The sense of history is also very common. Used books carry the marks of the past, both physically and in the stories they hold. In '84, Charing Cross Road', the used books being sold are a connection to different times and places, and the letters between the buyer and seller are like a time capsule. A used book can be a window into another era, and this is often explored in such novels.
Another theme is the value of the written word beyond its material state. Even though a used book may be tattered or old, the words inside still have the power to transform, inspire, or educate. In 'The Book Thief', the stolen used books become a source of comfort and growth for the main character, Liesel. Despite being second - hand, they are precious.
One common theme is the discovery of hidden knowledge. In many such novels, the used books act as vessels of forgotten or little - known information. For example, in a story, a character might find an old, tattered book in a used - book store and as they read it, they uncover secrets about the past, be it historical events, family secrets, or cultural insights.
One common theme is the suppression of knowledge. When books are burned, it's often a sign that those in power don't want the general public to have access to certain ideas or information. For example, in 'Fahrenheit 451', the government burns books to keep the people ignorant and easier to control.
Well, infidelity is a common theme. In 'Gone Girl', the idea of cheating and the breakdown of trust is central to the story. Another theme is self - discovery. In 'The Rosie Project', the main character discovers a lot about himself through his relationship and potential marriage to Rosie. Also, power dynamics within a marriage are often explored. In 'The Husband's Secret', the secrets held by the husband give him a certain power over his wife, and when those secrets are revealed, it changes the power dynamic completely.
One common theme could be the struggle for power. Gangs might use a man's wife as a way to assert their dominance over him. For example, in some fictional stories, they may hold her hostage to make the man do their bidding, like stealing or providing information. Another theme could be the woman's own agency within this horrible situation. Sometimes, she might find ways to outwit the gang, either by using her wits or by forming alliances with other characters who oppose the gang.
One common drug in fiction books is opium. For example, in some historical fiction set in the 19th century, opium dens are often described. Another is laudanum, which was a popular opium - based medicine in the past and is frequently mentioned in Victorian - era fiction. And cocaine also appears in some older detective or noir fiction as a drug that certain characters might use.
Love and lust is also a prevalent theme. There is often a blurring of the lines between true love and pure physical attraction. In 'The Great Gatsby', Daisy and Gatsby's relationship seems to be a mix of both. Gatsby is in love with the idea of Daisy from his past, and there is a strong element of lust in their connection as well.
One common theme is the passage of time. Old books carry the mark of the era they were written in, and novels about them often explore how different the world was then. Another theme is the mystery. Old books may hold secrets, like hidden messages or forgotten stories. For example, in 'The Shadow of the Wind', the old book the boy finds has a mystery behind it that spans generations. Also, the theme of preservation can be there. People in these novels might be trying to preserve old books from destruction, either physically or by passing on their stories. It's like in 'The Book Thief' where Liesel's stealing of books can be seen as a form of preservation in a war - torn world.
Morality is another big theme. The act of cloning raises many moral questions, like whether it is right to create human - like clones. In 'The House of the Scorpion', we see the moral implications of using clones for various purposes, such as labor and organ donation.
Often, there's the theme of identity. The books might be linked to a person's identity or the identity of an unknown author. In 'The Thirteenth Tale', the mystery of the author's true identity is a central part of the story. Also, the theme of the past haunting the present is common. Old books can bring to light long - forgotten events or wrongdoings that need to be resolved in the present day, like in 'The Shadow of the Wind' where the past events related to the book keep surfacing.
Survival is a major theme. Characters often have to fight against the extreme hardships and atrocities of the Holocaust to stay alive. For example, in 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak, the main character Liesel Meminger has to endure the chaos of Nazi - occupied Germany while trying to preserve some semblance of normal life.