The Return by Sonia Levitin is a novel that shows how difficult life is for Ethiopian Jews traveling to Israel. They face many difficulties in their journey and there are many obstacles in their path. Many themes are represented in this novel. Three significant topics that can be discussed are the maturation and search for one's identity, prejudice and its effects, and cultural/family pressures. One of the themes illustrated by Il Ritorno is the maturation and search for one's identity. An example of this theme is found at the beginning of the novel when Desta does not want to leave for Jerusalem and wants to stay with his family. However, soldiers come to recruit from his village and Desta has to leave immediately. Desta does not complain about this situation. This shows maturity because Desta knows that her family wants her to leave for Jerusalem and that it is the best thing for her. A further example of maturation and search for one's identity is the death of Joash. Desta always relies on Joas at the beginning of the novel, but then takes control by taking care of Almaz and herself. He trades with foreigners and struggles to survive with his sister. He also continues to travel even if there is a risk of death. This shows courage and maturity because it is very difficult to take care of a nine year old with very little food on hand. Another way Desta shows maturity is how he uses the skills he learns to his advantage. An example of this is when Desta takes her holiday shamma and wraps Joash in it for a burial. This shows maturity because she follows what her culture expects of her. A final example of maturity illustrated in The Return is the way Desta tells Dan, without fear, that she doesn't want to marry him yet. He expects Dan to be angry, but Desta tells him anyway. This shows maturity because she stands up for what she believes is right for herself and shows independence. As can be seen, Desta matures in many ways over the course of the novel by performing courageous, independent, and loving acts towards herself and others. Another theme that The Return shows is prejudice and its effect. An example shown by this novel is that the enemies of the Ethiopian Jews are killing them and forcing them to become soldiers. This shows prejudice because enemies only think of themselves and treat others like animals.