What is the central theme to the book?

The author's first concern is family. Through the example of the family of Nariman Vakel and its extensions he seeks to show that family members do both good and ad things to each other. The leading example of a family member who does bad things is Coomy Contractor, Nariman's stepdaughter. We get a preview of her feelings toward other members of her family in the very first chapter of the novel when Roxana, Yezad and their children arrive at Nariman's Birthday party at the precise time set by Coomy, she grumbles that the Chenoys always show up on time. After Nariman's accident every one of Coomy's actions demonstrates her real dislike of the other family members. While she can't blame Nariman for the death of her biological father, she nevertheless appears to have always felt somewhat of an outsider in the Vakeel family, and does hold Nariman responsible for her mother's death.