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The major themes of the novel are closely tied to the concern with a woman's role in society. Steel often writes about women's self-fulfillment, and society's expectations of a woman's place are often at odds with the heroine's desire to forge her own place and live by her own rules. Certainly, India Taylor is no extremist who wishes to redefine the definition of womanhood by radical means; rather, she simply wants what most modern women want today—the ability to find a delicate and gratifying balance among the various roles she plays: wife, mother, career woman, and individual.

Characteristically, Steel also explores the theme of marital relationships. Doug and India's marriage, at least in Doug's mind, is more business contract than loving covenant. He feels that his wife must completely sacrifice herself for marriage and family and, thus, completely lose her "selfhood."

India, on the other hand...