I'm afraid I don't know as I haven't read this novel. But typically, in Deshpande's works, the main characters are often individuals caught in the web of family and society.
From a feminist viewpoint, Shashi Deshpande's novels explore themes like gender roles, patriarchy, and women's empowerment. Her works often highlight the challenges women face and their attempts to break free from traditional expectations.
I'm sorry, I haven't read this novel specifically. But generally, a novel by Deshpande might explore themes common in Indian literature such as family, social hierarchies, and the human condition.
The political cartoons of Jimmy Carter usually center around his public image and the major events of his presidency. Themes might include his handling of domestic issues, like inflation, or his role in international conflicts. Sometimes, they might also play on his personality traits or communication style.
The common themes here could potentially be related to challenging societal norms and presenting highly unconventional sexual scenarios. But please be aware that this is not mainstream or widely accepted material.
The establishment of the earliest comic shops is a bit tricky to determine precisely. However, some of the early ones emerged in the late 1960s or early 1970s, mainly in big cities with a growing interest in comics.