Relationships

One of the primary themes running through the novel is relationships. The two primary types of relationships the novel covers are friendships and romantic relationships. Additionally, the novel covers family relationships.

Friendship is the first type of relationship the novel tackles. It seems as if Katie doesn't have many friends because she has just moved to Southport. Additionally, since she is trying to hide from her husband, Katie is also keeping a low profile, which inhibits her from making many friends. This changes, however, when Jo moves into the cottage next door to Katie. For the first time since she got married, Katie finds a true friendship with Jo. They talk, share bottles of wine, give each other advice and help each other. In the end, however, it turns out that Jo wasn't real, but either an illusion or the spirit of Carly.

Romantic relationships are another big...