Fox develops strong themes in A Place Apart. Victoria Finch, nicknamed Tory, feeling deserted and lacking direction, looks for someone to explain the perplexities of life to her. She feels deserted, first by her father when he dies suddenly, then by her mother when she starts dating Lawrence Grady, whom Tory detests, and then by Hugh, when she discovers he is only using her to make himself important.

The novel's theme has its beginnings in a discussion with Uncle Philip about a dream. When Tory tells him about the dream Uncle Philip says, "Your dream means that what you must do is find your own country." Tory does search for her own identity and learns she must be herself apart from the molds others would press her into.

This is a theme common to young people as they strive to know themselves and fit...