What would you describe as the major themes of this story? Would you say it is a redemptive story?

What would you describe as the major themes of this story? Would you say it is a redemptive story? Why or why not?

Good question! I'm not sure if Adrian reached redemption, although it was clear he hoped to. And I disagree with people who think that being a jerk in the first place disqualifies one for redemption. Sometimes it takes a real slap in the face to recognize our flaws and mistakes. In my opinion, the fact that Adrian finally recognizes his problem, and how it hurt the people he loved, and appears to take steps to begin righting his wrongs shows some character, and the potential for redemption.

The theme of this book, besides engaging the reader in a "good read", is to portray a very dysfunctional family, all to common in our society. The Third Wife is slightly extreme--3 marriages and 3 families being (happily) together is rather unbelievable. Adrian's redemption at the end of the story was only a last minute thought on the part of the author. In reality, Adrian would continue with his errant ways.

One of the themes is how different people perceive the same situation. To see the way Maya perceived Adrian early in their relationship and how it changed without Adrian even being aware of it is one example. Another example was the holiday the family took together and how each saw the family time differently. People's views of Maya is another example.
In some ways I think it was a redemptive story. Adrian certainly recognized that he had made a lot of mistakes and was trying to make amends but still had a long way to go to understand how many people he hurt and that it doesn't just go away easily, if at all

I think Adrian recognized his mistakes, but then he is still drawn to Jan and new women. He will always be this way but not be successful in his pursuits. I kept wondering what the women saw in him.