A story that is a little bit funny but also rather sad. (A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka)

Member Name: AJ26

Product:	A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka
Date:	04/05/09 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting story, good characters

Disadvantages: History of Tractor paragraphs a bit boring!

I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to read "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" by Marina Lewycka, I had read her second book "Two Caravans" and found her style of writing a little strange. However a friend at work recommended it and lent me her book so I thought I would give it a try.

Firstly the title of the book is rather misleading it's not really all about the history of tractors although they do make appearances right through the book. Instead it is a story about Nikolia an elderly Ukrainian gentleman in his 80s who is now living in England. His wife died two years ago and his daughters who don't get on with each other since the death of their mother. However they are united in their shock to find out their father is going to marry again. Even worse than this it is to Valentina a blonde, busty 36 year old Ukrainian gold-digger. She wants to come to England to have a better life for her and her son. Vera and Nadia work together to try to get Valentina deported any way that they can.

I found this quite a strange book, the quotes on the front say it is "Extremely Funny" and "Mad and Hilarious" however I did not think it was that funny. Yes there are some really funny parts and a few comedy moments but there is also a lot of tragedy. Although you find yourself laughing at the unbearable Valentina you also find yourself shocked and saddened at what really is abuse of a vulnerable adult. I found parts of the book which addressed this rather uncomfortable reading.

The characters are really portrayed well in the book even if they are a little stereotypical. Nikolai is the eccentric old gentleman who is quite clever about some things like writing about tractors but whose common sense goes straight out the window when faced with the busty blonde Valentina.

Valentina is quite a formidable character and you immediately start to dislike her. There is little to make you warm to her although later on in the book at times you do start to think about what drove someone to do what she is doing. However before you feel sorry for her the author is back with another terrible thing that she has done so you don't feel sorry for long.


I found some of the passages on the history of the tractors a little hard going at times and do have to confess to skimming through some of them. Some of them do have a hidden meaning and refer to some of the characters or situations in the book but others are just straight history.

There are so many sub-plots going on in this book. There is of course the main story which is the sister's attempts to get rid of Valentina, there is also the history of the tractors, the feud between Vera and Nadia and the history of their life in the Ukraine and the things that happened to the family there. So there is plenty going on to keep you occupied as you read it.

I did enjoy reading this book and had it finished in one weekend, you just want to keep reading it to find out what happens. It's an interesting story, not as funny as I expected or not quite the humour I expected however I am glad I read it.

Currently on sale in Amazon for £5.59
Pages - 324

Summary: Two sisters plot to try to stop a young busty blonde running away with their fathers pension!