Strout highlights how lives intersect in surprising and profound ways within a small town. The shocking crime becomes a catalyst, unearthing hidden connections and long-buried secrets that ripple through the lives of familiar characters like Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, and Bob Burgess.

Secrets, both big and small, permeate the novel, shaping the characters' present and future. Strout delves into the reasons we choose silence, the burden of carrying unspoken truths, and the potential for healing and understanding when those truths are finally revealed.

Strout's characters grapple with universal questions of purpose and belonging. Facing aging, loss, and the passage of time, they seek solace and connection in their relationships, demonstrating the enduring need for human connection in the face of life's complexities.