A ‘Reading for Wellbeing’ recommended read!
A short history of tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
This beautifully enjoyable novel helped me to think differently and more positively about ageing, the loss of independence that accompanies it, and the impact this has on the individual. The author paints a very human picture of the older man in the story, and enables the reader to see the funny side of ageing. Far from victimising the older character, the author depicts old age as just another stage in life that we must go through, part and parcel of life.
This novel isn’t actually about ageing, but about families, their eccentricities and complex histories. However the older man is central to the story and therefore ageing is a central theme and is what stayed with me after reading it.
I think this book can be helpful to anyone who is finding it hard to deal with the fact that a loved one is ageing rapidly and the impact this has on our relationship with them. It’s also an enjoyable read, one that left me with more than I had expected.
