This novel is about a few different things. It's an immigrant story, first of all, but it isn't the typical hero story of an immigrant who comes to America and works hard to make a better life. Instead, Vladimir accepts a job where very little is expected of him where he earns very little. Then he tries to keep up with the Jones's, so to speak, and he ends up becoming desperately in debt. This novel seems to be about the various ways that Vladimir's poor decision-making afflicts him, removing various components of his safety and autonomy.
For instance, it's bad enough to be in debt, but instead of dealing with that the way a normal person would, by working harder and making better decisions, Vladimir has the bright idea to sell his debt to the mafia. Unsurprisingly, he ends up like a slave to the mob bosses who treat him as such. By the end of the novel, this association proves punishing.
The relationship between the mob bosses and Vladimir is seen most clearly when Jordi treats him like a prostitute, and he pressures Vladimir to have sex but Vladimir isn't even attracted to men. The reader should wonder here if that is the exact point of the ordeal. This mob boss is using sexual domination as a way of subjecting Vladimir to his will, which is exactly what the other mob bosses do in different ways. In other words, Vladimir is dire straights. This nearly-averted rape ends up being the second-worst fate that befalls him though, and ultimately he pays for his debts through the mafia's violence. They beat him nearly to death, but he survives for a second chance at life.
