What are the motifs in Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby?

Lack of love is a recurring idea in the story. There is the lack of love and affection all the major characters seemed to have experienced. This theme is particularly evident in Coda where none of the female characters are experiencing a healthy sex life. In particular, Nancy masturbates while her husband Abe is sleeping with another woman. Mike also goes in search of female company while his wife Irene stays at home, frustrated her husband is not giving her the attention she needs. In comparison, one could claim the men in the story have healthy sex lives, yet in reality, their actions are too mixed with guilt and pure male bravado for it to affect their lives positively.