is that search universal

from the new york times discussion between writers alice walker and colm toibin, “Alice Walker and Colm Toibin, The Trail of Their Words”:

Philip Galanes: Both of you are pretty dedicated nomads.

Alice Walker: I am a devout wanderer.

PG: And so are the heroines in your novels, searching for a safe home in the world. Alice’s Celie is raped and beaten down by men in positions of trust, and Colm’s Eilis is torn by homesickness, always longing for the place she isn’t. Is that search universal?