What is the theme in Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama?

Loneliness is an important theme in the book. The characters in Women of Silk often struggled with loneliness. Pei, the main character, felt much discomfort while living at home with her family. Their home was devoid of laughter and the silences outnumbered the conversations. She was not alone, however, because she had the companionship of her sister, Li. Pei didn't know it, but her mother was lonely, too. Her mother was naturally more outgoing, and had grown up in an exuberant family, but had learned that she must talk less to please her husband.