Readers will witness a chronicle interwoven with Austrian trivial myths. The Austro-Shocker reports on the vulnerability of democratically elected politicians to the interests of lobbies and banks; on the efforts of Christian fundamentalist forces to establish a reactionary theocracy. The most important heads of state in the world make appearances, providing insight into their bizarre to grotesque behaviors.

In grappling with the timeless pettiness of humanity and the recurring theme of a physically and emotionally painful gender struggle, the novel presents a picturesque panorama of our cultural sphere.

The drastic encounters with pain of all kinds on one hand—and the wickedly humorous narrative tone on the other—give the text existential depth and burlesque flavor. The disregard for politically correct imperatives is a characteristic trait of this sensational chronicle. This is further highlighted by the use of evocative names in the tradition of Nestroy, Schwab, or Herzmanovsky-Orlando.

'Zapfenstreich für Österreich' is a trip full of incredibilities, a pompously juicy farewell to outdated structures, illustrated through a fictional Austrian present.

Ralos Znarf: With 'Zapfenstreich für Österreich,' I aimed to take a jab at human self-righteousness.