One of the most striking aspects of Keller's work is its use of metaphor and symbolism. The "broken things" of the title refer not only to the physical objects that populate the novel – broken appliances, shattered glass, and fractured bodies – but also to the emotional and psychological fractures that exist within the characters. Keller's use of these metaphors allows her to explore themes of trauma, grief, and resilience in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.