What is the theme in Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska?

The need to be loved is a theme in the book. Sara has little affection from her parents though it is obvious her mother loves her. The need to be loved drives many of her decisions throughout her life though she is not willing to compromise her principles and ideals to gain the superficial love of another person. Her first hope of love comes in the form of her sister's former boyfriend, Morris. Sara discovers Morris's letters written to Fania, now married to another. Sara reads the letters again and again until she becomes convinced the letters were meant for her and that they now share a connection. She puts herself in a place to meet Morris and finally confesses her love for him. Of course, she is younger and has built the relationship from pure fantasy which ensures that Morris is not at all taken with her. He laughs at her and it breaks her heart.