A Short History Of Tractors In Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
The average user rating for this Book is 6.4 out of 10 (based on 21 Votes).
Elizabeth H gave it an8: An emotional roller coaster encompassing giggles, empathy, annoyance and downright anger at the stupidity of the main character. Sibling rivalry was depicted in a humorous and superbly accurate way and the 'ding ding' of identifications bells will chime for many as they read this book.
Amanda W gave it a4: I got frustrated with Nikolai because he was too blinded by Valentina's breasts to see the truth of the situation. Halfway through, I just wanted him to get rid of her. Other readers may have found this book funny, but all I got was a few chuckles from the over-the-top situations. I could see it was meant to be funny though, and I couldn't reconcile the "humorous" scenes with the tragic past of the family. This book tries too hard.
Kim S gave it an8: I thought this was a fun book and enjoyable read. As a writer of Eastern European descent, I'm stunned at some of the negative reviews. It thought this was well-written and I felt her portrayal of the Ukraine and its people was full of warmth and compassion and that all the characters were multi-dimensional. Maybe some reviewers just like being cranky, but I thought this is one of the better books I've read this year.
Simon C gave it a7: Disarmingly self-deprecating look at families under stress from external onslaughts and internal tensions. The humour sweetens the pill of the unveiling of a legacy so dark that it is never made explicit. An unpretentious but very effective style of humour.
David B gave it a10: I happened to be in Ukraine on a business trip when I picked up a copy. I couldn't help but notice that so many others were reading it as well. Everyone seemed to agree, "what a great read".
Alex H gave it a0: Poorly written bitter rant based on a real much more complicated story. Oh, and lots of factual errors about tractors and Ukraine. Another Oh -- attempts to show how immigrants speak English have failed abominally
C Bllad gave it a7: This is an entertaining, lighthearted read where noone comes out well and noone badly. Many pointed issues are touched upon but they are not intednded to be taken too seriously. enjoy!
Alice K gave it a4: I feel th story could line takes too long to come to its conclusion.
Myroslava Z gave it a10: simple and entertaining
diana g gave it a0: irritating little book. very biased against both Ukrainian immigrants and immigration authority. Characters little more than poor caricatures. I can't imagine who would feel the need to read a poor history of tractors in Ukrainain with or without the farce
janwillem t gave it an8: this book is very recognisable for anyone who experienced the eastern europe immigrant life in western europe.
Paul C gave it a0: Just because the Author has Ukrainian Parents, doesn't mean that she knows anything about Ukrainian people and culture. I am not Ukrainian but have lived in the Ukraine for 8 years, my wife is Ukrainian. The real Ukraine and Ukrainian people are nothing like the stereotypical characters in Marina Lewycka's book.
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