* Memory and its Fragility: The story revolves around Magdalena's struggle to remember her past, specifically her childhood memories and the events leading up to her father's death. The unreliable nature of memory and its tendency to distort and fade with time are central to the narrative.
* Identity and Belonging: Magdalena grapples with her own identity and sense of belonging. She feels disconnected from her family history and her Polish heritage, searching for a place where she truly fits in. This search for identity is mirrored in her constant movement and the feeling of being an outsider.
* The Power of Language: The story explores the power of language and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. Magdalena's attempts to understand her past and her own identity are closely tied to her struggles with language and communication.
* Loss and Grief: The story is deeply affected by the loss of Magdalena's father and the lingering grief she carries. This loss becomes a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery and her search for meaning in her life.
* The Search for Meaning: At its core, "Magdalena Looking" is a story about a woman searching for meaning in a life that feels fragmented and unclear. She seeks answers in the past, in her family history, and in the world around her, but ultimately, the meaning she discovers lies in the act of searching itself.
It is important to note that these themes are interconnected and interwoven within the narrative. "Magdalena Looking" is a complex and layered story, inviting readers to consider their own experiences with memory, identity, and the search for meaning.