Immigration is the main theme.This novel tells the story of a young woman who has come to England illegally. Little Bee leaves the detention center where she has been held for two years with the belief that her release is legal, only to learn that she has entered the country illegally. While Little Bee's entry into the country was intentional, her release as an illegal is not completely her fault. Little Bee's reason for coming to England are also quite urgent and compelling, her desire to live.