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julieclair's review
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I chuckled my way all the way through this book, which captured so well the exasperation that adult children often feel when dealing with each other and with aging parents. These characters all felt so real! But despite the lighthearted tone, this book deals with some very emotional and poignant subjects, including the turbulent history of Ukraine. Written in 2005, but very timely for our world today.
jlsjourneys's review
3.0
3.5 stars, if I could, so a kind-hearted 3. I liked this much more than I expected. My biggest criticism is that the young Ukrainian wife to the elderly father of the main characters is extremely thinly drawn and quite stereotypical. But the fact this family, survivors of WWII, mask their long-buried or forgotten trauma with humor or petty feuds actually felt quite touching. It’s a light, quick, compelling read for what it is.
carrotchimera's review
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
happy_stomach's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
evanlooy's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
czidya's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
richrowlands's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
piarat's review
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t really know much about tractors and frankly, tractors don’t really interest me greatly. If you are the same way, don’t let the title of this book turn you off from reading it…it is NOT a history of tractors. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is a very readable and comedic debut novel by Marina Lewycka.
Lewycka’s novel was a witty, page-turner. I found it to be a very quick read. The story is populated with memorable characters. Through Nadia’s eyes, I can easily picture Valentina the gold-digger as she schemes to milk more and more money and possessions out of befuddled Nikolai. As the book proceeds though we begin to suspect that Valentina may not be as evil as Nadia sees her. The book does a great job portraying family dynamics between sisters, father and daughters and husband and wife. It shows the different experiences that family members have and how those experiences shape them and their relationships with each other. Nadia grew up in the UK and was not directly effected by the war, while her sister Vera who is 10 years older was deeply shaped by the war and life in work camps. As a result, Nadia is very much British in her mindset, whereas her sister and father have more of a Ukrainian way of thinking. Underneath the humor, Lewycka has created a complex story about family and the experiences of Eastern European immigrants in the UK.
Lewycka’s novel was a witty, page-turner. I found it to be a very quick read. The story is populated with memorable characters. Through Nadia’s eyes, I can easily picture Valentina the gold-digger as she schemes to milk more and more money and possessions out of befuddled Nikolai. As the book proceeds though we begin to suspect that Valentina may not be as evil as Nadia sees her. The book does a great job portraying family dynamics between sisters, father and daughters and husband and wife. It shows the different experiences that family members have and how those experiences shape them and their relationships with each other. Nadia grew up in the UK and was not directly effected by the war, while her sister Vera who is 10 years older was deeply shaped by the war and life in work camps. As a result, Nadia is very much British in her mindset, whereas her sister and father have more of a Ukrainian way of thinking. Underneath the humor, Lewycka has created a complex story about family and the experiences of Eastern European immigrants in the UK.
camil7156's review
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0