Throughout Ann Patchett’s novel, various themes of blame, responsibility and sacrifice arise in the scenario set before the reader. These feelings and thoughts had by the characters seem to revolve around a central, tying theme – love. In various forms, some covert and others outright, love is displayed in repetition. For the majority of characters, this love is had for Roxane Coss. Coss is regarded fondly by arguably every character in the hostage situation, whether it is because she is truly lovely, or she is just the only woman available to place affections onto. The theme of blame arises early on in the novel. The big question that the situation evokes in the story is the question of who exactly is to blame? Mr. Hosokawa is the first character
