comment on theme

The characters in Women of Silk often struggled with loneliness. Pei, the main character, felt much discomfort while living at home with her family. Their home was devoid of laughter and the silences outnumbered the conversations. She was not alone, however, because she had the companionship of her sister, Li. Pei didn't know it, but her mother was lonely, too. Her mother was naturally more outgoing, and had grown up in an exuberant family, but had learned that she must talk less to please her husband. When Pei was dropped off at the girls' house, she found herself utterly alone. Pei's sense of loneliness continued to haunt her throughout the book. Even once she had made friends, she still longed for a deeper connection. For example, when Pei and Mei-li were invited for dinner at Su-lung's home, Pei eagerly accepted because she yearned for a family. Even after so many years away from home, she was trying to fill the inner emptiness she felt after having been abandoned by her fathe