What role does the theme of suicide play in the novel?

Suicide plays a significant role in the novel, because several of the characters commit suicide, attempt suicide, or have considered suicide at one point or another. James committed suicide by putting his head in a microwave. Joelle's mother committed suicide on Thanksgiving day. Those who commit suicide in the novel are concerned with freeing themselves of existence. The characters who are family members of those who committed suicide are left hurt and damaged.