- Change: The novel is set in a turbulent time in Nigeria's political history, where there is a vacuum of power and a dictator whose rise to power is present in references to oil shortages.
- Religion: Again a call back to colonial times, the theme of religion is present in the interactions between characters. Kambili's father rejects her Grandfather because of his animist beliefs. This is also present in Kambili's thoughts as she is always worried not to commit a sin and scared to anger her father.
- Domestic violence:[4] The novel uses a narrative point of view to explore the theme of domestic violence.
- Family relationships:[5] Family relationships are explored in this book such as the relationship between a parent and a child.
- Silence and Speech: The themes of silence and speech appear in the novel. The titles of two of the novel's sections deal with this theme as well: "Speaking with our Spirits" and "A Different Silence".[6]
- Nature: The novel's title is a representation of freedom and hope. There are references to nature throughout the book.
- Freedom and Tyranny: The theme of freedom vs tyranny appears in the novel, in the characters as well as the fight for freedom of expression.
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