What Is The Main Theme Of Heft By Liz Moore?

Liz Moore's 'Heft' is one of those rare books that digs deep into the quiet, often overlooked struggles of human connection and isolation. At its core, the novel explores the weight of loneliness and the small, fragile ways people try to bridge the gaps between themselves and others. The story alternates between two narrators: Arthur Opp, a reclusive former professor who hasn’t left his home in decades, and Kel Keller, a teenage boy grappling with his own sense of belonging while navigating the pressures of school and a strained relationship with his mother. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing how isolation can shape—and sometimes distort—our perceptions of ourselves and the world.

What really struck me about 'Heft' is how Moore doesn’t romanticize loneliness or offer easy solutions. Arthur’s life is cluttered with literal and emotional baggage, from the hoarded items filling his house to the unspoken regrets about his past. Kel, on the other hand, carries the burden of potential—everyone sees his athletic talent as a ticket out of his working-class life, but he’s unsure if that’s even what he wants. The novel’s title feels so fitting because it’s all about the heaviness we carry, whether it’s secrets, expectations, or the simple ache of wanting to be seen.

Another theme that resonated with me is the idea of chosen family. Neither Arthur nor Kel fits neatly into traditional family structures, and their tentative, messy attempts to connect with each other and the people around them are both heartbreaking and hopeful. Moore’s writing is so empathetic; she makes you feel the sting of their failures and the warmth of their small victories. By the end, 'Heft' leaves you with this quiet sense of resilience—the kind that comes from realizing you don’t have to carry everything alone.