Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, just after World War II, Hegi grew up surrounded by the lingering silence and unspoken guilt of the war years. This deeply influenced her desire to address how ordinary Germans became complicit in the Holocaust through silence and fear.

She then moved to the US. While on a travel grant to Düsseldorf, she reconnected with a dwarf woman she had known as a child. This encounter helped shape the character of Trudi Montag, the protagonist of "Stones from the River," and provided insight into perspectives of difference and marginalization during the Nazi era.

Additionally, Hegi’s godmother, Käte Capelle, who documented her memories of the war years, inspired her to break the silence surrounding this dark period in German history.

Identity and Belonging
As a dwarf, Trudi is seen as an "other" in her community. Her physical difference parallels her moral stance as an outcast who refuses to conform to the town's silent complicity. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human desire for social acceptance.

Memory and Storytelling
Trudi's role as the town's librarian and collector of stories highlights the importance of preserving memory and bearing witness to historical events. The act of storytelling becomes a means of resistance against forgetting and denial.

Symbolism of Stones and the River
The novel employs symbolic motifs of stones and the river. Stones represent secrets, sins, and burdens carried by the townspeople, while the river symbolizes the flow of life, truth, and Trudi's ability to see beyond societal constraints.

Women's Experiences in Wartime
The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the experiences of women and children during the tumultuous years of World War I, the Weimar Republic, Nazi rule, and World War II, shedding light on their struggles, resilience, and coping mechanisms.

In essence, "Stones from the River" is a powerful exploration of moral choices, human nature, and the lasting impact of historical events on individuals and communities, told through the unique perspective of a marginalized yet perceptive protagonist.

The book is often praised for its rich, evocative prose and its in-depth exploration of themes such as otherness, morality, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.

"Stones from the River" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its lyrical writing, well-developed characters, and the seamless integration of historical and personal narratives.

The book is often considered an important work of historical fiction. It has been included in various literary courses and discussions for its literary merit and its insightful portrayal of a challenging period in history.

Overall, "Stones from the River" is highly regarded for its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and the empathetic portrayal of its protagonist, making it a standout novel in contemporary literature.