How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Very good
Advantages:
A good read, great characterisation
Disadvantages:
May be put off by the Soviet names or book title or the cover
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian doesn't sound like a book that's worth reading, does it? But it's deceptive. It's not written in Ukrainian, it's not a translation from a book written in Ukrainian and it's not really about tractors. The title actually comes from the title of the book one of the characters is writing. Confusing, huh?
So, why did I decide to read it? There were several reasons. I remember seeing an interview with the author Marina Lewycka on TV a while ago and she impressed me. The word 'Ukrainian' attracted me as I have been interested in all things Soviet since 1980. Then I read an online review which convinced me.
The cover is unusual. It looks quite authentic and East European. In fact, it looks like the book is made from woodchip paper. The fonts used also make it look old-fashioned and dated. At the top of the front cover, it states the novel was short listed for the Orange Prize. Yes, it looks literary and it is.
The back cover states the novel won the Bollinger Everyman Prize for Comic Fiction. Quotes describe it as 'mad and hilarious' and 'extremely funny'. Now, I would disagree with this description myself. I didn't find it that funny. I smiled a lot and occasionally let out a little titter, but never laughed out loud in an uncontrollable manner. I would say it was light comedy, certainly not 'hilarious'.
The story revolves around the Mayevskyj family. The narrator is Nadezhda (Nadia) who has an older sister called Vera. They have been estranged since their mother's death and the ensuing conflict over the division of their inheritance. But when their father - eighty-four year old Nikolai - falls in love with Valentina - a thirty-six year old busty blonde Ukrainian divorcee - they feel they need to intervene.
The novel follows the relationship of Nikolai and Valentina, but also illustrates the other family relationships very well - especially the one of the two sisters. The dynamics of the family change with each new development and it is interesting to follow this.
The Mayevskyj family is both ordinary and extraordinary. They argue, they have history; they have long-held resentment, jealousies, disputes and a deep bond of love. This means they are easy to relate to. However, they are also extraordinary and have experienced things that few of us have. They are Ukrainian immigrants to England and the older members of the family have lived through World War Two, suffering pain and hardship in the most brutal way.
This gives a depth to the novel. There are many themes covered, including prejudice,racism and judging by appearances. There is the theme of how parents become almost childlike as they get older and how the relationship changes over time. There is also the interesting philosophical point of how you can distinguish between genius and madness, eccentricity and insanity.
The character of Valentina is almost a caricature - huge boobs, bleached hair, tottering heels and fake fur. Her idiosyncratic use of the English language and her penchant for expensive cars and trappings of capitalist luxury give her a realistic quality and provide much of the humour in the novel.
Overall, it is an easy read but not one which is meaningless. At 324 pages, it is a good sized book - not too heavy to carry around, but one which takes you some time to read. Even though it is definitely literary fiction, it never becomes dull or boring.
The narrator - Nadezhda - is warm and engaging and sets a lovely tone, which makes you want to read on and find out what happens to everyone. You soon get drawn into the family members' lives. They are described so beautifully, with little snippets of detail which really bring them to life.
The tractor sections are rather dull - but they are meant to be, as they show the character of the father and what interests him. The extracts from the book he is writing are short and easy to skim anyway.
Some readers may find the Soviet names confusing or hard to read, but I liked this part of the novel, as I studied Russian at University. It is useful to know that Soviets are known by several names. For example, Nikolai Mayevskyj is known by his patronymic in formal situations - Nikolai Alexeevich (Nikolai son of Alexei) - but is also called by a variety of nicknames with a varying range of friendliness, familiarity and affection - Kolya, Kolyusha, Kolka, etc. These are similar to Nick, Nicky and so on.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and really felt I knew most of the characters well. My one criticism would be that I felt Vera and Nadezhda's daughters had hardly any role to play and I would have liked them to feature more.
I would definitely recommend the novel to everyone. While it is not in my all-time top ten list, it is a pleasant read which makes you think and gives you an endearing portrait of family life in all its shades. A SHORT HISTORY OF TRACTORS IN UKRAINIAN by Marina Lewycka Published by Penguin ISBN 0-141-02052-0
Available from usual outlets. I got mine free via a trade at www.readitswapit.co.uk
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