The Moscoviad

The three novels are not logically connected but all of them feature the postmodern style and deal with the same type of the protagonist — a picaresque Ukrainian poet.

The Moscoviad depicts the adventures of Otto Vilgelmovych von F. which take place in the course of one summer day in 1991 in Moscow shown as a diverse, multicultural and disorganized city controlled by KGB and having imperial ambitions.

The text is written in a rich and vivid language, exhibiting the elements of magic realism and mentioning multiple historical and cultural figures.

Although the novel has one clearly defined plot of action, the narrative is sometimes interrupted by the hero's reminiscences as well as by his appeals to the fictitious Ukrainian king Olelko the Second.

Other non-linear elements include alternative outcomes (endings) and multiple references to famous historical and cultural figures who do not appear directly in the novel.

Returning from the shower to his room, he discovers his three older friends (Yura Holitsyn, Arnold Horobets and Boris Roitman) who talk him into going to a disreputable bar with them.

At Halya's he consumes some vodka, makes love to her, and, after getting into fight with her, narrowly escapes, leaving his cloak and audio-cassette with Mike Oldfield's music behind.

Once inside, he sees a number of masked figures who represent the powerful leaders from the Russian history – Ivan the Terrible, Lenin, Dzerzhinsky etc.

A mysterious figure in a black pantyhose pulled over its head announces a plan to amass the power of the Empire at the expense of subjugating other countries (Finland, France, Israel etc.)