MCLAUGHLIN, HOOLEY

A boat ride up the Ob River in northern Siberia begins this remarkable journey. In a pioneer village of reindeer herders, nomadic skin tents, and mud, Hooley McLaughlin struggles with his system of moral values. He is a scientist working for a Canadian museum. Should he bring back a local sculptor for a display on traditional native life, or should he listen to his growing personal doubts that everything is acceptable in the modern pursuit of knowledge?
Further into Siberia to the ruined remains of the Gulag railroad, the author recognizes in himself the passionate feelings of achievement associated with this grandiose and horrendous project of the 20th century. A railroad that crosses the entire Arctic region of Siberia is a product of our great scientific and technological advancements, but it comes with a terrible cost-millions upon millions of lives were lost during its construction.
In story after story, we become participants in the author's personal struggle. The destinations may be remote, but the distance is short. At the end of our exploring, in the darkness of our confusion, perhaps we can understand the true nature of things. The answer lies not in accepting a final plan or purpose for the world, but in the realization that we are interactive participants in our destinies.