Generations
The novel spans three generations of the same family, beginning with Celia, following her children and then her grandchildren. Whilst Celia is a staunch advocator of a Cuban rebellion, her children feel differently. Specifically, Javier believes in making peace with the US and traveling to western nations. This often puts the children at odds with their mother.
Love
At the start of the novel, Celia is desperately in love with Gustavo but he has to leave to return to Spain, which leaves her heartbroken. Hoping to jump in on her moment of weakness, Jorge asks for her hand in marriage, hoping that one day she would reciprocate his feelings. However, this does not end up being the case and instead the unrequited love turns Jorge into a pitiful, jealous and cruel man.
Identity
Identity is a point of contention for many of the characters due to their respective generations. Celia is strongly committed to being a proud Cuban and has no desire to acclimate to western ways. Alternately, her daughter Lourdes is happy to make a new life for herself in America and shed her Cuban roots. However, it is Pilar who struggles the most, being tied down by her Cuban culture but growing up in American society.
