A DOUBTER S ALMANAC

The theme of the book is the nature of genius. A doctor, near the end of the novel, delivers an interesting interpretation as to why so many math geniuses flirt with paranoia and madness. He calls it "God's revenge" because such people comprehend the nature of the universe in a way that the rest of us ordinary folk simply cannot comprehend. They get too close to God. But the other great theme of the book is how human feeling and compassion can coexist with such brilliance and can ultimate win out. Hans is not perfect -- and Milo is a very difficult, self-destructive persona -- but there is a reconciliation that happens that provides a true human heart to this absorbing novel.