Resurrection
The main theme of the novel, as given from its contents is the resurrection. It thematizes the possibility of being given a chance to relive one's life over and over again, making choices and seeing where those choices can lead. It shows how one simple choice, such as deciding to follow a sister into the water, can lead to devastating consequences and how life is made out of crucial choices which can determine one's way of life. With each given opportunity, Ursula is able to sense when to make a right choice which leads to an entire unexpected turn of events connected to the Second World War.
Family
Family dynamics are also a crucial theme explored in the novel. We are given a first-hand insight into Ursula's imperfect family. The description of parents plays a large part. We have a strict and conservative mother figure, a mother which reflects her own choices onto her own daughters, forcing them to sacrifice themselves as she did, cruelly judging their misbehavior, and essentially unable to form genuine connections with them. On the other hand, there is a more compassionate father, who balances out the parental dynamics and who puts his children above everything. Sibling connections are also richly described, with some being selfish and cruel like Maurice, some compassionate, protected and protective like Teddy.
