Most of Steel's novels explore the theme of love and relationships; Bittersweet is no exception. Many of her heroines are like India Taylor, trapped in a loveless marriage and fiercely desiring to find a mate who appreciates her for who she is while allowing her to pursue interests deeply important to her. India is somewhat reminiscent of Paxton Andrews of Message from Nam.

Both are women who risk personal safety by traveling to unstable countries and situations so that they may pursue the kinds of stories and images upon which their careers and, consequently, their passions, rely.

One thing that exhibits the development of Steel's work is the age of the main character. Unlike the twenty-and thirty-somethings of previous books, India is forty-three and has already settled down with a husband and children. The characters seem to be getting older as the writer herself and her...