For me, the meaning of this book is the contrast between the natural world and the human being. This is very evident in the scene at lake baikal in siberia where the character D dips his toes in the water of this scared lake it is like a religious experience. Christianson in this scene is showing how the frail and weak human being is when it stands next to the magnificence an timeless splendor of nature. D feels out of place and knows that he truly does not belong next to such a wonder but is compelled to do so as he feels that just maybe he will become a stronger and more rounded being following such an immersion. I really loved this book. It was slow moving at the beginning but once siberia comes into view it takes on a whole new energy.