Readers will find a cathartic familiarity in the constant bickering and reluctant alliances between the two sisters as they navigate their shared family crisis.
The story masterfully shifts from the absurdity of the father's obsession with tractors to the heartbreaking revelations of what the family endured during the war.
The presence of the manipulative and outrageous Valentina provides a perfect, high stakes source of tension that keeps the reader rooting for her downfall.
The book functions like a detective story where the protagonists discover that their parents were complex people with secrets long before they were ever just mother and father.
A parent might reach for this book when their older teenager is beginning to grapple with the complexities of caring for aging grandparents or witnessing the messy realities of adult family dynamics. While the title sounds technical, the story is actually a sharp, darkly comedic look at two estranged sisters who must reunite to save their elderly father from a manipulative newcomer. It is an honest exploration of how trauma from the 'old country' can ripple through generations, affecting how children see their parents. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing elder care, the immigrant experience, and the way family history shapes our present. It is most appropriate for mature teens due to its sophisticated wit and adult themes.