Our Score: ★★★★✩✩✩✩✩✩
GENRE: Cultural Fiction
Selected by Nic - April 2008
SYNOPSIS:
When a ragtag international crew of migrant workers is forced to flee the strawberry fields they have been working in, they set off across England looking for employment. Displaying the same sense of compassion, social outrage, and gift for hilarity that she showed in A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, Marina Lewycka chronicles their bumpy road trip with a tender affection for her downtrodden characters and their search for a taste of the good life.
(Synopsis from GoodReads)
REVIEWS (Contains Spoilers):
Gemma's Thoughts:
The story was easy to follow but at times a bit dull. It did open my eyes towards the harsh conditions immigrants have to face and the hidden underworld that can exist. Having the dog narrate sections of the book I found utterly ridiculous although towards the end I looked forward to finding those parts. I AM DOG!
Nic's Thoughts:
Whilst I was expecting more of a meatier read the author does paint quite a good picture from an immigrants point of view including all the pitfalls they face when coming to England. The reviews I read before reading the book said it was a humorous read however I did not 'laugh out loud' at any point throughout the book. To sum up: an easy, readable book though lacking in any real substance.
Emma's Thoughts:
A memorable book... because it was so bad. Plus, we still refer to it as, "I am Dog"!!
"A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" may be a better bet! (See front cover reference at the bottom).
Maria's Thoughts:
The logic in this book escaped me. A complete waste of my reading time. I scored it 2 - one for each of the caravans! Nothing for the plot.
THE SCORES:
Emma: 4
Gemma: 4
Nic: 3
Maria: 2
Average 4
Let us know what you thought about this book. We would love to read your reviews and know what score you would give it.
If you enjoyed reading this book why not try:
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop
Early One Morning by Virginia Bailey
A Beginners Guide To Acting English by Shappi Khorsandi
Happy reading!
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