Although Kurkov is Ukrainian, he is part of the Russian-speaking population in the Ukraine. His novels feature a sharp and sarcastic tone while taking a closer look at post-soviet society. In his latest novel »Jimi Hendrix Live in Lemberg« (»Jimi Hendrix live in Lviv«) former hippies meet former KGB-agents and drink Vodka together. His novel is chock full of surrealistic elements: Lviv smells of the sea. And due to electrical storms sweeping the streets, the birds turn aggressive. Yet despite these absurd situations that alienate everyday life in the Ukraine, Kurkov always maintains affection for his protagonists.