What is the theme in Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns?

One major theme in the novel is that of cultural traditions, expected behaviors that Grandpa Blakeslee thwarts every chance he gets. The first would be his marriage to Love before the traditional period of mourning had been completed; the second, would be refusing to attend church because of the gossip; the third, Grandpa's refusal to allow Camp to be buried without proper ceremony..... something that is not done in the case of suicides. After the funeral.... Grandpa throws a party in his honor.