The Need for Love

The need for love in the book is a theme that is focused on for two different sets of characters. Sam Conklin and Maggie O'Donnel are archeology grad students that are trapped together in the caverns after Guillermo Sala detonates a grenade at the entrance. Maggie and Sam both have what could be described as "survivors guilt" because of what they lived through as children. This allows them to understand each other in many respects, although they do not act on their feelings for each other. Sam will push Maggie away and she also will keep her distance. Both of these characters seem to shove their feelings aside because they work together and need to remain professional. It won't be until the end of the story that Sam realizes it is love and the people that you have around you that allows you to live...