During a trip on the Trans Siberia Express, an older abbot and his companion, a young physicist, discover love, each in his own way. They travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, calling in on some eighteen cities along the way. In each city the abbot answers questions from the local congregation. These penetrating lessons of life are enhanced by private conversations between the abbot and his companion - and other people they meet. The humanistic, 'enlightenment' nature of the Lessons, increasingly brings the abbot in conflict with the Church. His companion gradually realises that real life is much more interesting than his scientific occupations. The long trip through the vast Siberian emptiness leads both of them to a fierce inner struggle, which culminates in a dramatic ending. What readers say"A view in the life of someone with a staggering amount of knowledge and experience. Still, like any human, he searches for a hold, or rather, for love"."A book that celebrates tolerance and understanding is exactly what we need in our time. Written with a gentle and humane touch, it is for those who want to live their life consciously"."Original, insightful, full of humour and a thrilling travel story. Despite the criticism on the dogmatic sides of the Church it is a deeply religious book".The authorHans Wissema (www.wissema.com) is a prominent Dutch management consultant, entrepreneur, personal mentor and professor emeritus at the Delft University of Technology. All his life he has coached people in their personal and professional development and this book is a result of the experience. Earlier he wrote books about various aspects of management. This is his first novel that has been translated into Dutch and Bulgarian.