The quirky title gives a good indication of what to expect. The book is an eclectic mix of dysfunctional family drama, Ukrainian and Soviet history, social commentary and indeed a little bit of engineering history as well. That works better than you might expect, a little like shifting perspective between different protagonists, and Marina Lewycka uses the shifts away from the main story line (the main drama) to build tension whilst we wait to find out what is developing there. I read in other reviews that apparently the humour didn't appeal to everyone, but perhaps that is always going to the case with humour; I certainly found it amusing in parts.
As I write this review, the Ukraine is once again becoming centre-stage and I suppose a few extra pieces of background about that country can only help our understanding.