Reviews

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

scunareader's review

3.0

Good character development and the story tickled me pink because I so well understood them....and you will too even if you aren't Ukrainian.

badger_badger's review against another edition

dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sb27's review

emotional funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

An added poignancy reading this at the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 
Characters seemed a little exaggerated but added to the story. Not sure I laughed out loud. 

eesti23's review

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was given to me by a friend and with its strange title I wasn't sure it was for me. However, the story of this older man who 'helps' a much younger lady from Ukraine by marrying her and the drama that then follows had me laughing out loud and quickly turning the pages. I found myself going through all the emotions the two sisters did from frustration to sympathy. A very good book.

rubiemay's review

emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

dernichtraucherin's review

dark emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

t'was a confusing read. i would have liked a much more critical feminist analysis towards valentina but it fell extremely short because while the protagonist considered herself a feminist it was clear that she isnt. instead i would have loved a deeper exploration of the relationship between her and vera. if the whole book would have been like the last few chapters i mightve loved it! at times it felt like her father was the only three dimensional character which made him really interesting but sadly because he was a horrible person... im not sure how to feel about this book yet- it explained a lot of ukranian history to me (and a lot of unnecessary fun facts about tractors but alas here we are)

faintgirl's review

4.0

This book is an absolute pleasure. In equals turns hilarious, despairing and dark, it reads super easily, while at the same time managing to fit in a good history lesson about the darker side of humanity. Lewycka's characters are sympathetic whilst being highly fallible, and their dialogue is sparkling. I only read it about a year ago, and it was a pleasure to pick up again.

queenbethie's review

4.0

"Tractors in Ukrainian" is a great book where the stories from several time periods are woven together to help you better understand the present. In current times Nadia's widower father is trying to marry a young Ukrainian woman to help her get her visa in the UK. As that tale unfolds, so do the stories of Nadia and her sister's upbringing, the story of their parents and the difficulties through the war, and even the stories of previous generations.

This was very much an enjoyable read and well worth my time.

epatz's review

funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-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

4.5

mirisomi's review

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75