What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel?

           A theme in "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" is forgiveness. Eddie had a lot of anger built of over the years because of his father who had ruined his life after many years of abuse. Even after his father had died he still continued to have a deep anger towards him, and it continued to hate him until the day Eddie died. While Eddie is in Heaven, he meets a woman named Ruby at a diner, in the mountain range. She teaches Eddie that he needs to let go of his anger towards his father and forgive him.


              Another theme is love is eternal and happiness that last forever, even to the depressed. Eddy was never the happiest man around especially after all the troubles he had with his father, as well as his injury in the War. Despite his depression, his soul mate, Marguerite always made him happier no matter what. Once Marguerite passed away, Eddy felt alone and upset without her there. The memories he had with her always brought a smile to his face, but he missed her so much. When he is reunited with Marguerite in heaven their love is still the same and he is once again happy to have her around, and he learns that even after he has passed away, their love will always remain the same.