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David Guterson describes the settings of the novel in great detail. We are left wondering whether this was done purposely and whether it is supposed to have some symbolic significance to the story. The conclusion that can be reached by the question is yes. Guterson obviously described the setting in the story in great detail because just like his other seemingly unimportant narratives give meaning to the novel, this might do so too. Also, it …

…gift in associating the characters of his book through the settings and bringing out their inner self through the surroundings. Many of the character’s personalities seem to be interweaved with the mood of the surroundings. Therefore, the reason that the author provides such detail in the surroundings and seems to take his time to describe them so profusely may be because he may be trying to convey an indirect message through the surroundings themselves.