Themes:
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is the biggest theme in the novel because the story itself is of two men that have gotten over their pasts and learned to understand and live with what has happened. One committed terrible acts against minorities and the other had his father ripped out of his life by a racist gunman. They both learned to forgive themselves and the people they hated.
Hate: The theme of hate and distrusting other people is a prevalent theme in this book. It is seen more through Arno Michaelis' younger self and the way he treated other people. Anyone that did not conform to his beliefs in a superior white race was seen as an enemy and he and others would consistently attack those they did not like. He eventually got tired of this kind of living and learned that it is not the way to act and that other races act the same as white people do. All are only trying to make their way in life and do good for others.
Living with your past: This theme applies a lot to the theme of forgiveness. However, it connects closer to the idea of coping with what has happened and being able to cherish the moments that are good. For Pardeep Kaleka, he must love the times he had with his father before he died and not dwell on the past. For Arno, he must enjoy the moments he had with his daughter and how they brought him out of the hard times he was in.