a short history of tractors in ukrainian by marina lewycka

The Background of “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian”

“A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian” is the debut novel of Marina Lewycka, a British novelist of Ukrainian origin. Published in 2005, the novel gained popularity in the UK, where it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. The novel is a saga of Ukrainian immigrants in modern England and explores themes such as family ties, cultural identity, and the challenges of migration.

The Plot of “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian”

The novel revolves around the lives of two Ukrainian sisters residing in England, Nadia and Vera. Vera, the elder sister, is a war widow, and Nadia is a successful mathematician. The family is torn apart when their father, a Ukrainian immigrant, announces his intention to marry Valentina, a voluptuous young Ukrainian woman, despite being fifty years senior to her.The two sisters come together to prevent their father from making this foolish decision, but they soon realize that Valentina is not the only problem they face. They uncover a sinister plot by their father's young bride to con him out of his money and property. In the course of the novel, Nadia and Vera struggle to reconcile their past with their present and try to come to terms with their complex identities.

The Literary Significance

The novel addresses several themes and tackles universal human issues. Themes like migration, border-crossing, and cultural identity delved in the novel finds universal applicability. “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian” is not just a family saga, but also a social commentary on Ukrainian identity, both in Ukraine and the diaspora.The novel has received critical acclaim for its quality, and it has been praised for its deftly woven narrative and humor. The novel transcended the Ukrainian diaspora community and became popular in the UK and worldwide, where it continues to be popular among book clubs and reading groups.

Conclusion

“A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian” is an engaging novel that explores the complexities of family relationships while discussing themes that find universal applicability. The novel presents a nuanced view of Ukraine, both in terms of its contemporary society and its complex history. The novel is a testament to Lewycka's lyrical prose, the ability to blend humor and dark subjects, and her capacity to create deeply nuanced characters that resonate with the readers. This debut novel announces Lewycka's arrival on the literary scene and promises a great literary career ahead.

Reference

Lewycka, M. (2005). A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian. New York: Penguin Books.