Racism
Racism is a major theme throughout the novel. Characters like Galahad and Moses often find themselves in upsetting or unsafe situations in London because of their skin color. This occurs in multiple forms. It can be seen on the level of social interaction, like when a white woman and her child appear nervous around Galahad and pull away from him on the street. More systematically, it also occurs with employment and housing, as Moses tells Galahad he should hide his welfare card, as it will make white people assume things about him and make it difficult for him to find work. Moses attempts to warn Galahad about these things as he is all too familiar with the pervasive racism in London and wants to shield Galahad from some of it. In the face of this racial prejudice, the West Indian community attempts to help one another as best as they can. Still, this network of support can't erase the overall impact racism has. In this way, Selvon shows how racism creates adversity for these immigrants while also highlighting their resistance and resilience.
Community
Community is another key theme in the novel. Moses is the book's protagonist as he ties all of the other characters together. He helps people find housing and work, while also giving them advice about things to avoid in the city. In doing so, he slowly builds community for West Indian people in London, as they share meals, attend parties, and live together. Community ends up being extremely important, as it provides a refuge from the racial and economic pressures of the city while also giving the characters a chance to bond over their common experiences. The book's structure reflects this, as it moves between different storylines but always depicts characters who have a cultural connection. Moses, while not a figure without flaws, makes important steps towards creating and solidifying this community as a safe haven for people recently arriving from faraway places.
City Life
City life is another important theme in the book. Selvon makes London as crucial to the book as any of its many characters. He writes about the fast pace of the city, describing Tanty's journey across town with the assistance of public transportation as well as the exciting party that occurs towards the end of the book. He also showcases its beauty, writing lyrically about summertime in its parks, with people picnicking and falling in love. At the same time, he shows the many dangers faced by Moses and his companions, most prominently, racial prejudice. In highlighting these many different aspects of London, he reveals that it is a city that contains multitudes; it makes the characters feel warmly welcomed at one moment and completely alienated at the next.
Sexuality
Sexuality is another theme in the book. Many of the book's characters have some form of romantic relationship in their life. Men like Cap are interested in women, but do not treat them well, showing no qualms about taking money from them or being dishonest about having affairs. Others, like Harris and Daniel, try to be more thoughtful to women and treat them with respect. Race also adds a complicated layer to this, as some of the men specifically want to date white women, but end up feeling objectified when they do. In some cases they end up being rejected for their race, like when Bart goes out with a white woman and then is unable to keep seeing her because her father disapproves of him. This part of the book reveals the complexities, and problems, the characters face in dating as immigrants.
Money
Money is one of the book's most central themes. The characters in the book are always thinking about money, whether they are taking note of a friend's recent purchase of a car or worrying over where they are going to get their next paycheck. Characters handle this concern in differing manners. People like Cap rely on others to take care of them, requesting loans that they have no intention of paying back. Others, like Galahad and Moses, focus on finding work to make ends meet and earn a comfortable living. However, there are limits to their options, as race unfairly limits their eligibility for certain lines of work. Galahad is qualified as an electrician, but has to work a factory job because that is the only thing available to him. Money is framed as a perpetual source of worry without a clear or simple solution.
Immigration
Immigration is another major theme in the novel. The book depicts characters in different stages of the immigration process. Moses has been in London for a very long time and knows his way around. In contrast, Galahad is a recent arrival and has limited knowledge of London, as demonstrated by his lack of cold-weather clothing. By showing these two extremes, and others across the spectrum, Selvon is able to characterize the immigration process as one of slow adjustment, as Moses shows Galahad how to make a life in London and introduces him to the other members of the West Indian community. This portrait is not without its struggles, as Moses' advice does not protect Galahad from harassment or struggle. Selvon shows the time it takes to adjust to a new life in a bustling city.
Home
Home is one of the book's most important themes. At the end of the novel, Moses reflects on whether or not he will go back to Trinidad. This thought is brought to his mind after having dinner with Galahad and sharing stories about their shared home. He thinks that there are so many things he misses, but that he cannot really imagine leaving London behind. Thinking back on the many friends he has seen come and go from London, he realizes that the city has become his life, however imperfect it is. In this way, Selvon artfully portrays how two places can feel like home, as Trinidad informs so much of Moses's identity, from his language to his style of dress, but London is where he intends to live likely for the rest of his life.
