The novel serves as a powerful indictment of cultural imperialism, highlighting the disastrous consequences of imposing Western beliefs and practices on a foreign culture. Nathan Price, blinded by religious zeal, fails to understand the Congolese people and their customs, leading to devastating repercussions for his family and the community they sought to convert.

Through the distinct voices of the Price daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May – Kingsolver explores themes of female agency and resilience in a patriarchal society. Each daughter grapples with her own unique perspective on their Congolese experience, forging her own path to self-discovery and independence.

The aftermath of the Price family's time in the Congo is steeped in guilt, particularly for Orleanna, who grapples with the consequences of her husband's actions and her own complicity. The novel explores themes of personal responsibility, the lingering effects of trauma, and the enduring search for meaning and redemption in a world marked by suffering.