* The Power of Memory and Storytelling: The novel is structured around the memories of various characters, each with their own unique perspectives on the events unfolding. The act of storytelling becomes crucial in understanding the past, processing trauma, and forging connections between people.
* Family Secrets and Hidden Truths: Birsell weaves a complex tapestry of family history, revealing long-held secrets and the impact of past events on the present. The novel emphasizes how secrets can both bind and divide families, and how uncovering the truth can be both liberating and painful.
* Loss and Grief: Loss is a central theme, as characters grapple with the deaths of loved ones, the disappearance of a child, and the fading memories of the past. The novel explores the different ways people cope with grief and how it shapes their identities.
* Identity and Belonging: Many characters struggle to find their place in the world and define who they are. The novel explores themes of isolation, displacement, and the search for connection.
* The Nature of Time: The novel spans several decades, showing how time alters perspectives, memories, and relationships. The passage of time is both a source of comfort and unease, as characters grapple with the inevitability of change and the fading of the past.
* The Beauty and Power of Nature: Nature serves as a backdrop for the story, with its beauty and power often mirroring the characters' emotional journeys. The changing seasons, the vastness of the landscape, and the presence of the sea all contribute to the novel's atmosphere.
Ultimately, the "theme" of "Stones" is multifaceted and open to interpretation. The novel encourages readers to reflect on the complexity of human relationships, the lasting impact of the past, and the search for meaning and connection in a world full of change and uncertainty.