Short History of Tractors In Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is a novel that tells the story of two Ukrainian-English sisters who must put aside their differences to extricate their octogenarian father from a marriage to a much younger gold-digger.

The novel is narrated by Nadezhda, a university lecturer approaching fifty, and focuses on the family misadventures that ensue when her recently widowed father falls in love with a Ukrainian divorcée who is almost half a century younger than him.

The novel explores themes of immigration and aging, as well as family dysfunction and the ways in which families are impacted by marriage. It also traces the roots of the sisters’ enmity and the ways in which the family suffered under the Communist regime from which they managed to flee.

What I Liked

This is one of my favorite novels of all time, and one that has “stuck” in my mind for a very long time. I love the characters, framing, setting, plot – everything. Lovely book.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing – A+ novel.

Short History of Tractors In Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

$12.05

In A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka, we follow two sisters navigating their complicated relationship while trying to rescue their elderly father from marrying a much younger woman. The story, told by Nadezhda, dives into themes of aging, immigration, and family struggles, all while reflecting on their past under Communist rule. Personally, I absolutely loved this book. The characters, plot, and setting resonated with me deeply—it’s one of my all-time favorites. Honestly, I can't think of a single thing I didn’t like about it; it’s a solid A+ read!

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