Survival
The main theme of the memoir is the power of the human spirit to overcome what would seem to be physically insurmountable; Heda herself says that it is much easier to survive seemingly impossible physical situations and survive than it is to passively relinquish control to others and wait to die. Heda overcomes so many situations that are potentially un-survivable and not only finds a way to survive, but to overcome and thrive as well. It was highly unusual to survive a death march, let alone escape one. Even finding herself in the situation of being ostracized by her former friends did not kill her and she found a way to survive. Head had the spirit to survive despite every threat and every incident that happened that was a threat to her and this is the central theme of the memoir.
Orwellian Politics
In "Animal Farm", George Orwell's allegorical novel about government, it is stated that "all animals are equal but some are more equal than others" and this premise is one of the main themes of the memoir. Under the fist of fascism people believe that an alternative to fascism would bring freedom and the opportunity to get out of poverty and create a more equal society. They welcome Communism but it turns out to be more of the same am there is no equality. The party officials live in self-indulgent luxury whilst the people they govern and oppress live in fear and poverty.
Hope
The one factor that carried Heda through the difficulties in her life is hope. Whilst she is in Auschwitz she has hope and focused on getting out alive. When she is back in Prague and being ostracized by people she had been friends with she has hope that eventually one or worse people will show some humanity. She hopes that Communism will be better than Fascism. When it is not she hopes for safety. Ultimately she leaves the country with the hope of something better. Hope is the theme of her life and so is one of the themes of her memoir as well.
