Nazi Germany
The main theme portrayed in the novel is that of Nazi Germany, precisely of how the lives of regular people were affected during the time. It shows how easily lives and dreams were crushed and friendships and love monitored and forbidden. Fear and uncertainty looms in the air. The messages heard on the radio are filled with hatred, demand of submission and fear-mongering. Freedom of speech and freedom in general is being taken away from people. The novel portrays a glimpse of atmosphere and life of Nazi Germany before the disaster strikes.
Love
Where does love stand in a place where love is monitored and censored? One of the characters, Gerti, is hopelessly in love with a boy whose mother is Jewish. Throughout the novel, we get glimpses of them trying to get together, and they finally do at the party. They are abruptly separated by the boy's mother, who is disgusted by his interest in an Aryan girl and love ends there. Liska and Algin lose interest in each other, and they both seek attention of someone else. Algin finds comfort in despicable Betty who pretends to be friends with Liska, and Liska hopelessly runs after Heine, who never even throws a glimpse at her. Love seems to be a hopeless cause. Only Sanna ends up at her lover's side, but with the sacrifice of security and safety.
