A review by curatoriallyyours
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

dark funny reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

This was such a layered book. On one level this is the tale of a woman who recently lost her mother and now her elderly father wants to marry a young Ukrainian woman to help her stay in the UK… only the woman is kinda awful and he’s quite deluded about what the marriage means. On another level this book is exploring so many deep topics - immigration, the long-lasting impacts of war, ageing, family dynamics, communication, and more - but with a light enough touch that it retains its sense of humour and absurdity. I really enjoyed it!