_dunno_'s review against another edition
2.0
Now, if anyone's interested in reading Marina Lewycka, a piece of unrequested advice: stick to [b:A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|828387|A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|Marina Lewycka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1230834822s/828387.jpg|4240781] and (probably) [b:Two Caravans|1740908|Two Caravans|Marina Lewycka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1187640835s/1740908.jpg|2086107] - I haven't read the latter but I listened to the author reading from + talking about it and it seems pretty interesting.
As for this one, the glue (holding together the way too many characters and subplots) is the thing this book needs most, despite the author's constant references to it.
As for this one, the glue (holding together the way too many characters and subplots) is the thing this book needs most, despite the author's constant references to it.
comeintothegraveyardmary's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dark_lyn's review
4.0
I loved this book. At first it reminded me of Mad Men Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute by Maggie Groff but it ended up being so much more than that. As well as a cast of lovable, quirky characters there's also a fascinating exploration of historical events and their significance to the present day as well as life in general. Plus a little mystery thrown in.
The only negative point I could mention is that I felt the sex scene was almost a bit much, but it was story driven and not excessively long so I've come to the conclusion that it was justified.
The only negative point I could mention is that I felt the sex scene was almost a bit much, but it was story driven and not excessively long so I've come to the conclusion that it was justified.
tessanie's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcohol, Deportation, Sexual content, and War
lynsey1889's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
Good ideas but bizarrely executed. A bit all over the place. Finished it quite quickly but quite forgettable.
gnoe's review
Fun and easy read that unexpectedly taught me some lessons about WWII and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
jaibee's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable read, but not one that I couldn't put down.
katrinkirjat's review against another edition
4.0
Mua vähän harmittaa se, että tästä olis voinut saada täysien pisteiden kirjan, mutta pari juttua tökki ja sitten tähän olisi voinut heittää vielä jonkun oikein mehevän jutun sekaan. Mutta oikein mukava lukuromaani. Syy siihen, että lukeminen vei näin kauan ei tosiaan ollut kirjassa, vaan lukijassa.
elygreen's review
4.0
Okay, I officially ADORE this author! I enjoyed her first book (A short history of tractors in Ukrainian) but I found it very painful to read since it was a very touchy subject regarding my past and that of Eastern Europe countries. I laughed myself silly over her second book (Two caravans) since it was a carefree adventure ride; but boy oh boy, THIS was a treasure!!! I simply ran through it in 2 days, savouring every page!
The story was witty, her language superb, her capacity for making each character sparkle-wonderful! And her trademark political and historical sub plot made it all the more enjoyable. For the first time in my life I actually understood the whole Iraq vs Palestine affair, uncovering deep and dark secrets, saving families and protecting historical houses on the way.
Hats off to Ms. Lewycka. May she keep the novels coming.
The story was witty, her language superb, her capacity for making each character sparkle-wonderful! And her trademark political and historical sub plot made it all the more enjoyable. For the first time in my life I actually understood the whole Iraq vs Palestine affair, uncovering deep and dark secrets, saving families and protecting historical houses on the way.
Hats off to Ms. Lewycka. May she keep the novels coming.