A sense of place is also a theme. Tharp sets his stories in specific locations which often become an important part of the narrative. For example, the small - town setting in some of his novels influences the characters' lives and the overall mood of the story.
Another theme is youth and adolescence. He portrays the experiences, emotions, and challenges that young people face, such as in 'Knights of the Hill Country' where the high school football players are dealing with growing up and their futures. His novels also often explore relationships, be it friendship, family, or romantic relationships, which play a crucial role in the development of the characters and the progression of the story.
One common theme is self - discovery. In his novels, characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are, like in 'The Spectacular Now'.
Mystery is a common theme. His stories usually have some sort of enigma that the characters need to solve.
Horror is a common theme. He often delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown, like in his story where a character discovers a hidden, terrifying part of themselves.
Love is a common theme. For example, in some of his stories, characters experience different forms of love, like romantic love or the love between family members.
Another theme is the exploration of human psychology. James often delves deep into the minds of his characters, showing their desires, insecurities, and moral dilemmas. In 'The Portrait of a Lady', for instance, we see Isabel Archer's internal struggle as she makes decisions about her life, love, and independence. This exploration of the inner self is a key aspect of many James novels.
Jealousy is a big theme too. These novels usually deal with how characters handle jealousy within a polyamorous setup. They might explore different ways of managing those feelings, like through open communication or self - reflection. For instance, in some novels, a character might learn to accept their partner's other relationships by realizing that their own relationship is still special and unique.
One common theme is family. In many of her novels, family relationships, whether they are between spouses, parents and children, or siblings, are central. For example, in 'The Sunday Wife', the relationship between the main character and her husband's family plays a crucial role in the story.
I'm not sure about the exact themes in Sol Yurick's novels as he's not a very mainstream author. But perhaps he might explore themes related to human nature, like the struggle between good and evil, or the complexity of relationships.
Love is a common theme. In his works like 'An Equal Music', love is intertwined with the passion for music, showing how relationships are affected by personal passions.
Love and relationships are also major themes. These novels show the unique challenges and joys that LGBT couples face. Like in 'Call Me by Your Name', the relationship between the two main characters is complex and full of longing, and they have to navigate not only their feelings for each other but also the reactions of society around them.
She also often explores themes of identity. In her historical novels especially, characters are grappling with their identities in the context of the society they live in. This could be related to race, class, or gender. For instance, in some stories, female characters are breaking free from the traditional roles assigned to them. Her novels are also known for their exploration of cultural heritage. The characters' cultural backgrounds play important roles in the stories, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.