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Demeter, to my mind the theme is very obscurely signposted. As Reynard indicated earlier, it is not a novel by HM. You need to read the entire puzzle title, replacing '6 Across' by what it represents. By that, I don't mean the answer to 6ac, but the rationale for the answer, which comes from one of the messages.

I haven't yet finished and there is still much in the grid that puzzles me.

Ah of course. Thanks pkd.

I have a complete grid, and message, but don't understand the wordplay for 19ac and 27ac.

Also, I have no idea about the three curves- any hints?

Splay is a US term for cannabis. Showy becomes snowy.
I imagine the lines are journeys.

The curves all run through letters Spelling out two associated places and one boat. Two need 12 letters and one needs six squares. Try starting one set of 12 at 2 and running through 16.

Just to add to my post. Two need 12 letters in 12 cells and one needs 10 letters in 6 cells.

You got there ahead of me Notrab. Not journeys but places.
Symmetry resolves an ambiguity in the bottom curve - use the T from 39D

The first time ever Mersault!! I am stuck on the five letter complement to the jumbled item (which I have) and my addled brain cannot find entries for the three isolated cells.

I'm still looking at those.

I forgot, Dylan, the wordplay for 19 involves replacing F in Field by B. The definition is Lown.

Roman numerals ?