What is the author's tone in The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton?

The book's setting shifts almost constantly. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to keep up with what school or what church on what continent Merton is talking about. Plus, the book covers several major events in the twentieth century—World War I, the American Great Depression, with World War II being the largest. Though the book, and to some extent Merton's thoughts, are informed by his surroundings, for the most part the story seems one that could take place in any century. Merton mentions historical events and even seems concerned about them but also seems detached. Again, his story is an inward one.