Lily's identity as a Chinese American lesbian brings multiple dimensions to her experiences. The book follows her journey through navigating her identity, both as a Chinese American and as a young lesbian woman. The entire book is rich in themes of self-discovery, identity formation, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals.

Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian-Biafran War, "Under the Udala Trees" incorporates elements of political unrest and conflict. We get to experience how the war affects the characters' lives and shapes their journeys through life.