The title All Souls is a reference to a Southie holiday called All Souls' Night, or Souls' Night, when Bostonites return to their homes to mourn the loss of their family and friends. Many, if not most, of the deaths in question were related to the cycle of poverty that South Boston residents know too well. Because of the deaths in question (his brothers' suicides), the novel also focuses attention on the mental health issues that either develop from life in the 'hood or mental issues like Davey's schizophrenia which was worsened by the daily tragedies of such a difficult life. The theme that ties all of these elements together is the hopelessness of life in Southie and the difficult, tragic process of leaving.
Kevin is a wonderful example of these themes in action. His brutal treatment by local gangs created an environment where he was maybe even safer and healthier when he was involved in gang activity, but ultimately, he gets caught—like they all eventually do—and then Frankie takes the fall. Kevin turns to the military, but he can't stay, and he ends up back in Southie, back in the gang, before finally succumbing to unspeakable depression and ending his life.
Kevin's story is one variation on these themes. Frankie is also caught up in gang life and also ends up dying tragically, during a bank robbery. Kathy's mental health issues leave her a likely target for Whitey's gang, and before long, she's hooked on angel dust.
These stories are not told in a moralistic way. They are not told as instances of some great political statement. They are merely told as true stories about complex people without the resources to make a life for themselves. MacDonald's story is full of shame about leaving Southie, and the mixed feeling of pride for Southie and the hopelessness of daily life in such a downcast community.
Ultimately, it seems that the systemic lack of resources and the complexity of life in a criminal environment are combined to create a nearly hopeless scenario. But MacDonald's words themselves are an instance of hope. It seems the options are severely limited, and MacDonald expresses the deep grief he feels for the losses within his beautiful family.
