I've recently finished "A short history of tractors in Ukrainian" by Marina Lewycka. This is a lighthearted sort of novel, (not discussing tractors really) which tells the story of a Ukrainian immigrant family in the UK. The elderly father (84 I think) falls "in love" with a younger Ukrainian following the death of his wife.Daughters have to overcome their differences to try to extricate the father from his situation, when it becomes clear that he only fancies the younger woman's assets, and she his residency status. This gets more difficult after he marries her. Men!
So, it's quite an entertaining read. Simple enough, no very complicated plots here. I enjoyed it, and will put it down in the light reader category. One note, don't buy this book for the blurb. It simply is not as funny in any way as promised by the cover. It's not funny really at all, I'd call it "light hearted". But if you want a good, well written novel for some light reading over a weekend or on holidays, go for it!
Weekend news and stuff......Friday night I can't remember at present. Saturday I spent with the friend from Latvia that I visited earlier in the year, which was nice. Had a fantastic day today in Birr which was nice. Weather was lovely for a walk around the castle and grounds there, and sure it's not a bad town for a wander in its own right.
Snagged the snag list on Thursday, will let you know further when further knowledge is available!
You don't remember what you did on Friday, well that's just lovely. On behalf of Jonathan, Martha, Johnny, Orlando and Keira I take offence to that bad memory...
ReplyDeleteSo you want comments? Of course. Here it is: I’ve found your blog while looking up Marina Lewycka. I’ve also just finished “The Short Story of Tractors in Ukrainian” and I’m wondering what other people think about. I liked how the father was described, and I felt disturbed how one-dimensionally evil and simplistic the character of Valentina from the Ukraine was. Well, I’m an Eastern European immigrant myself (female, in the USA), and this part of the book just made me sad. I was also amazed to find out that the book is gaining popularity in UK and has even won prizes. And here is my question, since apparently you’re interested in Eastern Europe (you just went to Riga). How are Eastern European immigrants doing in Ireland? Would you mind writing something on this subject? You can leave me a comment on my blog or website zawrat.com. Best luck!
ReplyDeletecatwin, I apologise most humbly for this oversight on my part. It must have been the heat.
ReplyDeleteto ela zawrat, whilst I appreciate your comment, please don't be offended if I don't write something too in-depth or in the near future on the subject of Eastern European immigrants to Ireland, as I don't feel I know enough about them to write justly on the subject. Suffice to say that they are an important part of Irish society, and they seem to be willing to work when they're here!