Book review: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
Jacquelyn Curtis
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A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian |
Sibling rivalry, family secrets, grief, immigration and an 84-year-old acting like a ‘teenager in love' are the basis for Marina Lewycka's tale about a dysfunctional family of Ukrainian immigrants living in Britain.
Narrating the tale is Nadia, whose left-wing views clash with those of her autocratic sister Vera. The passing of their mother, and a subsequent dispute over their inheritance results in a long-standing feud between the sisters. But, when their ailing 84-year-old father decides to marry a 36-year-old Ukrainian economic immigrant, whose UK visa is due to expire, the sisters join forces to rid their family of the greedy, bullying and devastatingly voluptuous bride, Valentina.
As the sisters plot to oust Valentina from their father's house, Nadia discovers some hidden secrets about her family's experiences during the war. Born after the war, she unearths some truths that shed light on the dynamics within the family, and ultimately aids to deconstruct the barriers between her and Vera and their eccentric father.
| Lewycka has constructed a number of riveting roles, which at times have you laughing out loud at their language and cultural gaffes or sympathising at the long-term effects of immigration |
The strength of the book lies within the characters. Lewycka has constructed a number of riveting roles, which at times have you laughing out loud at their language and cultural gaffes or sympathising at the long-term effects of immigration. Of particular note is the character of Valentina, which is constructed as a villain yet is often portrayed as a desperate victim, simply trying to survive in a difficult situation. Providing comic relief is Nadia's father, an unconventional academic with a stubborn streak whose writings on the history of tractors in Ukraine provide a metaphor for the competing ideologies of socialism and communism and capitalism and democracy during the war.
Although the book deals with some dark issues including the war and displacement, it has been cleverly crafted to be entertaining and educating. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is an easy and enjoyable read.
A Short history of Tractors in Ukrainian was the University of Canberra women's book club pick for April. The book club meets the first Thursday of every month in the Staff Club at 12.30pm.
Contact Raechel.Johns@canberra.edu.au for more information.
