One of the central theme of the novel is love and friendship. It was Patty’s first experience of feeling loved. The reason for her falling for Anton was simply that he treated her nicely. They were both attracted to each other and formed a bond quickly. Patty also learned the truth of the adage that love is selfless; even though coming outside would put Anton at risk of being discovered, he came to attempt to rescue Patty from her father 's terrible beating, which was an act that made Ruth realize how genuine his feelings for Patty were and seemed to surprise Anton himself as he had not realized he could love another person enough to endanger himself for them