The Lubetkin Legacy

The Lubetkin Legacy is another mad sprawling story from Marina Lewycka. Berthold lives with his elderly mother in Madeley Court, a tower block built by the celebrated architect Lubetkin. She is adamant that Berthold should not lose the flat when she dies so he enlists Inna, his mother's neighbour in the hospital ward in a madcap scheme to impersonate his mother so he can inherit the tenancy. Intertwined with Berthold's story is that of Violet, a young woman temporarily living in the flat next door who has just started a job with a large insurance firm. These two threads mingle, but never completely cohere - it does feel a bit like there are two separate books trying to get out.It's a rambling farce of a story, populated by characters from every corner of the globe. Underlying it all though is a thread of anger - at the bedroom tax, at benefit sanctions, about corruption, zero hours contracts, the exploitation of the poor.It's all quite bonkers and great fun, but it's also a bit rambling and confused. Good, but not her best.

I have loved Lewycka's previous books but I was a bit disappointed in this one. We follow various characters but I never really got a hold and liked any of them. The Ukrainian woman seems to be dragged din just to provide us with humour. And what , of what happened at the end- suddenly everything neatly tied up with no real character involvement. Did the author just think- help done enough pages now? Especially from the Keyan angle, I won't spoil it. Its readable but disappointing.

I love Marina Lewycka books. I love her style of writing and this does not disappoint. Bertie adopts an old lady in hospital after his mother dies, in order to hang on to his council flat. Of course, nothing goes smoothly and the result is a very funny story!

Nice little romp, good for a holiday read with some laugh out loud moments but the characters are stereotypical which makes for an uncomfortable read at times. This book is not her best by a long shot.

I've much enjoyed this writer's books and this one doesn't disappoint. She has a delightful way of addressing social and political issues while putting them into context via a plethora of minutely observed characters...I will really miss Violet, Bertie and Legless Len. Charming and touching...

In my opinion Marina Lewycka is the modern Dickens: heart, humour, exposing the effect of rampant capitalism on people's lives - it's all there. What a breath of fresh air in the current climate. Hope she's working on the next book.....

Well written, very dry, very humorous and excellent observation of people. Marina understands people it must be because she lived in Sheffield - the centre of all life in the Uk

Another brilliant novel from Lewycka. I loved two caravans and I loved this one, set in a multi cultural council tower block in North London. I laughed, I cried, I want more.