A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Technical
  • ID: 10534
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780141900520
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2006-03-02
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is a hilarious and moving debut novel that explores the complex dynamics of family relationships. Sisters Vera and Nadezhda must put aside a lifetime of feuding to protect their widowed, tractor-obsessed Ukrainian father from the manipulative Valentina, who has her eyes on his fortune. As they battle to oust Valentina, the sisters uncover long-buried family secrets and delve into fifty years of European and Ukrainian history. The novel captures the peculiar flavor of Eastern European immigrant life and offers a rich mixture of humor, compassion, and historical insight.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight's Blog · 2024-02-15
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging narrative that weaves together themes of love, family, migration, and the impact of historical forces on ordinary people. It is noted for its ability to make complex historical events accessible and relatable.

This review highlights the book's strength in storytelling, particularly its ability to blend personal and historical narratives seamlessly. The reviewer appreciates how the book handles heavy topics like war and migration with a light touch, making it both informative and entertaining. They also note the book's humor and the way it portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.


Quick quotes

    The story told in the book is very interesting.

    It is about love, family, migration, war, the forces of history and how they impact normal people.

    The narrative is engaging and makes complex historical events accessible.

Martina Topic's Blog · 2023-07-04
mixed 3.00

The book is generally well-received, but the portrayal of Valentina is criticized as overly negative. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of family dynamics and historical context but finds the characterization of Valentina problematic.

The reviewer finds the book to be a good read overall, particularly in its depiction of family relationships and the historical backdrop of Ukrainian migration. However, they express discomfort with the characterization of Valentina, feeling that she is portrayed as one-dimensional and villainous. They suggest that a more nuanced portrayal would have enhanced the story's depth and complexity.


Quick quotes

    A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is a good book except for this evil portrayal of Valentina.

    I would have much preferred a more nuanced portrayal of Valentina.

    The book explores family dynamics and historical context well.

The Independent · 2005-03-16
humorous 4.00

The book is described as a spirited comedy that effectively portrays the experiences of a displaced Ukrainian family. It is noted for its humor and its ability to address serious issues with a light-hearted approach.

This review emphasizes the book's comedic elements and its ability to tackle serious subjects like displacement and cultural assimilation with a sense of humor. The reviewer appreciates the book's setting in 1990s Peterborough and the way it brings to life the experiences of a Ukrainian family navigating a new culture. They also note the book's relevance to contemporary discussions about immigration and identity.


Quick quotes

    This spirited comedy about a displaced Ukrainian family is set in 1990s Peterborough.

    The book effectively portrays the experiences of a displaced Ukrainian family.

    It addresses serious issues with a light-hearted approach.