But that's how religious novels often go. There is no story, and none was intended; they're a collection of lessons for believers. It's been that way since _The Pilgrim's Progress_ was published in 1678. At least these days we name our characters (If you've never read The Pilgrim's Progress, characters are just named things like "Christian", "Mr. Worldly Wiseman", and "Mr. Legality"). Based on your review, it sounds to me like this novel is in that standard tradition.