Books that revolve around an overarching element or topic/tribulation

For example, I loved the video game Subnautica. The overarching theme of Subnautica? Water of course. I've also gotten into the book Dune. The overarching theme of Dune? Sand of course. I also remember reading a book that I completely forgot the name of that dealt with frigidity. Ice, snow, and all that. I remember [...]