Another possibility is that it's about lost opportunities. If the characters are 'out of time' in a sense of missing their chance at something, the story could revolve around their attempts to regain that opportunity or come to terms with its loss. This could lead to themes of regret, redemption, and the search for meaning in life.
I'm not sure specifically which 'Out of Time' by Cooney you mean. But generally, if it's a mystery or thriller novel, you might like books by Agatha Christie. Her works are full of suspense and complex plots.
Redemption could also be a theme. If the characters are in a 'dark' place, perhaps they are seeking to redeem themselves, to move from a state of guilt, sin or despair to a better, more positive state, and this journey could be what the novel is about.
The main theme could be about hope. It often shows how characters find their way out of difficult or dark situations, which implies that there is always hope even in the toughest times.
It could be centered around the idea of love that is just out of one's grasp. Maybe it shows characters struggling with their feelings, constantly reaching for a love that seems always a step away. For example, if it's a historical novel, it might be about a love across class divides where society's norms keep the lovers apart.
The main theme is probably survival. The characters in the story have to endure the harsh conditions of the Dust Bowl era, which means they face challenges like drought, poverty and loss. They need to find ways to keep living and keep their hope alive.
It might be about survival. The title 'Out of the Woods' gives the idea of getting through a difficult or dangerous situation. So perhaps the main theme is about the characters finding ways to survive in a tough environment, whether it's a physical place like a forest or a more metaphorical situation like a difficult social setting.
I think the main theme is transformation. A survivor has been through something that changed them. In 'Out of Darkness A Survivors Story', it could be about how they transformed from a victim of a situation, whether it was abuse, poverty, or an accident, into a survivor. They learned to adapt, grow, and find meaning in their experience, which is a powerful form of transformation.
Another possible theme is transformation. The experience within the 'burning darkness' may force the characters to change and grow in order to adapt and ultimately escape or overcome the situation. This could involve changes in their personalities, beliefs, or ways of life.
It could be centered around survival. Turtledove is known for creating detailed worlds where characters face various challenges. In 'Out of the Darkness', perhaps the characters are striving to survive in a world filled with obstacles, and their journey of survival is what the novel is mainly about.
The main theme could be redemption. Often in such stories, a character emerges from a state of silence, which might symbolize a past of pain or isolation, and through their journey, they seek to redeem themselves or find a new purpose in life.