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cashawkins's review
funny
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
margaret21's review
3.0
Two stars seemed unnecessarily harsh, so I've gone for three. This is quite an odd book. On the face of it, quite a cheery romp through the end of a marriage, and an unlikely friendship with an eccentric old woman. However, there are sub-themes of Middle Eastern history and politics and religious cults all bound together with the metaphor of glue. I read it willingly enough, but at the same time, I rather wanted to get it over with so I could get on with something more worthwhile.
marshaskrypuch's review
5.0
I read tons of bad reviews for this book so I wasn't expecting much. Thank goodness all those reviews were wrong! Highly entertaining. Lewycka has a gift for building completely believable over-the-top characters who are hilarious in their familiarity. Long after I finished this book, I wanted to know what Mrs Shapiro was up to.
empeddle's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
balibee146's review
3.0
silly, playing with (falling into??) cliché at times.....good for a summer drive in audio format
eleganthedgehogs's review against another edition
Felt not to be as entertaining as short History of tractors in Ukraine or the second book , Two Caravans
kecskestimi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
_dunno_'s review against another edition
2.0
Now, if anyone's interested in reading Marina Lewycka, a piece of unrequested advice: stick to [b:A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|828387|A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|Marina Lewycka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1230834822s/828387.jpg|4240781] and (probably) [b:Two Caravans|1740908|Two Caravans|Marina Lewycka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1187640835s/1740908.jpg|2086107] - I haven't read the latter but I listened to the author reading from + talking about it and it seems pretty interesting.
As for this one, the glue (holding together the way too many characters and subplots) is the thing this book needs most, despite the author's constant references to it.
As for this one, the glue (holding together the way too many characters and subplots) is the thing this book needs most, despite the author's constant references to it.