Typical themes of migrant literature are conditions in the homeland and life as an alien in Germany. Both of these are to be found in Schami's works, but unlike many migrant writings in German, they never degenerate into a lament on the difficulties of the foreign worker or an exposé of German xenophobia.
Typical subjects of migrant literature include experiences in one's native country and life as a foreigner in Germany. Both are present in Schami's works, but unlike many other migrant writings in German, they rarely become overly focused on the hardships faced by foreign workers or an expose of German prejudice.