Laughter is fruit of "Strawberry Fields"

Marina Lewycka follows her phenomenally funny "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" (nominated for both the Booker and the Orange prizes) with the socially astute, fundamentally satirical "Strawberry Fields."

In England, the book is called "Two Caravans." Perhaps assuming that this title might not translate to American audiences, the publishers may have figured that one more reminiscent of the Beatles' tune might resonate more comfortably on this side of the pond. No matter the title, this is a stunning novel.

Hope and expectations run high for a group of seven immigrant laborers (from Ukraine, Poland, Africa, China, Malaysia) in the "Garden of England." They quickly become "victims of global capitalism," working in the strawberry fields and housed in two caravans — one for men, one for women.

In 48 hours, 19-year-old Irina Blazkho goes from Kiev to Kent, where she meets 25-year-old Andriy Palenko. Professor's daughter Irina and Andriy, a coal miner's son, would have had little chance to meet in their native Ukraine. They share similar fantasies about life in England, based on what they have learned about men and women in their "Let's Talk English" book.

After their supervisor's wife discovers her husband in a compromising situation with their crew boss, the whole group hurriedly sets out on a series of farcical "adventures within this rainstruck land." They become itinerant laborers in London, Dover and Canterbury. Along the way, they encounter Vitaly, a "recruitment consultant" with a few incriminating schemes of his own. There is also an unnamed dog with a significant role — including a speaking part.

Their less-than-idyllic pilgrimage in search of "dreams and ideals" includes a startling sojourn at a chicken ranch amid a "storm of feathers and dust and stench and din." This set piece of about 15 pages raises the comic level of the novel to Rabelaisian proportions. It may also cause shudders in the poultry aisles.

"Strawberry Fields" stands along the best of Zadie Smith and Monica Ali. It is sometimes outrageous, sometimes bawdy and constantly entertaining.