A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian

by Tanika Gupta (Adapter), Marina Lewycka

Nikolai, an 86 year old retired Ukrainian engineer and tractor historian in Peterborough, has fallen in love with 36 year old Valentina. His daughters, Vera and Nadezhda, who have not spoken to one another since their mother's death, unite in horror to defend their father and what remains of his pension.But is Valentina a refugee searching for better opportunities, or a bogus visa seeker trying to cheat a vulnerable old man? Growing closer to her sister, and unearthing some family history from which she has previously been shielded, Nadezhda finally understands the animosity between Vera and her father. Award-winning writer Tanika Gupta has created a wonderful re-telling of this dark family comedy, adapted from the bestselling novel by Marina Lewycka for the stage. It explores the hopes and hardships of immigrants, and how past experiences can shape families and relationships.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2017

Reviews

[L.A. Starks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play has some wonderfully-drawn, evocative characters. While the message is more down-to-earth than side-splittingly funny, the approach (with a nod toward Tolstoy) and the offbeat poetry make this a thoroughly refreshing read.

Recommended!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny but sad topic
Older man, Ukrainian living in England tries to help young beautiful woman and her supposedly gifted son to move to England
Modern day
Nod to immigration and citizenship problems

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful! This is the play, not the novel. I bought it thinking it was the novel and was unable to return it on Kindle. That being said, I enjoyed the play!

[Jane L Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The version I got was a play, not an historical novel. That said, it was a farce, complete with humor, history, imagery and unreal characters. I appreciated its writing and its historical accuracy. Ukraine has suffered and has been denigrated, and after reading this play, I have am more knowledgeable about its tragic history under the Soviets and the exploitation of its so-called leaders after the dissolution of the USSR. I only hope that its leaders today can restore security, prosperity and dignity to these wonderful, talented people.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, a bit too stereotypical for my taste.