Jimi Hendrix Live in Lviv

NBCC/Barrios Prize winner Kurkov (Grey Bees) blends magical realism and absurd comedy for a charming portrait of 2011 Lviv, Ukraine. Among the endearing characters are Taras, a cab driver who specializes in helping people find relief from their kidney stones by offering bumpy rides; his kindly friend Oksana, who works at a homeless shelter; and Alik, a frequent visitor to the shelter who’s not actually homeless. Alik, an aging hippie, meets ex-KGB captain Ryabtsev, a self-described “secret hippy sympathizer,” who apologizes to Alik for spying on him and the city’s other longhairs back in the ’60s. Both remain big fans of the late Jimi Hendrix, and in one hilarious scene, they argue over who was responsible for obtaining one of Hendrix’s hands after his death in 1970 and burying it in Lviv. Later, Ryabtsev recounts how the city was built on an ancient seabed and claims the sea is making its return, as evidenced by the recent appearance of flocks of seagulls and salty breezes, prompting Alik to band with Ryabtsev to save Lviv. Entertaining hijinks ensue, and their mission culminates in a satisfying denouement. Kurkov’s fans will soak this up. (Aug.)