Delightful, but deceptively titled, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka (2006, Penguin Books, London, 326 pages) deserves its widening reputation as a mini-masterpiece.
Contrary to her title, the author delivers a memorable novel about family life, a story of love, humor, tragedy and hardship, almost everything that folks with a common bloodline might expect to share.
Two combative Ukrainian-British sisters, Vera and Nadezhda, must set aside decades of disputes to defend Nikolai, their aged father, once he decides to marry Valentina, a well-endowed would-be immigrant clinging to misplaced visions of wealth and grandeur. Not much in the story unfolds as the main characters and readers might anticipate.
Puzzling at first, the title emerges from Nikolai’s fascination with tractors and his determination to write their history. He takes delight in reading long passages to anyone within earshot.
Born to Ukrainian parents in a German refugee camp, Lewycka matured in England and teaches at a university there, much like Nadezhda, her narrator. The author relies on a special insight and personal history to tell this tale.
Shortlisted for the Orange Prize and translated into 27 languages, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian deserves high marks from its first page to the last line. For more information: www.penguin.com.
Approval rating: 92 per cent.
(October 4, 2006)
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