The central theme of this novel is the importance and power of family. The members of the Kurc family are devoted to one another, and their key motivation throughout the trials of WWII revolves around trying to protect the family. Even through their darkest times, it is the love of family that sustains them.

Addy’s long-term separation from his family weighs heavily upon his heart and mind. Not knowing the fate of his family prevents Addy from looking to the future, making it impossible for him to find happiness with Eliska. One of the first traits that draws Addy to Caroline is how she understands how much his family means to him and how much he misses them. Addy draws strength from the handkerchief, a token that connects him to his family. Similarly, Addy turns to music, particularly the works of Polish composer Chopin, for comfort in his family’s absence.

The bond of family also compels the Kurcs in Europe to push themselves through hardships they would have not believed themselves capable of enduring. Halina refuses to endanger her family by admitting that she is a Jew in the Montelupich prison, so she suffers starvation and beatings.