Written 2 years before Russia invaded Crimea and 10 years before they would invade the Ukraine, Zhadan's novel seems prescient in illustrating why the invasion hasn't yet succeeded. For Zhadan, Ukrainians are a distinct, proud people that look out for each-other in the face of "outsiders" whether they be Russians, gangsters, capitalists, etc. The comparison to Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting seems to go deeper than just the similarity in prose. Ukrainians are cast as the Scots of the former USSR--downtrodden and bereft of economic opportunity, they turn to crime and/or religion to get them through but ultimately it's their camaraderie which gives them a distinct national identity.

"So, you're saying it's all about gratitude and responsibility?" I asked.
"Yep," he said, nodding. "Gratitude and responsibility."