Review: Unique perspective
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 28, 2013
The book follows the Russian entrepreneur Vladimir as the world changes with the collapse of the Soviet union. The character Vladimir  does what he can to protect his financial interests before his encounter with Anastasia. After a visit to Siberia in order to secure some supply deals with the locals he meets some mysterious men who beg him to help with the ringing cedars. Not wanting to waste time Vladimir tells them no but the situation had not left him for over a year when he returns to the same Siberian village. He asks about the whereabouts of the men and the meets a young woman who goes by Anastasia.Anastasia has lived for the most part separated from the social constraints of mankind. She has a unique perspective on many things in life, some which Vladimir shares with us. The best way to describe Anastasia would be a naturalist like I have never heard of. She has a special relationship with forest animals according to the author. She also seems to have garnished quite a bit of knowledge about plant life. Despite her seclusion from man's world she does seem to be aware of many of its problems. She helps Vladimir to see the error of his ways and the emptiness of the selfish gratification that most people seek.Anastasia's unique perspective on life, the potential of man, and the purposes of the Universe is moving. While I can not say that I agree necessarily with everything this woman said according to Vladimir's account, I did sense a resonance that man is not fulfilling his potential. I have always felt there is something more to man's purpose and I think Anastasia's world view is worth looking into.