The novel explores the devastating impact of Susie's murder on her family. Each member copes in their own way: her mother retreats from life, her father becomes consumed by finding the killer, and her sister tries to hold the family together. Through their individual experiences, Sebold paints a raw and honest portrait of the different faces of grief.

Susie's unique perspective from heaven allows Sebold to explore themes of memory and the afterlife. Susie's heaven is tailored to her desires, reflecting her youthful innocence and longing for the life she lost. She observes her loved ones and yearns to connect with them, highlighting the enduring power of memory and the ways in which the deceased are never truly gone from our hearts.

The Lovely Bones is ultimately a story about healing. Over time, Susie's family begins to find ways to move forward, each finding their own path to forgiveness. Susie, too, must grapple with her anger and desire for revenge before finding peace. Through their journeys, Sebold suggests that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there is hope for healing and the possibility of finding light in the darkness.