dana Vonwinckel, opens Margarita is visiting her grandparents. She is miserable and is counting the days until she can return home when out of the blue she is told that her mother wants her to come to Israel so that they can spend time together. She is not receptive to the idea and refuses to go, but since she is fifteen a decision is made for her. After all, it's only for a few weeks. What could go wrong? Don't ask.
Told mostly in Avi's and Margarita's distinct voices, the story fluidly moves from Chicago to Israel and to Berlin. There is drama and there are complications every step of the way as the characters struggle with their identities. Their family dynamic is complicated. Even so, when tragedy strikes they come together. It surprises no one that the reunion is tension-filled. Things come to a head and serious decisions must be made. As for the outcome, it is surprising.
MISOPHONIA is an eloquently told coming-of-age story as well as a story about family. Powerful and meaningful, it is well worth reading.
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