Homeland
The most recurring motif in the book is homeland. Gabriel seems averse to return to his homeland but he had to go to Israel in order to get his grandmother's property. After coming to Israel, he wanted to leave as soon as possible for him but he gers to know that his grandmother was alive and he had to stay there until her death. Gabriel had no attachment towards his country while his grandmother was an orthodox Jew who loved Israel and hated the Arab Muslims who were living there. Another character who loved his land was Naim. He was banished from his homeland owing to his relationship with Dafi but the love of country was still ingrained in him.
Emotional Connection
Another motif in the book is lack of emotional connection between family members. Gabriel had no bonding or love for hus grandmother and he only came to Israel to inherit her property. He waits for her death during his stay there. He demonstrates a materialistic attitude because his sole concern was his grandmother's property. The lack of emotional connection is also evident in the relationship of Adam and Asya. After the death of their son, they were living like strangers and once they thought why they were still living under one roof because there was no love between them. Dafi's relationship with her parents was also a callous one because they ignore her and she make various attempts to grab their attention.
Naim
Naim symbolizes the Arab Muslims who were living with the Jews and despite of taking care of the Jews, they faced hatred. Vechuda hates Naim just because he was an Arab. His ethnic identity lead him to suffer the prejudiced behavior of Vechuda but he didn't stop caring for her. He performed his duty with complete devotion and his live for dafi was also beyond apprehensions. His banishment from Israel symbolizes the displacement of Arabs from Israel.
Gabriel
Gabriel symbolizes an angel for Adam and his family. In their static lives, he brought some change through his arrival. Adam found a friend in the form of Gabriel and after his disappearance, he tried his best to find him. He roams everywhere to find Gabriel and finally he found him after relentless struggle. Gabriel also fulfills the vacuum in Asya's life by indulging in a physical relationship with her. After the death of her son, she shared no bond with her husband but Gabriel shares that bond with her. It was during Gabriel's disappearance that Dafi finds her love. In the absence of her family she embraces Naim and demonstrates her love for him.
