'The Bones of Grace' is an epic love story, and an epic story of love. It is in part a traditional love affair, following the thwarted passions of Zubaida Bashir for Elijah Strong. Elijah is a man from whom Zu cannot bear to be separated and yet is unable to face the consequences of what a life together would mean. The novel also takes to its heart the very notion of love in all its forms. Parental love and platonic love, childish adoration, marital expectation and the pain of a philosophic love and hopes one day to be fulfilled are woven together to deeply dramatic effect.