The novel explores the intricate dynamics of long-term friendships. The 'living funerals' serve as both a testament to their bond and a pressure cooker, forcing them to confront their individual struggles and the evolving nature of their relationships. While their pact offers solace and support, it also highlights the weight of shared history and the challenge of evolving as individuals while remaining connected.

Each character grapples with the gap between their youthful aspirations and the realities of their adult lives. Jordan, harboring a life-altering secret, questions his own path. Naomi seeks meaning beyond career success. Craig battles the consequences of past mistakes. Through their individual journeys, the novel examines the complexities of ambition, compromise, and finding contentment.

At its core, the novel champions the importance of embracing life, even with its imperfections. The 'living funerals', initially a morbid pact, evolve into a powerful symbol of self-reflection and acceptance. The Celebrants learn that celebrating life doesn't require grand gestures or achieving societal ideals, but rather acknowledging the beauty and fragility of each moment, and the people who make it meaningful.