Redemption is only ever partial. Ray makes mistakes in his life yet at the last he tries to make some sort of restitution. In this novel, there is fake mysticism, empty promises, infidelity, lost chances and examples of how in extremis people can surprise and surpass themselves. There are also contrasting examples of how returning to one's past can end up - Jan is destroyed by hers, whereas Ray finds renewed purpose and enduring loyalties in his.