The central theme of the novel concerns rape and sexual violence, and the trauma that these experiences cause. The book portrays many instances of rape; Marta describes some of them in the first person, and others in the third person. Some rapes are witnessed by Marta, reported to her by friends, or simply a background detail of everyday life in Berlin at this time. Marta portrays these harrowing incidents in a blunt, honest way, revealing the extent to which rape becomes normalized after only a short amount of time.

The numerous descriptions of rape are defined by Marta’s apparent numbness and cynicism. Marta’s narration often takes a detached, distant tone, even when describing moments in which she is raped. The detachment speaks to the pervasiveness of the act; rape has become commonplace, and Marta finds it difficult to muster the energy necessary to feel anything. Each successive rape robs Marta of her hope and ambition, leaving her a cynical and numb figure.

This numbness and detachment lead Marta to ponder the nature of rape. She notes at one point that the women in Berlin do not use the word rape. She herself says it aloud once.