What are the motifs in Briar Rose by Jane Yolen?

The importance of family history, connections, relationships and roots is seen in the lives of two of the main characters, Becca and Stan, though it can also be seen in the lives of those who survived through the horror of the concentration camps while their families died. In the case of Becca, she feels a strong sense of family, especially with her grandmother. As Gemma is near death, Becca spends as many hours as possible with her, continuing to keep her company, though her sisters say they can't imagine how Becca spends so much time in the nursing home where Gemma lives.