This is a historical novel written in the third person. Historical events are accurately presented in chronological order. Incidents such as the Jewish boycott, Kristallnacht, and the bombing of Dresden become more personalized as they are worked into the fates of the characters.

Hegi, who lived in Germany from her birth in 1946 until 1964, sprinkles German words and phrases (with translations) throughout the book.

The opening line in Stones from the River is: "As a child Trudi Montag thought everyone knew what went on inside others."

Stones is told through the point of view of the "other," Trudi. She is a nearly omniscient third person. Her perception is heightened because she has always been on the outside. She foresees the future. She seems to have the ability to make her vengeful wishes toward others come true.

Throughout the book, Hegi uses stones and the river metaphorically. One of Trudi's...